Day 43: Deuteronomy 17-20

Summaries:
Moses recounts that pagan worship deserves punishment if the testimony of more than one witness confirms it, judges are to be appointed to study cases and make just verdicts, and if the Israelites choose to appoint a king when they come into the land God is giving them, he must be the man who God chooses (17). The Levites have no share in the heritage with Israel, but live on the oblations of the Lord and the portion due.  The Israelites are not to be influenced by the sins of other peoples, and God will raise up a prophet like Moses to lead them (18).  Of the cities the Israelites will inherit/conquer, some cities are to be set aside for refuge, and judicial fact is established by two or three witnesses, though unjust witnesses are to be punished (19).  Be courageous in battle, for God si with you, and men with certain circumstances are exempt from battle (new home no housewarming, new vineyard never enjoyed fruit, etc).  When attacking a city, offer peace first, and if they refuse, follow the rules regarding who to capture/kill, and don't destroy their trees (20).

Reflections:
It continues to be stressed not to be influenced by the sins or ways of other peoples.  Oh how important this is.  It can be so easy for us to justify wrong-doings simply by saying "Well they do it, so..."  But this is not the way it is to be done.  We must not be influenced by the sins of others, but must always seek the truth and know how to turn away from the sinful ways of others.  This is also why our actions are so important, because we must not be bad examples, leading others astray.  Hopefully my personal failings are never seen as justification for another person's sinful actions.