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July 2016
S M T W T F S
     
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Syndication

St. Irenaeus Ministries - a center of orthodox Catholic mission and renewal in Rochester, NY

Some laws of sexual purity are discussed, strongly punishing adultery and false accusations of adultery. Men cannot use women physically and then forsake them.

Some of the more curious legal codes should be interpreted in light of being God's revelation, created for our benefit. For example, loaning to one's brother at interest is banned. In this time period, loans were not for business investment, but for recovering from financial hardship. Charging interest is taking advantage of one's brother (as forbidden previously).

The law of divorce is discussed. Jesus forbids divorce among Christians, but for their 'hardness of heart' this law exists in the law of Moses. This law of divorce was provided by God in Mosaic Law as a practical consolation for the weakness of man, but in a people set alight by the Holy Spirit as the Christians are, it should be unnecessary. This law sets a lower bound, while a much loftier standard is sought.

Direct download: DeuteronomyLecture26.mp3
Category:Biblical Study -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

"You must love your neighbor as yourself." To the Hebrews this includes people who are not Hebrews. You must help prevent the loss of his animals, garments, or property; or take advantage of his loss. This must be done as a brotherly obligation without payment. This help must not be withheld. This is an obligation of LOVE. The law is bound together with the Lord's will that people love one another.

God reminds us of responsible care of life and to not carelessly let it be wasted.

Finally, several laws, seemingly arbitrarily, prevent mixtures of plowing animals and mingled clothing fibers. These boundaries are set in place to define proper pious witness in the Jewish faith.

Direct download: DeuteronomyLecture25.mp3
Category:Biblical Study -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

The Laws in these chapters describe particular situations, but seek to impart general principles. Laws regarding inheritance are discussed, and while not every permutation is accounted for, the proper procedure can be derived from what is provided. A particular case where a son with a criminal disregard for authority is discussed.  While it technically opens the possibility for punishing such a child with death, such a decision is practically impossible to reach.  Yet it puts a law on the books that this kind of rebellion is displeasing to the Lord. Finally, a law is laid out to limit the time executed criminals are "hung" on a tree, as this defiles the land.  When applied to Christ, this law highlights the gravity of His taking on our sin and hanging on the cross.

Direct download: DeuteronomyLecture24.mp3
Category:Biblical Study -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

These chapters lay out practical law for the Hebrews that are not simply legal codes, but guides to live a moral life obedient to the Lord. Rules for atonement for the spilling of innocent blood are layed out. Women who are captives of war are to be wives, not concubines, sex slaves, or rape victims.  This policy is more humane than even more modern attitudes to powerful men taking advantage of disadvantaged women.

Direct download: DeuteronomyLecture23.mp3
Category:Biblical Study -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

War is conducted on the understanding that the Lord, not the Hebrews, will be the cause of victory.  Only a small number of loyal soldiers are required.  Finally, the religious culture of Deuteronomy and the Gospel is discussed.  The culture is different from, and sometimes irreconcilible with, typical modern American sensibilities.  God is to be uncompromisingly trusted and obeyed. Yet He loves and desires to have mercy on us, that we may love Him in return.  This is not a tolerance for sin, but a reminder of the gravity of his forgiveness.

Direct download: DeuteronomyLecture22.mp3
Category:Biblical Study -- posted at: 6:00am EDT