Deuteronomy 23

Deuteronomy 23:1

THat is wounded] Either by reason that in old times such Eunuches, were put to shamefull uses; or to shew by a figure what integrity is required in a spirituall man, or because he will cast off them, who like withered trees could not contribute to the increase of the people, Isay 56. 3.

Deuteronomy 23:2

A bastard] That hath not certaine father, nor is not acknowledged by any one to be his son, Zechariah 9:6 Enter] shall not be set down in the muster of Gods people, nor shall not be admitted into the great councell, which was wont to assemble neere unto Gods Tabernacle, who presided there in a speciall manner: see upon Exo. 33. 7. and 34. 31. Numbers 11:16; Numbers 11:24. and because that councll did represent the whole people, it is called the Congregation of Israel, See 1 Kings 8:5. 1 Chronicles 13:2; 1 Chronicles 13:4; 1 Chronicles 29:20.

Deuteronomy 23:4

Met you not] It seemeth by Deuteronomy 2:29. that this ought not to be understood of all the Moabites: for those of Ar of Moab, did furnish victuall, see upon Numbers 21:20.

Deuteronomy 23:5

Hearken] Would not suffer him to use his magicall imprections against you, according to his intent and desire; but turned his thoughts and words to blesse you.

Deuteronomy 23:6

Seeke] Thou shalt have no publick league nor friendship with these nations: for otherwise, the duties of humane and civill society are not here forbidden.

Deuteronomy 23:7

Abhorre] Do not every way reject all communion with his person, unlesse he be an idolatrous, and vicious man; but if he become a proselite, receive him into the communion of the Church, or if they have by thy meanes any issue, which persevereth in the true religion, incorporate it wholly into thy commonwealth: Thy brother] that is to say, a people come out of Edom, your father Jacobs brother.

Deuteronomy 23:8

The children] Namely, if their great grandfathers have embraced the true religion.

Deuteronomy 23:9

Wicked thing] Abominable, uncleane, vicious, and unlawfull.

Deuteronomy 23:10

That chaceth him] See Leviticus 15:16.

Deuteronomy 23:15

Deliver] It should seem that this was spoken to the Magistrates, who were to judge, whether the servant were unlawfully persecuted by his Master or no: For in case that the servant were guilty, it was not likely that the Lord would have yeelded him any assistance or freedom: especially the question being concerning his totall departure from his masters house: The servant] it appeareth by the following verse, that this ought to be understood of the servants of strange Nations, who being evill entreated by their masters, did fly for protection to Gods people.

Deuteronomy 23:17

Whore] Namely common whore, for some such there were amongst Gods people; but ordinarily they were strangers: Or if they were Israelites, they were excommunicated, and held as strangers: See Prov. 2. 16. and 6. 24. and 7. 5.

Deuteronomy 23:18

A dog] It should seem, that male is by a kind of detestation thus called, who endureth that abominable kind of lust.

Deuteronomy 23:19

That is lent] For there are some things lent, out of which one may reape benefit, without usury; as for horse hire, houses, goods, &c. which by common use and sense are not contained within this prohibition.

Deuteronomy 23:20

A stranger] See Deuteronomy 15:3.