Peace and Victory

Moses: ¹ “When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you! ² When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops. ³ He will say to them, ‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. ⁴ For the LORD your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory!’” Deuteronomy 20:1-4 (NLT)

In Deuteronomy chapters 19:1 through 22:12, Moses gives Israel instructions to maintain justice, order, and peace in God’s land. The living God wants His people to maintain justice, order, goodness, and peace in His land (e.g., see Psalm 89:14; Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:3; Amos 5:7, 10-11, 21; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 7:9-10; Matthew 23;23; Luke 11:42). If this section of Deuteronomy emphasizes anything, it is that God wants His people to maintain peace and order among His people, within the home and family, and even respect for natural resources, property, and animals.

This section deals with the five of God’s Ten Commandments: Fifth Commandment (obedience of parents), Sixth Commandment (shall not murder), the Seventh Commandment (maintain faithfulness to your marriage partner), the Eight Commandment (shall not steal from others), and the Ninth Commandment (shall not tell lies and falsehood) (see Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20). This section of Deuteronomy discusses matters that the living God and His Son Jesus Christ condemns and makes a person unclean (unholy) – murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander (Matthew 15:18-20; see also Galatians 5:19-21).

In Deuteronomy 19, the living God gave Moses instructions on protecting human life through cities of refugees (see Deuteronomy 19:1-13). When Israel entered into God’s Promised Land, Israel was to allocate three cities of refuge in the land (see Deuteronomy 19:1-2, 7). If the living God enlarged Israel’s territory, then Moses instructed Israel also to designate three additional cities of refuge in God’s land (see Deuteronomy 19:8-9). Israel’s land was the LORD God’s land that He gave Israel as a special possession and inheritance (Deuteronomy 19:1, 3, 10; e.g., see also Exodus 3:8, 17; Deuteronomy 26:9, 15). The LORD God promised to increase Israel’s land as an inheritance based on His promise to His servant Abraham if Israel wholeheartedly obeyed God’s commands — if you always love the LORD your God and walk in His righteous ways (Deuteronomy 19:9; see also Genesis 15:18-21; Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 10-12). Moses had previously instructed God’s people to set aside three cities of refuge on the eastside of the Jordan – that is east of the Promised Land (see Numbers 35:14; Deuteronomy 4:41-43). Now, Moses instructed Israel to do the same in God’s Promised Land – west of the Jordan. In total, God instructed Israel through His servant Moses to set aside six refugee cities for Israelites, aliens, and any other people living among them who needed protection (see Numbers 35:11, 13-15).

These cities of refugees provided safety for anyone who accidentally and unintentionally killed anyone without any forethought, malice, hatred, and enmity, and hostility (Deuteronomy 19:3-5, 7; see also Exodus 21:13; Numbers 35:6, 10-12, 14-15, 22-23; Deuteronomy 4:41-43; Joshua 20:1-3, 9-10). Such unintentional killings were manslaughter or manslayer because such person did not intend to harm another (Deuteronomy 19:3; see also Numbers 35:23). Such cities of refugees prevented an enraged avenger such as a family member from chasing down and killing an innocent person who accidentally caused the death of another without first standing trial (Deuteronomy 19:6, 10; see also Numbers 35:12). Since revenge was common and swift, the living God had His people set apart several these “cities of refuge” until the person could receive a fair trial. The LORD God hates the shedding of innocent blood (e.g., see Proverbs 6:16-17; Jeremiah 7:6). Even more, these cities of refugees prevented God’s people from also being guilty of innocent bloodshed (see Deuteronomy 19:10). If a court found the person innocent of murder, that person could remain in that city and be safe from those seeking revenge. This is a beautiful example of how God blended His justice, fairness, and mercy toward His people.

However, for anyone who intentionally killed another person with premeditation, hatred, malice, spite, and anger, the living God forbid such person from entering one of these cities of refugees and the elders turned such murderers over to the avengers of blood  (Deuteronomy 19:11-13; see also Numbers 35:16-18, 20-21). The living God curses murderers (see Deuteronomy 27:24) because He commanded His people not to murder (e.g., see Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17). According to Jesus, murder begins in one’s heart when one hates or becomes anger with anyone without cause (Matthew 5:21-22; see also 1 John 3:15). With murderers, God’s people were not to pity or show mercy because the LORD God did not want Israel to pollute the land with murderers (Deuteronomy 19:13; see also Numbers 35:19, 21, 33-34). The LORD God did not give refuge for someone who is argumentative toward another neighbor and deliberately ambushes and murders His neighbor (Deuteronomy 19:11-12; see also Exodus 21:12, 14; Numbers 35:16-21). Therefore, the living God commanded that if anyone takes the life of a human being, he must be put to death (see Exodus 21:12; Leviticus 24:17, 21; Numbers 35:31). Israel was to purge from its land anyone guilty of murdering innocent people because murderers pollute God’s land with innocent bloodshed (Deuteronomy 19:13; see also Numbers 35:31, 33-34). This section of Deuteronomy emphasizes that God holds human life precious and wants us to treat people fairly, for humans are made in the image of the living God (e.g., see Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 5:1; Genesis 9:6; James 3:9).

Next, Moses gave Israel instruction for a fair trial. To assure a fair trial, the LORD God through His servant Moses instructed Israel to assemble people to judge whether someone is guilty of murder and other charges (see Numbers 35:12, 24-25; Joshua 20:6). The living God required two or three witnesses to establish the guilt of an accused person and never on the testimony of only one witness (Deuteronomy 19:15; e.g., see also Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19). One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Moreover, God’s appointed elders, judges, and officials were thoroughly to investigate the facts of the case and take the testimony of two or three witnesses to the crime (see Deuteronomy 19:15; see also Deuteronomy 17:6). Nonetheless, the fact that two or three persons bear witness does not guarantee that they are telling the truth (e.g., 1 Kings 21:1-14).

Afterward, God commanded His people never to steal anyone’s land by moving the boundary markers their ancestors set up to mark their property (see Deuteronomy 19:14). Such actions were the equivalent of stealing and violated the Eighth Commandment (Exodus 20:15; see also Deuteronomy 27:17; Proverbs 22:28; Proverbs 23:10). God’s commandment not to steal covers much more territory than just forbidding a thief. Extortion and blackmail are also stealing (see Psalm 62:10), and God condemns officials who make unjust laws to rob the poor and the helpless (see Proverbs 15:25; Proverbs 23:10-11; Ezekiel 22:29).

Then, the living God gave instructions on slander and other false charges such as defamation and libel. If a person comes forward and accuses anyone of an offense, then both parties must appear before the LORD God by coming to the priests and judges in office at that time (Deuteronomy 19:16-17; see also Deuteronomy 17:8-9; Deuteronomy 21:5). The sitting judges must carefully, thoroughly, and prayerfully investigate the case (see Deuteronomy 19:18). If the accuser has brought false charges against his or her fellow neighbor, then Israel must impose on the accuser the sentence intended for the other person (Deuteronomy 19:18-19; see also Daniel 6:24). In this way, Israel would purge such evil and falsehood from God’s land and assure such dishonest witness is punished for such lies, deceit, and trickery (Deuteronomy 19:19-20; see also Exodus 23:1-3; Proverbs 19:5, 9). With such punishment, others potential untruthful witnesses will hear and fear such falsehood and not commit any such evil (see Deuteronomy 19:20). Slanderers and false witnesses rob and steal someone’s good name and reputation (see Deuteronomy 19:16-19; Matthew 15:19-20). Even more, such slander and false charges break God’s commandment not to give false testimony against your neighbor (see Exodus 20:16). 

Finally, Deuteronomy 19 ends with the famous instruction to keep peace and justice in the land once established by God’s appointed elders, priests, and judges with the assembly of people. Moses instructed Israel to show no pity for the guilty but to give out justice “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” – whether rich, poor, native, and foreign (Deuteronomy 19:21; see also Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:17-22). This provision assured the guilty would pay the same price for their crimes and offenses against another and help the court administer punishment. Some people mistakenly believe this section of Deuteronomy allows personal vengeance. However, both the Old and the New Testament NEVER allowed for personal and private vengeance, retaliation, and grudges without the establishment of guilt or innocence by a court of law (e.g., see also Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 5:38-42; Romans 12:17-21). From the very beginning, the living God instructed His people “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself” (see Leviticus 19:18, NIV2011). By taking personal vengeance in one’s own hands, one could wrongfully kill an innocent person. From a personal standpoint, everyone must return good for evil, love for hatred, and forgiveness for selfishness (see Romans 12:9-16, 21; 1 Peter 2:11-25), and never “evil for evil” (e.g., see Proverbs 20:22; Proverbs 24:29; Matthew 5:39, 44; Matthew 14:19; Romans 12:17, 19; 2 Corinthians 8:21). For the Holy Scriptures are very clear, the living God is Judge, and He will punish all sins and wrongdoing (e.g., see Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalms 94:1-2; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30)!

Next, Deuteronomy 20 gives Israel instructions on warfare against their enemies, both foreign and domestic. The living God through His servant Moses encouraged Israel by saying that when they fight against their enemies and face horses, chariots, and an army greater and powerful than their own, Moses said, “Do not be afraid” (Deuteronomy 20:1; see also Psalm 20:6-7; Isaiah 31:1). The LORD God, who brought Israel out of the land of Egypt, is with His people, and He goes before His faithful people to fight against their enemies (Deuteronomy 20:1; see also Deuteronomy 31:6). Therefore, God’s faithful people can always be strong and courageous because the living God fights for and protects His faithful people (see also Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; 1 Samuel 17:45-47).

Then, Moses instructed the priest to speak to and encourage the troops, when preparing for battle against their enemies (Deuteronomy 20:2; see also Numbers 14:8-9). The priests are to encourage Israel’s troops not to be afraid, lose heart, panic or tremble but fight against their enemies (Deuteronomy 20:3; e.g., see also Joshua 6:4-21; 2 Chronicles 20:14-22). As with the Egyptians, the living LORD God goes ahead of His faithful people to fight and protect them against their enemies, and He will give His people victory (Deuteronomy 20:4; see also Deuteronomy 1:29-31). The LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, is the One who goes before His faithful people to fight and protect His people, who love and obey Him (see also Exodus 14:13-14; Deuteronomy 3:22; Joshua 1:6-9; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). For God’s faithful and obedient people, our battles are the LORD’s battles, and the LORD will fight for His faithful people (e.g., see Exodus 14:14; 1 Samuel 17:47; 2 Chronicles 20:15; Psalm 44:6-7; Zechariah 4:6). Therefore, God’s people must always walk and live by faith in the LORD God Almighty and keep our eyes on Him – our Warrior and Protector (e.g.,; see also Deuteronomy 1:30-31; Deuteronomy 6:21-23; Deuteronomy 7:1-2, 20-24; Deuteronomy 8:14-16; Deuteronomy 9:3; Deuteronomy 11:12, 22-25; Deuteronomy 26:6-9; Deuteronomy 31:4; Hebrews 12:1-3).

Moreover, Moses instructed Israel to assign officers of the army and these officers were to eliminate troops from Israel’s army that recently built a new house, planted a vineyard, and engaged a woman for marriage (Deuteronomy 20:5-7; see also Deuteronomy 24:5). Furthermore, Israel’s army officers were to eliminate anyone fearful, afraid, fainthearted, and worrisome army members from the battle because such timid mindset will frighten and discourage the other soldier (Deuteronomy 20:8; see also Judges 7:1-3). Unfortunately, fear is contagious! Fear and faith cannot live together successfully in the same heart (see also Matthew 8:26; Luke 8:25). Sadly, fear and unbelief that caused Israel’s first great failure after leaving Egypt and resulted in 40 years of wilderness wandering (see Numbers 13-14). From the remaining troops, Israel’s army officers are to appoint the unit commanders (captains) to help lead Israel’s army (see Deuteronomy 20:9). The living God wanted to assure He had faithful, committed, and wholeheartedly devoted soldiers in His army, whose minds and hearts were focused on God and His plans (see also 2 Timothy 2:4; James 1:8; James 4:8). Sadly, double-minded, fearful, and unstable people will prevent God’s victory!

Before attacking their enemies, Moses instructed Israel to always first offer its enemies terms for peace (see Deuteronomy 20:10). If Israel’s enemies accepted their terms and opened the gates to Israel, then all the people inside was to serve Israel in forced labor (see Deuteronomy 20:11). However, if Israel’s enemies refused to make peace, then Israel was to prepare to fight and attack their enemies (see Deuteronomy 20:12). When the LORD God hands their enemies over to Israel, the living God gave Israel instructions on their enemies and their enemies’ land (see Deuteronomy 20:13-20). As for the Canaanites, God had already stated that the Israelites’ invasion was a form of punishment for their evil and detestable practices, such as child sacrifice, witchcraft, and sorcery (e.g., see Deuteronomy 7:1-11; Deuteronomy 9:4; Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Most important, Moses reminded Israel not to copy and mimic their enemies’ detestable religious customs in the worship of their gods because such detestable and evil worship would cause Israel to sin deeply against the living LORD God (Deuteronomy 20:18; see also Deuteronomy 7:4; Deuteronomy 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 18:9-14). In this warfare, the living God gave His people two different military approaches, one for the cities in the land of Canaan (see Deuteronomy 20:16-18) and the other for cities outside Canaan (see Deuteronomy 20:13-15). Also during warfare, the living God gave Israel instruction to protect the enemies natural resources for Israel’s use (see Deuteronomy 20:19-20).  

In the remaining sections, Moses gives Israel various other instructions on handling unsolved murders (see Deuteronomy 21:1-9), marriage and family issues (see Deuteronomy 21:10-21), handling capital offenses (see Deuteronomy 21:22-23), protecting animals (see Deuteronomy 22:1-7) and agriculture (see Deuteronomy 22:8-12). The whole earth belongs to the living God, and the people living on God’s earth were His tenants. Our sins not only grieve the LORD God but also dishonor His land. God’s desire for all people is to come to the living God and find life, do what is good and run from evil, and He would protect you and provide for you (see Amos 5:4, 6, 14-15).

First, the LORD God through His servant Moses instructed Israel on atoning for unsolved murders in their land. If someone murdered another person in a community and the criminal got away, the whole community was held responsible for the unsolved murder and had to seek God’s forgiveness (atonement) for the innocent murder (see Deuteronomy 21:8-9). God was pointing to the need for the whole community to feel responsible for one another. Next, the living God protected men from humiliating and mistreating their wives and children (see Deuteronomy 21:10-17). God’s original pattern for marriage was one man and one woman devoted to each other for one lifetime (see Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:15; Matthew 19:4-5; Mark 10:6-9; Ephesians 5:21-33). Sadly, multiple wives and husbands often complicate the family unit. For instance, Abraham and Jacob discovered that having multiple wives meant competition and friction in the home and brought a great deal of grief into the family (e.g., see Genesis 21:8-21; Genesis 29:15-29; Genesis 37:4, 18).

Then, Moses instructed Israel not to tolerate disobedient, stubborn, and rebellious children, who refuse to obey their parents (Deuteronomy 21:18-21; see also Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16). The point was that Israel was not to tolerate disobedient, wayward, lazy, drunkard, and rebellion children in their homes and communities who dishonor their parents and disgrace the community (see Deuteronomy 21:20-21). Such wicked children refused to work, partied with the drunkards, and contributed nothing to the home or the community. The living God expected parents to be His representatives of authority and discipline at the family level, ensuring that no dysfunctional and destructive influences entered the community of faith on their account. This kind of sin was so dreadful that rebellious and disobedient children were included in the curses (Deuteronomy 27:16; see also Exodus 21:17). Sadly, disorder in the home breeds disorder in society; that is why this was such a serious matter (see also Matthew 15:3-4; Matthew 19:19; Ephesians 6:1-2). Nonetheless, the living God expected parents to forgive any prodigal and wayward child once they return to their sense and return to God (see Luke 15:11-32).

Finally, the living God gives His people various guidelines for respecting dead bodies, respecting animals, and property. If someone guilty of a capital offense is put to death, Israel was not to leave the body hanging overnight but bury the body that same day (see Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse (Deuteronomy 21:23; see also John 19:31; Galatians 3:13). Next, Israel was responsible for returning their neighbor’s animals and other property items to the rightful owner (see Deuteronomy 22:1-3). For God’s people, there is no such thing as, “Finders keepers, losers weepers.” Also, if Israel sees their neighbor’s animal hurt, they were to go and help their neighbor’s animal (see Deuteronomy 22:4). Moreover, the living God wanted His people not to cross-dress. A woman must not wear men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing (see Deuteronomy 22:5). God had a purpose in making us uniquely male and female.

In conclusion, these guidelines are specific applications of Leviticus 19:18, “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (see also Matthew 5:43; Matthew 19:16; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). In all we do, we are to love one another!

References

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

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

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

Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

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

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