Some of the laws listed in these chapters can feel deeply discordant with modern sensibilities. But this is precisely what makes them valuable. We should not assume that our sensibilities have the high moral ground. We should allow the text to judge us, not the other way around. But they are difficult to understand without some biblical and cultural context, so, again I refer you to the Thrive Deeper podcast for a deeper dive into these laws. As you read through them though, perhaps pause on the laws you find disturbing and let your assumptions and disposition be challenged. But also note how remarkable some of these laws are for their time. For example, while all ancient law codes demanded that escaped slaves be returned and punished severely, the law in 23:15 demands that Israelites shelter escaped slaves! Imagine the haven that this would have created in the ancient world. In summary these laws are invariably concerned with two things: holiness and mercy. The former accounts for the strict elements because God’s people were to represent God in everything they did. The point is, we are to be strict with ourselves because we have a high calling. But we must be merciful to others. Our tendency is to have this the wrong way around: we too often excuse ourselves while holding others to high standards. Learn to combine personal holiness with generous mercy. Jesus was the ultimate example of this combination. He took sin very seriously, but he gave everything to extend grace.
Reflect on ways you can be stricter with yourself and more merciful to others.
Read Deuteronomy 22 and 23
