Deuteronomy 22
DOYLYDeuteronomy 22:3
- An Ammonite or Moabite] The meaning of this law is, that though an Ammonite or a Moabite should become a convert to the Jewish religion, and conform to their laws and ceremonies in every respect, and become a complete member of the Jewish Church; yet he should not have the privilege of marrying with an Israelite, but should be debarred from it, he and his posterity, “for ten generations;” which is interpreted in Nehemiah to mean for ever, chap. xiii. 1. Such was the mark set upon these people for their offence in the matter of Balsam: and Balsam’s infamy is perpetuated by the same law, being expressly mentioned in it as the man, who had been “hired to curse God’s people.” Dr. Waterland.
Deuteronomy 22:6
- If a bird’s nest &c.] Another injunction now given was, that when they took the eggs or young out of the nest of any bird, whether for food or for sacrifice, they should never destroy the old one along with them: God intending, by this emblematical precept, to impress on the minds of His people, a sense of His Divine providence and mercy, extending itself to all creatures: and chiefly, by exercising this pity towards other useful and innocent animals, to oblige them to
Confusion to be avoided. The punishment for slander. Before CHRIST 1451.
Deuteronomy 22:8
8.—thou shalt make a battlement] The top of an Eastern house, which is always flat, is covered with a strong plaster of terrace; from whence it has, in the Frank language, attained the name of “the terrace:” a word, made use of likewise in several parts of these countries. It is surrounded by two walls; the outermost of which is partly built over the street, partly makes the partition with the contiguous terrace, being frequently so low, that one may climb over it. The other, or the parapet wall, as we may call it, hangs immediately over the court, being always breast high, and answers to the word which we render “the battlements” in the Scriptures. On these terraces several offices of the family are performed; such as the drying of linen, preparing of figs and raisins; here likewise they enjoy the cool refreshing breezes of the evening, converse with one another, and offer up their devotions. Dr. Shaw.
Deuteronomy 22:9
- Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard &c.] It was an idolatrous rite to sow barley and dried grapes together: by which they signified, that their vineyards were consecrated to Ceres and Bacchus, and were recommended to their protection. This law forbade such rites, as being a sort of renunciation of the protection and blessing of the true God, and a declaration of their hope in the favour of other gods besides Him. Lowman. See also the note on Lev. xix. 19.
Deuteronomy 22:10
- Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.] The same aversion from mixture, which is noticed in the note on Lev. xix. 19, seems to have dictated this prohibition. The precept seems also to regard the unequal size and strength of these animals: it would be cruel to urge the weaker to the same exertions as the stronger; while to lay the whole burden on the stronger is to derive no assistance from the weaker: not to mention the different temper, paces, speed, height, &c. of the two unequal yokemates. Some suppose, that the ox being a pure animal, but the ass being impure, the import of the precept is, to forbid the intimate association of clean and unclean; see 2 Cor. vi. 14. An excellent moral use results from this view of the precept. Script. illustr.
Deuteronomy 22:13
- If any man take a wife, &c.] The particularities mentioned in these verses are fully explained and vindicated by Niebuhr: who found the same principles still in force among the Arabs in Yemen. He observes, that as the husband by presents, &c. pays the father of his wife, and may be said to purchase his daughter under a certain description and character, so far as she differs from that character the husband is deceived and injured; and this deception justifies his returning his wife to her father, and redeemanding his presents, &c. This, as may be supposed, must vex and dishonour the whole family of the woman so repudiated; and were it a frequent occurrence, must spread animosities and jealousies throughout not a family only, but a country. Script. illustr.
Deuteronomy 22:15
15.—the elders—shall take that man and chastise him:] A good name is too precious a thing to be left to the rude tongue of every licentious person without a severe penalty for abusing it.—God had so signal a tenderness for the reputation of His people, that in the first body of laws, which He condescended to deliver to His people, He provided, that if a man traduced his own wife, he was to be most severely punished. We never see any memorable act of injustice and oppression done, but the person is first much defamed, to make him the fitter to be injured, when he seems unworthy to be pitied. St. Paul therefore puts “backbiters” and “haters
Before CHRIST 1451.
Of adultery, rape, &c. Who may CHAP. XXII, XXIII. or may not enter the congregation.
Before CHRIST 1451. she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.
Deuteronomy 22:22
- — they shall both of them die.] The Commandment, relating to adultery, is of the utmost consequence to the peace of families and to the welfare of society, and forbids an iniquity most odious in the sight of God, an offence which all human laws condemn, but which they do not always punish as strictly as it deserves. By the law of Moses death was the punishment of adultery; and restitution, with a fine, was the punishment of theft. But in Christian nations, I know not how and wherefore, this rule is inverted, and it is safer to commit adultery than to steal: though surely it ought not to be so. Dr. Jortis. Chap. XXIII. ver. 1. — shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord.] The Israelitish nation being separated from the rest of the world, by laws and privileges peculiar to themselves, as the worshippers and church of the one only true God; though men of all other nations were admitted and encouraged to become proselytes to their religion, and enjoy the benefits of its Vol. I. man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter: