Day 44: Deuteronomy 21-24

Summaries:
Moses recounts instructions regarding what to do with untraced murder, how a man can marry a female captive, how to treat the first-born of of of two wives, and how to deal with a disobeying son (21).   Moses tells the Israelites to care for the animals of one's neighbor, along with other various laws, and gives various crimes against marriage, such as if a man tries to divorce his wife after having relations with her, adultery, rape, etc (22).  Some rules regarding membership in the community are given, along with the necessity for cleanliness in the camp, since God journeys with them in the camp, and other various laws, such as there shall be no temple harlot, and you shall not delay fulfilling an oath sworn to God (23).  More marriage laws, such as remarriage and marital leave from the military are given, along with laws regarding justice, such as kidnapping, loans, and allowing that which you do not pick/reap at first is to be left for the orphans, the widows, and the foreigners (24).

Reflections:
Lots of different laws.  My favorite was probably the one I quoted below about husband being exempt from military and public duty for a year following marriage so he can bring joy to his family.  That would be great.  I do think this shows the importance of families being together for more than jsut a day fater marriage, birth, etc.  Family is the key to society.

Quotes:
Deuteronomy 24:5 - "When a man is newly wed, he need not go out on a military expedition, nor shall any public duty be imposed on him.  He shall be exempt for one year for the sake of his family, to bring joy to the wife he has married."  (A year off?  I wish!)