God’s Holy People

Moses: ¹ “Since you are the people of the LORD your God . . . . ² You have been set apart as holy to the LORD your God, and He has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be His own special treasure.” Deuteronomy 14:1-2 (NLT)

Israel and now all believers of God’s Son Jesus are children of the living LORD God and are set apart as holy to Him as His special treasure (Deuteronomy 14:1-2, 21; see also Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6; John 1:12-13; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 3:26; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Peter 2:5, 9-10). Because Israel and now all believers of Jesus are a holy people to God, they were not to imitate the wicked, immoral, and evil practices of the world (pagans) (e.g., see Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7-8, 26; Romans 12:1-2). As a holy people, God’s Holy Spirit – His Presence – was with Israel and now believers of God’s Son Jesus (e.g., see Deuteronomy 23:14; John 14:16-17, 26; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16-18). The people of God are to “demonstrate the difference” by how they lived and behaved, which brings honor and glory to the living God (e.g., Romans 8:13-14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; James 1:27; 2 Peter 3:14).

In Deuteronomy chapter 14, Moses reminded God’s people of the creatures they were permitted and not permitted to eat to remain holy unto the LORD God (Deuteronomy 14:3-21; see also Leviticus 11:1-43). Many biblical scholars have suggested the dietary laws that prohibited eating certain foods were in some way associated with the pagan worship that Israel was to avoid. However, Jesus and His apostles later declared all foods clean, and the dietary laws no longer make people holy or unholy before the living God (see Mark 7:14-23; Acts 10:9-16, 28; Romans 14:1-15:13; 1 Corinthians 8:8; Colossians 2:16-23; 1 Timothy 4:3-5). Instead, Jesus and His apostles gave God’s people instructions on holy living, which begins with faith in the living God (e.g., see Romans 12:1-13:14; Ephesians 4:1-6:20; Colossians 3:1-4:6; 1 Peter 1:13-25). Now, whether we eat or drink, or whatever you do, we do all for the glory of God with humility and thanksgiving to God the Father through His Son Jesus’s Name (see 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11). Our motive must always be to please God and glorify Him. Nevertheless, the lessons behind these dietary laws remain valid. God’s people still cannot approach Him carelessly, but each person must examine one’s life to be certain that God’s purity is not violated.

Next, Moses instructed Israel to set aside a tithe (one-tenth or 10%) of all their fields produce each year — grain, fruits, vegetables, and animals — as an offering to God (Deuteronomy 14:22-27). Giving a tithe (10 percent) was a practice as early as Abram, so the people would learn to revere the LORD God always (Deuteronomy 14:23; see also Genesis 14:20; Genesis 28:22). Israel was to bring this tithe to the designated place of worship where the LORD God chooses for His Name (Presence) to be honored and the people were to eat the tithe there in God’s Presence with celebration — thanksgiving feast (Deuteronomy 14:23, 26; see also Deuteronomy 12:17-18). God’s people were to bring the whole tithe into God’s designated place of worship where He chooses for His Name (Presence) to be honored so His dwelling may always have food (see Malachi 3:10). The tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belonged to the LORD God and holy to the LORD (see Leviticus 27:30).

In their celebration and giving, the people were not to ignore and neglect the Levites (God’s ministers or servants) who managed God’s dwelling where His Name (Presence) was honored (Deuteronomy 14:27; see also Deuteronomy 12:12, 19). The Levities had no portion or inheritance as the living God Himself was His servants’ inheritance (see Numbers 26:62; Deuteronomy 18:1-2). Instead, the living God gave the tithe to His ministers (servants) as their inheritance in return for their service to Him at His sanctuary (see Numbers 18:20-21, 23; Deuteronomy 18:1, 3-8). The LORD God appointed the Levitical priests—that is, the whole of the tribe of Levi, out of all Israel’s tribes to minister in His Name forever and pronounce blessings in His Name (see Deuteronomy 10:8; Deuteronomy 18:5).

Then every third year, the people’s tithe would be distributed to the Levites, the needy, the poor, and foreigners living within the town (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). At the end of every third year, Moses instructed Israel to bring the entire tithe of that year’s harvest to give the tithe to the Levites, the foreigners living among Israel, the orphans, and the widows in their towns, so they can eat and be satisfied (Deuteronomy 14:29; see also Numbers 18:20-21). Israel was never to neglect the Levites (ministers of God), the foreigners living among them, the orphans, the widows, and the poor in the land (Deuteronomy 14:27-29; see also Numbers 18:20-32). In collecting the tithe for Levites, the foreigners, the orphans, the widows, and the poor, Moses was appealing to Israel and now the church to always help people in need (see also 2 Corinthians 9:6-14; James 1:27). God accepted these gifts from Israel for these people as an offering to Himself. Giving to the poor and needy is giving to the LORD God (see Proverbs 19:17). The principle behind this practice was later powerfully expressed in a parable by Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46), who said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (see Matthew 25:40). If God’s people demonstrated concern for the needs of others and His dwelling, God would bless them in all their work and labor (Deuteronomy 14:29; see also Deuteronomy 24:19; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 28:27; Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38).

Giving the tithe to the living God was to teach God’s people to always to love, fear, and honor the LORD God (Deuteronomy 14:23; see also Deuteronomy 4:10). As King David said, everything we give to God first comes from His Hand, and it all belongs to Him (see 1 Chronicles 29:16). Truly, the living God is the Giver of every gift – increase, peace, joy, and hope (e.g., see Deuteronomy 8:18; Romans 15:5, 13; 1 Corinthians 3:7; 1 Peter 5:10).

Even more, the New Testament instructs God’s people to give in proportion to the blessings they have received from the LORD God to help those in need (e.g., see Romans 12:13; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Hebrews 13:16). God has always been concerned with the poor, widow, orphan, the alien, prisoner, and needy, and His people are to share God’s concern (e.g., see Exodus 22:21; Psalm 146:9; Isaiah 1:17, 23). Even everyday farming in Israel was to be done in such a way that the poor and the foreigner could fend for themselves (e.g., see Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-22). The reasons for such care are given: Israel and now believers of Jesus are to imitate the holy character of God (see Leviticus 19:2), who cares for the poor and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (see Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; Matthew 22:39; John 13:34-35). These regulations were designed to prevent the land from sinking under crushing poverty and oppression (see Deuteronomy 14:28-29).

Next, Moses instructed Israel at the end of every seventh year to cancel the debts, indentures, and loans by fellow Israelites who owed them money (Deuteronomy 15:1-2, 12, 18; see also Leviticus 25:8-38). Loans were to be made at no charge and without interest (e.g., see Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:36; Deuteronomy 23:19; Psalms 15:5), or the debtor was to be allowed to work off the debt owed with dignity as bondservants (Deuteronomy 15:12-18; see also Leviticus 25:35-42). Foreigners still had to repay, for unlike sojourners, who were permanent members of the community, foreigners were temporary, commercial visitors (Deuteronomy 15:3; see also Deuteronomy 23:20). The living God did not want any poor among His people (see Deuteronomy 15:4). The LORD God promised His blessings to those who obeyed His moral commands of debt forgiveness and providing for the poor and needy (Deuteronomy 15:4-6, 10; see also Deuteronomy 28:1). The LORD God promised to bless His people and they will be lenders and rulers to many nations around the world (Deuteronomy 15:6; see also Deuteronomy 28:12-13, 44).  

Moreover, Moses instructed Israel and now believers of God’s Son Jesus to share with the poor and needy in our towns and not be hard-hearted, cheap, or tightfisted toward them (Deuteronomy 15:7, 9, 11; see also 1 John 3:17-18). It is a sin to refuse to help the poor and needy and take advantage of those in need (e.g., see Exodus 22:23-24; Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Psalm 72:4; James 5:4-6). Instead, Moses commanded Israel and now the church to be generous and give to the poor whatever they need (Deuteronomy 15:8-9; see also Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:34-36). God’s people were not to be mean-spirited and stingy but generous and giving to the poor and needy (Deuteronomy 15:9-10; see also 2 Corinthians 9:5). Once again, Moses reminded Israel and now the church that the living God would bless them in everything they do and the work of their hands through their generosity to the poor and needy (Deuteronomy 15:10; e.g., see also Deuteronomy 14:29; Deuteronomy 24:19; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 14:21).

Sadly, the living God knew there will always be some in the land who are poor and needy, and that is why He commanded His people to share freely with the poor and God’s people who are in need (Deuteronomy 15:7, 11). God’s blessings in His Promised Land ought to have eliminated poverty – if the people of Israel and now the church obeyed completely. Since some people always fall short, poverty remands a problem. Jesus confirmed Deuteronomy 15:11 in a passing remark regarding poverty. In fact, Jesus spoke harshly against the rich and wealthy who ignored God and the poor (see Luke 12:13-21) and comprised their commitment to the living God (see Matthew 19:16-23). Jesus declared that the love of money and wealth could steal people’s hearts away from the living God (Matthew 6:24; see also 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; James 2:5-7). As a result in our time as Moses’ time, generosity is essential for God’s people. The LORD God knew that there would always be poor people in the land (see Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8) because Israel would not consistently obey these moral commands. The theological point is that there need not be any poor in our communities if God’s people practiced the mutual generosity and kindness to others. God’s people would have to trust Him to continue providing produce – the grain, vegetables, and fruits they needed for themselves and their community.

The living God has always been concerned for the poor and needy – widows, orphans, the aliens, blind, the prisoner, etc. – in both the Old and the New Testament (e.g., see Isaiah 1:15-20; Amos 4:1; Amos 8:4; James 2:14-17). As such, The LORD God wanted everyone to be kind and merciful to one another, particularly opening their hearts and hands to love and help the widows, orphans, the poor, and needy in our towns (e.g., see Proverbs 14:21, 31; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 21:13; Proverbs 28:27; Micah 6:6-8; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 John 3:14-18). Even more, the living God did not want the rich and wealthy exploiting and taking advantage of the poor and needy in their community (see James 5:1-6). The LORD God is not advocating laziness and idleness because He wants His people to work hard and be diligent (e.g., see Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13). However, we must never forget the Source and Giver of every good and perfect gift (Deuteronomy 8:10; see also John 3:27; John 15:1-10; James 1:17). The living God is the Giver of all wealth and increase (see Deuteronomy 8:14, 18).

In Deuteronomy chapter 16, Moses described three annual festivals Israel was to celebrate unto the LORD God. These three festivals were the Passover, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles (see also Exodus 23:14-17). All these festivals focused on Israel and their families honoring and rejoicing with the LORD God at a central location where God’s Name (Presence) would be honored (see Deuteronomy 16:1-2, 6-7, 10-11, 15-16). Each year every male in Israel was to celebrate these three festivals and appear before the LORD God with a gift for Him (see Deuteronomy 16:16). Females and children were free to join in these feasts but they were mandatory for all males. All males must give unto the LORD as they are able, according to the blessings graciously given to them by the LORD God (see Deuteronomy 16:17).

First, Israel was to celebrate the Passover (also known as the Festival of Unleavened Bread) (Deuteronomy 16:1-8; see also Exodus 12:14-20; Leviticus 23:4-8; Numbers 28:16-25). Passover was Israel’s “Independence Day” for the nation of Israel as the nation was the birth on the Passover. Passover celebrated the LORD God Almighty’s gracious deliverance and redemption of Israel from Egyptian slavery. In fact, the LORD God came back to this event throughout the Old Testament as a way of describing Himself: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt” (e.g., see Exodus 20:2, ESV). Israel was to celebrate this annual festival in the early spring, in the month of Abib at the designated place of worship where the living God chooses for His Name (Presence) to be honored (see Deuteronomy 16:1-8). The Exodus was such a significant event in Israel’s history that the month of Abib when the Exodus took place, became the beginning of Israel’s annual calendar usually occurs within March and April (see Exodus 12:2).

In the New Testament, the Passover took on an even broader importance (see John 13:1; John 19:31). During one particular Passover celebration, as thousands of Jews brought their lambs to Jerusalem, the living God selected His Son Jesus as the Passover Lamb to save all humanity (see 1 Corinthians 5:7-8). Jesus Christ is described as the Passover Lamb or the Lamb of God who graciously gave His life for the sins of the world (see John 1:29; Hebrews 9:26; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:12). Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death occurred on Passover outside the city of Jerusalem. The blood shed by many lambs in Egypt delivered Israel on that first Passover night (see Exodus 12:1-13), but the blood of Jesus, slain on the Cross, delivers everyone from God’s judgment who trust in Him (see Romans 3:25; Hebrews 10:1-18; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 John 2:6). Today, though Jewish people continue to celebrate the Passover, many believers of Jesus Christ do not. Rather, believers of Jesus Christ have incorporated the Passover celebration into a new one called the Eucharist, or the Lord’s Supper, with Jesus Christ representing the Passover Lamb. When we observe the Lord's Supper (Eucharist), we remember Jesus’ sacrificial death and look forward to His return.

Next, Israel was to celebrate the Feast of Weeks (also known as the Feast of Harvest or Pentecost) to honor the LORD God (Deuteronomy 16:9-12; see also Leviticus 23:15-23; Numbers 28:26-31). The Greek name for this festival is Pentecost, meaning 50 days, counting inclusively, or seven weeks (see Acts 2). This feast celebrated God’s harvest season. Israel was to bring an offering to the LORD in proportion to the blessings they received from Him (Deuteronomy 16:10; see also 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:12). The Feast of Weeks was to be celebrated and rejoiced with family and friends as well as the Levities, the foreigners, orphans, and widows who were living among Israel before the LORD God at a designated place of worship where He chooses for His Name (Presence) lived (see Deuteronomy 16:11-12). Israel was to share what God had graciously given them and feast joyfully before the Lord (see Deuteronomy 16:11).

For believers of Jesus Christ, the Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the “birthday of the church” (see Acts 2). Before His death, Jesus promised that He and His Father would send the Holy Spirit to all faithful believers (see John 14:16-17). When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, God baptized all believers into Jesus Christ and began a great harvest season for the church (see Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:38-40; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The Apostle Peter’s message at Pentecost brought 3,000 people to Christ, and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (see Acts 2:41, 47).

Then, Israel was to celebrate the Festival of Shelters (also known as the Feast of Ingathering, the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths) for seven days at the end of the harvest season (Deuteronomy 16:13-15; see also Leviticus 23:34-43; Numbers 29:12-39). This festival was also a joyous and happy time and celebrated the completion of the harvest (see Deuteronomy 16:14-15). As with the Pentecost, Israel was to celebrate this festival with family and friends as well as the Levities, the foreigners, orphans, and widows who living among Israel in their towns (see Deuteronomy 16:14). As with other festivals, this festival was to honor the LORD God for seven days at the place He chooses for His Name (Presence) to be honored to celebrate all God’s blessings (see Deuteronomy 16:15).

As believers of Jesus, Christians have many reasons to celebrate the greatness and goodness of God. The living God has redeemed believers from their sins the blood of Christ (Passover), indwelled and empowered believers with the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), and generously supported believers in our pilgrim journey (Tabernacles).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – Old Testament (Victor Books, 1989).