Why Is Christmas So Important? Long-Awaited Messiah and King Comes

¹ Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea (Judah), during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men (Gentile astrologers, Magi) from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ² “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We saw His star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him.” ³ King Herod was deeply disturbed (troubled) when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.

 ⁴ He (Herod) called a meeting of the leading (chief) priests and teachers of religious law (scribes) and asked, “Where is the Messiah (Christ) supposed to be born?” ⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ⁶ ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least (insignificant) among the ruling (chief) cities of Judah, for a Ruler (Leader) will come from you who will be the Shepherd for My people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod called for a private (secret) meeting with the wise men (Gentile astrologers, Magi), and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared (in the east). ⁸ Then he (Herod) told them (wise men), “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the Child. And when you find Him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship Him, too!”

⁹ After this interview, the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided (went before) them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the Child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! ¹¹ They entered the house and saw the Child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹² When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had (divinely) warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)

Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year! During the Christmas season, we celebrate the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah and King coming to earth in the Babe, the Lord Jesus. For centuries, everyone in the whole world – Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) – were awaiting the arrival of the Messiah (also known as Christ) and the great King of the World. The Old Testament prophecies predicted the coming of the Messiah (Christ) and a great King from the family line of King David, who was Israel’s greatest king (e.g., see 2 Samuel 7:11-16; Isaiah 7:14-16; Isaiah 9:1-7; Micah 5:2). With the arrival of the Babe Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah and King had come (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 17; Matthew 2:2; Luke 1:32-33, 69; Luke 2:4-7)! At the Lord Jesus' birth, the earth and heavens celebrated and worshiped the newborn King and Messiah with great joy and excitement - the heavenly angels, shepherds, the Gentile wise men, Simeon, and the prophetess Anna (see also, Luke 2:8-38).

The Lord Jesus was born in the small town of Bethlehem located five miles south of Jerusalem (Matthew 2:1; see also Luke 2:4-7, 15). Bethlehem was in Judah, also known as Judea, in the southern land of Israel (see Matthew 2:6). Many years earlier the Old Testament prophet Micah predicted a great Ruler would come from Bethlehem of the tribe of Judah (see Micah 5:2). Bethlehem was the also the birthplace of King David, Israel greatest and most respected king (see 1 Samuel 16:1; 1 Samuel 17:12, 15; Luke 2:4, 11; John 7:42).

At the time of the Lord Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, wicked Herod was king in the Judea region (Matthew 2:1; see also Luke 1:5). He was born into an Idumean family, who were descendants of Esau (Edom). Herod was an able and strong man, but he was evil, very cruel, and ruthless as well as mentally unstable. He permitted no one, not even his own family, to interfere with his kinship. In fact, historians discovered that Herod had his wife and her two brothers killed because he suspected them of treason. Moreover, historians reported that Herod was married at least nine times. Nonetheless, Herod increased greatly the splendor of Jerusalem by erecting the Temple that was the center of Jewish worship at the time of our Lord Jesus’ birth. Herod ruled from 37 to 4 BC, so many scholars believe the Lord Jesus was born about 6 BC.

After the Lord Jesus’s glorious birth, some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem (see Matthew 2:1). These wise men, also called Magi, were Gentile astrologers from the east. No one knows much about these wise men because the Biblical text does not give much background. The Holy Scriptures do not state where the wise men came from or how many there were. Many biblical scholars believe these Gentile wise men were from Parthia, near the site of ancient Babylon, later known as the Persian Empire. In addition, tradition says that there were three wise men, and they were kings, but we do not know that with certainty. Nonetheless, the Gentile wise men were seeking the newborn King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2; see also Matthew 27:11, 37; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:38; John 1:49; John 18:33-37). Thus, many biblical scholars believe Herod was threatened when the wise men asked about a newborn King of the Jews (see Matthew 2:2).

From the Old Testament, the prophets had repeatedly predicted the living LORD God would rise up a King from David’s family line (e.g., see 2 Samuel 7:11-16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 30:9, 21; Ezekiel 34:23; Zechariah 9:9; John 7:41-42). King David was one of Israel’s greatest kings who faithfully loved the LORD God, and the Lord Jesus was his descendant (e.g., see 1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Kings 15:3; Matthew 1:1; Matthew 9:27; Acts 13:22-23; Romans 1:3-4). Although David fell into grievous sins with Bathsheba (see 2 Samuel 11:1-27), David repented of his sins, and he never turned his allegiance from wholehearted devotion to the living LORD God (e.g., see 2 Samuel 12:13; Psalms 51). King David enjoyed God's favor because of his love and faithfulness the LORD God (see Acts 7:46). Because of David's love and faithfulness, the living LORD God promised David that He would rise a wise and righteous King from his family line that will shepherd, love, and protect God’s people (see 2 Samuel 7:11-16). Since this prediction, the prophets anticipated the arrival of the Great King from the family line of David (e.g., see Psalm 89:3-4). The New Testament book of Matthew opens with the grand announcement that the long-awaited Great King has finally come in the Person of Jesus (see Matthew 1:1, 17; Luke 1:32-33, 69). The Lord Jesus' earthly parents, Joseph and Mary, were both from the family line of David (e.g., see Matthew 1:16, 20; Luke 1:26-27).

When the Lord Jesus finally arrived to earth in a modest stable, the heavenly skies were filled with singing angels (see Luke 2:9-14). Clearly, something was brewing on planet Earth! Among the dreary villagers in a remote corner of the Roman Empire, something climatically good was bursting out from Bethlehem that would change the whole world. The Lord Jesus' birth literally split history into two parts, and we memorialized this event whenever we write a date, B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (after Christ). Even now, almost 2,000 years later, the celebration of the Lord Jesus' birth still causes great joy (see Luke 2:10-14)! During the Christmas season, we celebrate the remarkable moment when God in human flesh had come to earth as a Babe in the small town of Bethlehem (see Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:23; John 1:1,14). 

To announce the arrival of the Great King, the living LORD God, who is the Father of the Lord Jesus, gave a special sign. This special sign was a miraculous star that announced the birth of the Messiah and King, the Lord Jesus (Matthew 2:2; see also Revelation 22:16). The Gentile wise men saw the King’s great and special star in the east at its rising, and they came to worship the true King not only of the Jews but the world (see Matthew 2:2, 9). Amazingly, these Gentile wise men sensed God’s guidance to Bethlehem and followed the great star of the Lord Jesus. Scientific scholars have offered various explanations for the unique star's appearance at the birth of the Lord Jesus such as the joining of planets Mars, Saturn and Jupiter around 7 BC or perhaps the appearance of a comet in 5 BC. However, the Old Testament had predicted a star would appear at the coming of the Great King (see Numbers 24:17). The living LORD God used His heavenly creation to introduce His eternal Son the Lord Jesus to earth. The Lord Jesus’ great star led the Gentile wise men to the small town of Bethlehem located five miles south of Jerusalem.

Keep in mind that these wise men were Gentiles. From the very beginning, the Lord Jesus came to be “the Savior of the world” to save the world from sin through faith in Him (e.g., see Matthew 1:21, 23; John 1:29; John 3:16-17; John 4:42; 1 John 4:14). On the first Christmas night, the heavenly angel announced the Good News and source of joy for all the people (see Luke 2:10, 32). Yes, all people! Regardless of our nationality, race, religion, culture, sexual category, or financial status, the living LORD God sent His only begotten Son to be born in Bethlehem to save and redeem the world from sin through faith in Him  (e.g., see Luke 1:68, Luke 2:11, 21, 30-32; John 4:42; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 4:14-16). The Lord Jesus was not intended for Israel alone but for the whole world and among all nations  (see also Matthew 28:18-20; Philippians 2:9-11)! 

Upon hearing the news of another King, evil Herod was deeply disturbed, as was everyone in Jerusalem (see Matthew 2:3). Therefore, evil Herod called a meeting of the leading chief priests and teachers of religious law and asked them, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born” (see Matthew 2:5, NLT). The leading priests and teachers of religious law informed evil Herod of the Old Testament prophecies from Micah 5:2 that the Messiah and King would be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5; see also Numbers 24:19; 2 Samuel 5:2; John 7:42). The prophet Micah from the Old Testament wrote:  “And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a Ruler will come from you who will be the Shepherd for My people Israel” (Matthew 2:6, quoting Micah 5:2, 4).

Afterwards, evil Herod called for a secret meeting with the Gentile wise men, and Herod learned from them the exact time when the Lord Jesus’ star first appeared in the heavens (see Matthew 2:7). Then evil Herod deceptively told the Gentile wise men, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the Child and when you find Him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship Him, too” (see Matthew 2:8, NLT).

After this secret meeting with evil Herod, the Gentile wise men went their way seeking the true and great King of the World (see Matthew 2:9). Finally, the Lord Jesus’ star the wise men had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem and stopped over the exact place where the young Child lived with His earthly parents, Joseph and Mary (see Matthew 2:9). When the Gentile wise men saw the Lord Jesus’ star over His earthly home, they were filled with great joy, happiness, and excitement (see Matthew 2:10)! The Magi traveled thousands of miles to see the true King! By now, Joseph had moved Mary and the Lord Jesus from the temporary stable where the Lord Jesus had been born into a local house in Bethlehem (see Luke 2:7, 16). Thus, the traditional manger and stable scene that assembles the shepherds and wise men are not true to the Holy Scriptures, since the Gentile wise men arrived much later.

Then, the wise men entered Joseph and Mary’s house and saw the young Child, and they bowed down and worshiped Him with great joy (see Matthew 2:11). Truly, these Gentile wise men and many others knew this young Child was the long-awaited Messiah and King of the World! At that moment, the wise men opened their treasure chests and gave the Messiah and King gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh (see Matthew 2:11). The early church fathers understood the gold to be symbolic of the Lord Jesus' kingship, the frankincense of His holiness, and the myrrh of His coming death (since myrrh was used for embalming).

Upon their departure, the living LORD God divinely warned the wise men through a dream not to return to evil Herod but return to their own country by another route (see Matthew 2:12). Moreover, the LORD God sent a heavenly angel to warn Joseph in a dream to take the Lord Jesus and His mother Mary and flee to Egypt (see Matthew 2:13). Sadly, evil Herod had implemented a search for the Child to murder Him (see Matthew 2:13). The wise men and Joseph's divine dreams confirmed the LORD God's power over human rulers and His ability and commitment to His Child, the Lord Jesus. Even more, the whole episode is a good example of how the LORD God leads, guides, and protects His people.

The Lord Jesus along with Joseph and Mary stayed in Egypt until evil Herod’s death (see Matthew 2:15). Jesus' departure to Egypt fulfilled what the living LORD God had spoken through His prophet: “I called My Son out of Egypt” (Matthew 2:15; see also, Exodus 4:22; Hosea 11:1). Nationally, Israel was the LORD God's "son" (e.g., see Exodus 4:22; Romans 9:4-5). However, the Lord Jesus was the living LORD God's greater "Son" (e.g., see John 1:18; John 3:16).

When evil Herod heard the Lord Jesus along with the wise men had fled, he became furious (see Matthew 2:16). The Magi's news troubled Herod because he knew that the Jewish people expected the Messiah to come soon (Luke 3:15). Most Jews expected the Messiah to be a great military and political deliverer, like Alexander the Great. Evil Herod sent soldiers to kill all young boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the Gentile wise men’s report of the Lord Jesus star’s first appearance (see Matthew 2:16). No wonder evil Herod ordered all the baby boys in Bethlehem murdered (see Matthew 2:13, 16-18). Evil Herod alone wanted to bear the title "King of the Jews" even though he deceptively informed the wise men that he wanted to the Child (see Matthew 2:8). Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what the living God had spoken through His prophet Jeremiah: “A cry was heard in Ramah — weeping and great mourning, and Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead” (Matthew 2:17-18, quoting Jeremiah 31:15).   

After evil Herod’s death, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph while in Egypt and instructed Joseph to return the Lord Jesus along with His mother Mary back to Israel (see Matthew 2:19-20). However, when Joseph returned to Israel, he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s evil son Archelaus (see Matthew 2:21-22). Historians have noted that Archelaus was just as cruel, evil, and ruthless as his father, Herod. Once again, the living God divinely warned Joseph in a dream to turn away from Judah and to into Galilee, which is located in northern Israel (see Matthew 2:22). In the region of Galilee, Joseph returned to Nazareth with Mary and the Child Jesus (see Matthew 2:23). Jesus grew up in the small town of Nazareth – the hometown of Joseph and Mary (see Mark 1:9; Mark 6:1; Luke 2:39, 51-52; Luke 4:16, 23; John 1:45-46)). Even more, Joseph's return to Nazareth also fulfilled another Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would be called a "Nazarene" (see Matthew 2:23). The term "Nazarene" was applied both to Jesus and His followers (see Acts 24:5); and the Lord Jesus was often called "Jesus of Nazareth" (e.g., see Matthew 21:11; Matthew 26:71; Mark 14:67; Luke 2:39; John 18:5, 7).

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

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

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

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

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. Victor Books, 1989.

Why Is Christmas So Important? God Visits Earth

Apostle Paul and Timothy: ¹⁵ Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, ¹⁶ for through Him (Christ) God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we cannot see — such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him (Christ) and for Him (Christ). ¹⁷ He (Christ) existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together. ¹⁸ Christ is also the Head of the church, which is His body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So He is first in everything. ¹⁹ For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ, ²⁰ and through Him (Christ) God reconciled everything to Himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the Cross. Colossians 1:15-20 (NLT)

Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year! During the Christmas season, we celebrate the living God coming to visit earth through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:31-32, 35; Luke 2:10-12). The Lord Jesus Christ was not simply a “man who fell to earth,” but the Son of the living LORD God, sent to do the work of His Father (e.g., see Matthew16:16; Matthew 26:63-64; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-5, 14, 18, 49; John 17:3; John 20:31). In the Lord Jesus Christ was true life and light that gives life and light to everyone who accepts Him by faith (e.g., see John 1:4, 9; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 11:25-26; John 12:46; 1 John 1:2; 1 John 5:11). Everyone who genuinely and wholeheartedly comes to the Lord Jesus Christ no longer stays in darkness (see John 12:46). Even more, the Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior because He was born to save humanity from our sins through faith in Him (e.g., see Luke 2:11; John 3:16-17; Acts 4:10-12; Acts 5:31; Acts 13:23, 38-39). The name Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means the Lord saves. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all humanity through the Lord Jesus Christ (see Titus 2:11).

The Holy Scriptures does not reveal the exact date of the Lord Jesus Christ’s birth. Only the Gospels of Matthew and Luke tell the story of the Lord Jesus Christ’s miraculous birth by God’s Holy Spirit (see Matthew 1:18-2:12; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-20). The Gospels of Mark and John do not give a birth narrative of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Gospels of Mark and John, there are no Christmas scenes: any stables, shepherds, or wise men. Only the Gospels of Matthew and Luke tell of the Lord Jesus Christ’s birth and youth. The Gospels of Mark and John introduce the Lord Jesus Christ as the adult Son of God (see Mark 1:1; John 1:1-5).

In the first century, the early church celebrated the Lord Jesus Christ’s birth on many different days such as January 6, April 18, and May 20. However, the early church eventually settled on December 25 to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ because this date also coincided with the pagan festival celebrating Saturnalia and the winter solstice. The early church presented the Lord Jesus Christ at the Sun of Righteousness, replacing the sun god, Sol Invictus, celebrated during these pagan festivals (see Malachi 4:2).

Now, many Christians around the world celebrate December 25 as the day the living LORD God Almighty came and visited earth as a human and lived among us humans through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see John 1:1-5, 14, 18; Romans 1:3; Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrew 2:14, 17; 1 John 4:2)! Biblical scholars refer to the Lord Jesus Christ coming to earth as Man the Incarnation. In the Lord Jesus Christ, the fullness of God lived in a human body, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the exact likeness and visible image of His Father, the living LORD God Almighty (Colossians 1:15, 19; see also John 14:9-11; Colossians 2:9-10).

The Lord Jesus Christ is Emmanuel, which means “God with us” (see Matthew 1:23), and He radiates the glory and expresses the very nature of His Father, the LORD God Almighty (see John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:3). The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully Man – the God-Man. Even more, the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father, the living LORD God Almighty, are One (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; John 10:30; John 17:11, 22-23). The true and living God of heaven and earth is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; Colossians 1:3). No one has ever seen the living LORD God (also known as Yahweh, Elohim, the King, and El Shaddai), who is invisible and lives in unapproachable light (e.g., see Exodus 33:20; John 1:18; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 John 4:12, 20). However, the Lord Jesus Christ radiates the very glory and character of His Father, the living LORD God Almighty (e.g., see John 14:9-10; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 1:3).

The Son of God existed long before anything was created on earth as the Lord Jesus Christ is the first born of all creation, and He is supreme over all creation (see Colossians 1:15, 18). Through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, the LORD God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth because life and the light lived in the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:16; see also John 1:1-4, 10; John 11:26; 1 Corinthians 8:6). The LORD God made the things we can see and the things we cannot see — such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world (see Colossians 1:16). Everything was created by the Lord Jesus Christ and for the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:16; see also Hebrews 1:2).

Moreover, the Lord Jesus Christ existed before all things and before anything else, and He holds all creation together (Colossians 1:17; see also John 1:1-2; John 8:58; Hebrews 1:3). The Lord Jesus Christ is also the Head of the church, which is His body (Colossians 1:18, 24; see also Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:27). Even more, the Lord Jesus Christ is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead; therefore, He is first in everything (Colossians 1:18; see also Revelation 1:5, 8, 17-18).

As mentioned earlier, for the LORD God Almighty in all His fullness was pleased to live in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:19; see also Colossians 2:9). From the fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ’s grace we believers have received one blessing after another (see John 1:16). Through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, the living LORD God reconciled everything to Himself (Colossians 1:20; see also Romans 5:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19). Even more, the living God made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of His Son Christ’s blood and sacrificial death on Calvary’s Cross for the sins of the whole world (see Colossians 1:20).

The Lord Jesus Christ is our confident peace, hope, and joy (e.g., see Luke 2:14; John 14:27; Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 1:5, 11, 27; Colossians 3:15). Through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, one finds complete treasure, wisdom, knowledge, blessings, grace, and salvation (e.g., see John 1:16; Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; Ephesians 1:7-8; Colossians 2:3). In other words, we are made complete and find oneness with the living God through our wholehearted faith and obedience to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (see John 14:15, 19-21, 23-24; Colossians 2:6-7, 10). The Apostle Paul wanted to emphasize to all people the Lord Jesus Christ is ENOUGH! Through our faith in God and obedience to His moral commands, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ comes to live inside all believers, and believers now share in His glory (see Colossians 1:27). Even more, our wholehearted faith and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ rescue believers from the kingdom of darkness and adopts believers into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who is the Light of the World (Colossians 1:13; see also John 1:12-13; Acts 26:18; Ephesians 5:8-14). The Lord Jesus Christ purchased all believers’ freedom, forgave our sins through faith in Him, and now reconciles us to the living God (see Colossians 1:14, 21-22). In the living God’s eyes through faith in His Son the Lord God, believers are declared holy, blameless, perfect, and righteous – without a single fault (Colossians 1:22; see also 1 Corinthians 1:30).  

As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul encourages all believers faithfully to walk and live in all goodness, righteousness, obedience, humility, and truth (Colossians 1:23, 28; see also John 15:4; Ephesians 5:8-14; Colossians 2:6-7; Titus 2:11-14). True wisdom is a godly living! Repeatedly, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to put-off their old sinful nature and walk in godliness (e.g., see Colossians 3:5-10). Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ should make a difference! A believer’s good and righteous life honors and pleases our Lord Jesus Christ, obey God’s commandments, and produce every kind of good fruit and light as we grow and learn to know the Jesus’ Father, the living God better and better (Colossians 1:6, 10; see also Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21; John 15:5, 8, 16; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 5:8-14; Colossians 3:8-10). Sadly, our disobedience and unfaithfulness to the living God and His righteous commandments drive us away from the living God and makes us God’s enemies, separated from Him (Colossians 1:21; see also Ephesians 2:1-3, 12). This Christmas let us all make a wholehearted commitment to walk and live for Jesus Christ!

May God our Father give you grace and peace (Colossians 1:2, NLT).

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).

Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI:  Baker Book House Company, 2001).

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).