Deuteronomy 21

4 a rough valley. This rather means a “wady,” a ravine which had a stream running through it.

8 wash their hands. By this act the elders declare their innocence of the guilt presumptively attaching to their city, whilst the sacrifice provides for its removal.

10. When thou goest forth.** Ch. xxi 10—xxv. contains laws chiefly regulating domestic life, and personal and social habits.

13 she shall be thy wife. This is evidently a restriction adapted gradually to suppress a wicked practice already existing. Its importance is proved by the terrible outrages to which even modern warfare often subjects the families of the conquered.

14 but thou shalt not sell her. This command intimates how binding the laws of justice and honour are, particularly in such matters.

15 the hated. “Slighted” or “less loved.” This is another restrictive law, showing the mischievousness of the then prevalent custom of polygamy. The case supposed had actually occurred in the family of Jacob (Gen. xxix. 30).

18 a stubborn and rebellious son. The power of parents over their children appears originally, in most nations, to have been absolute. This law, whilst it takes from the father the power of inflicting death, adds to the punishment of filial disobedience the disgrace of a public condemnation. The Bible everywhere places duties to parents next to duties to God. The political and social, as well as religious importance of filial respect and obedience can hardly be overrated.

22 hang him. Or, “impale.” That is, after he is dead. The Egyptians and Canaanites used to leave bodies of criminals gibbeted.