Devarim 22 (Deuteronomy 22)
Devarim 22 contains commandments of various classifications. Although they may seem unrelated, many fall under the category of not mixing or respect for others. There are commandments if we find our brother’s lost property. We are not to turn away, but to protect what is our brother’s. We are not to wear clothing of another gender. If one finds a nest, they can take the eggs, but not the mother. If we build a house, we must build a battlement for the roof. We are not to sow diverse seeds, we are not to plow with different animals, we are not to wear garments with mixed materials and we are to wear tzitzis. There are commandments if a man accuses his wife of sexual relations prior to marriage. There are various commandments for adultery. Finally, we are not to take our father’s wife or discover his nakedness. These commandments are straight forward to implement; however, some of these commandments seem blind to certain aspects of life. This is where it is important to have a righteous group of elders in judgment. In many of these commandments, the real importance is not in the literal, but in the figurative and foreshadowing for future generations. They convey meaning to us that is not so obvious until we take time to meditate on them in the Spirit. This is the real challenge and beauty of these commandments. We must look beyond the literal to understand the heart of Yehovah and His love for His people. He has given us commandments that are applicable to this day and into the Millenium.
Top
Sections:
Return to Devarim (Deuteronomy)
Return to Books of the Bible
Return to Bible Studies
Sheep of the Flock
Sheep of the Flock
Devarim 22:1
1 You shall not see your brother’s ox (shor) or his sheep (seh) go astray, and hide yourself from them. You shall in any case bring them again to your brother.
If we see our brother’s livestock, we are to bring them to him. We are not allowed to look the other way. We are to do this regardless of the circumstances.
What makes this interesting is that only the ox and the sheep are mentioned. These are two very specific types of animals. They represent 2 very specific types of believers.
The ox is a work animal. It represents spiritual believers who are performing the work of the ministry. These would be the more mature believers.
The sheep are also spiritual believers as opposed to carnal believers. Although many would like to think all believers are sheep that is far from the truth. Yeshua tells us in Yochanan 10:27-28.
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand.
Sheep are believers that have two very distinct qualities:
· Sheep hear Yeshua’s voice.
· Sheep follow Yeshua.
One way of thinking of this is, a sheep is the closest a believer can be to Yeshua without actually walking in His footsteps. They are on the path of righteousness. They may occasionally veer off, but will always return at a future date. This may be far different from many believers.
The importance of being a sheep should never be underestimated. Contrary to popular belief not all believers are sheep. They must abide by the requirements above. Therefore, the following is not applicable to all believers, Luke 15:4-7.
4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he has found, he lays on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together friends and neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Unless you are a sheep, Yeshua will not go after you. This may indicate that Yeshua does not go after carnal Christians. They are on their own, because they never were part of the flock. They have chosen a path outside the Kingdom way.
Brother’s Keeper
Brother’s Keeper
Devarim 22:2
2 And if your brother not nigh to you, or if you know him not, then you shall bring it to your own house, and it shall be with you until your brother seek after it, and you shall restore it to him again.
If the bother is far away, we are to safeguard and care for the animal. This is to be done until the brother comes to find it. When he comes, we are to return it to him. This includes the brother you may not know. This expands the definition of a brother. In Yisrael, a brother was anyone who was an Yisraeli. This is anyone of the 12 Tribes of Yisrael.
Again, even if we do not know our brother, we are to care for the animal. We are to continue to do this until they retrieve the animal.
In the figurative, these situations represent the wayward believers. Those who come from another congregation. We are to treat them as if they are one of our own. Even if they are just visiting for a day. We should not try to convince them to stay. That would be similar to stealing an animal from a brother. If they want to stay that is their decision.
The question is, are we our brother’s keeper? We are to care for the possessions of our brother as if our lives depend upon it. We must be ready to return them at a moment’s notice.
Devarim 22:3
3 In like manner shall you do with his ass; and so shall you do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of your brother’s, which he has lost, and you have found, shall you do likewise. You may not hide yourself.
This includes all possessions of our brother. Moshe specifically mentions the ass and the raiment. The ass is representative of the stubborn child of our brother. We should do what we can to help the situation. Sometimes an individual not directly related can help turn a stubborn ass into a sheep of the flock. When we do this, we should return as Paul did in Philemon 10-12.
10 I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds. 11 Which in time past was to you unprofitable, but now profitable to you and to me. 12 Whom I have sent again. You therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels.
Onesimus was Philemon’s servant, who had run away to Rome. Paul met him there and was able to convert Onesimus. Paul returned Onesimus to his brother Philemon. When Onesimus ran away, he was an ass. Paul returned a sheep.
To find one’s raiment is to find their righteousness. If one wanders from the path, we are to help return them to full standing as before.
Devarim 22:4
4 You shall not see your brother’s ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely help him to lift up again.
Similar commandments were in Shemos 23:4-5.
4 If you meet your enemy’s (oyev) ox (shor) or his ass going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. 5 If you see the ass of him that hates you lying under his burden, and would forbear to help him, you shall surely help with him.
When our brother’s ass or ox has fallen, we are to help them. We are not to hide from the task. Even if it is inconvenient, we are to help return the animal or believer to full standing.
We are to do this with all who may come our way. We are not to turn from those in need of help and willing to accept the help. We are always to help bring an individual back to right standing.
Clothing as it Appertains
Clothing as it Appertains
Devarim 22:5
5 The woman shall not wear that which pertains to a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment. For all that do so abomination to Yehovah your Redeemer.
We are not to wear the clothing of the opposite gender. Again, this is one’s righteousness. We must understand that men and women represent different maturity levels of believers. It is not as simple as one is better than another. There are various maturity levels within various categories of believers.
We are not to cross boundaries to assume the righteousness of a class of believers we are not in. We cannot take this upon ourselves. We must be called of God, Hebrews 5:4.
4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he that is called of God, as Aharon.
We must wait to be called by God.
Bird’s Nest
Bird’s Nest
Devarim 22:6-7
6 If a bird’s nest chance to be before you in the way in any tree, or on the ground, young ones, or eggs, and the mother (em) sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, you shall not take the mother (em) with the young. 7 You shall in any wise let the mother (em) go, and take the young to you; that it may be well with you, and you may prolong days.
Mother (formerly dam) is the Hebrew word אֵם em (H0517). It is in the Bible 220 times. אֵם em (H0517) is translated mother 214 times, dam 5 times and parting 1 time. It refers to a mother whether of a human or an animal.
If one happens upon a nest, they may not take the mother. They are permitted to take the young or eggs. This makes a lot of sense. If one takes the mother, one does not know if the young will live to produce again. The mother has produced at least once and will more than likely produce in the future.
Figuratively the mother represents the faith. We cannot take the faith from a young believer without replacing it with a new faith. Regardless of an individuals belief system, it is necessary to maintain life. From it, the individual derives meaning and focus. If we tell people what they cannot do, we must tell them what they can do. If we do not tell them what they may do, they will not have a clear direction in life.
When one is without faith they are without hope. That leads to fear and fear will destroy an individual. It leads to hopelessness and may lead to the end of life.
This commandment prolongs our lives, because we have prolonged the life of another.
Protect the Young
Protect the Young
Devarim 22:8
8 When you build a new house, then you shall make a battlement for your roof, that you bring not blood upon your house, if any man fall from thence.
When one builds a new house, they are to make a battlement for the roof.
Battlement comes from the Hebrew word מַעֲקֶה maaqeh (H4624). It is in the Bible 1 time. It refers to a low wall at the edge. מַעֲקֶה maaqeh (H4624) is sometimes translated parapet.
The battlement on the roof is to protect one from falling.
We may not build a new house; however, many of us are building a life in Messiah. It is somewhat similar to building a house. The framework of our house is our faith and our doctrine. We cannot always expose everyone to the height of our knowledge. This, in itself, can be quite overwhelming to many. So, we must build protection for those that would scale the height unaware of the dangers of learning doctrine too fast. If one is exposed to teachings improperly, it may cause part of their foundation to come loose. One must first secure the foundation and provide boundaries to support an understanding. We must take care in exposing others to the height of our understanding without first establishing guidelines and boundaries to support such understandings.
Diverse Objects
Diverse Objects
Devarim 22:9
9 You shall not sow your vineyard with divers seeds. Lest the fruit of your seed which you have sown, and the fruit of your vineyard, be defiled.
One is not to sow diverse seed into a field. If this occurs, the produce will be defiled.
These commandments were previously discussed in Vayyiqra 19:19.
19 You shall keep My statutes. You shall not let your cattle gender with a diverse kind. You shall not sow your field with mingled seed. Neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woolen come upon you.
Today there are two seeds in Christianity. The first is Mark 4:14.
14 The sower sows the word (logos).
The first seed is the word of God, the Bible as taught through the Spirit.
Word that is not taught in the Spirit can be just as bad as the second type of seed, Matityahu 13:24-25.
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a man which sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
The second type of seed is planted by the enemy. These are the tares. Tares resemble wheat, however, tares are not wheat. The grains of the tares are black. Darnel is the most common of the 4 types of tares found in Yisrael. It is bearded and grows in the grain fields as tall as wheat and barley. It is often called degenerate wheat. Some have named it bastard. It is easily distinguishable from wheat when it grows up. However, in the early stages of growth, tares are indistinguishable from wheat.
The tares’ seeds are poisonous to man and animals. Tares can cause sleepiness, nausea, convulsions and even death. Tares and wheat can be separated out; however, it is the custom to wait until the harvest. This is so that the wheat is not inadvertently plucked up.
The question is always, what seed are we teaching? Those who have not yet made the transition out of Bavel have a tendency to teach less than the pure word. One must remove all remnants of Bavel before they can teach the pure word. We must be sure that we teach the pure and sincere word and not some mix of the two. This includes no teaching any other kind of error.
Devarim 22:10
10 You shall not plow with an ox and an ass together.
We should be careful not to plow using these two animals. The ox will more than likely overpower the ass and the plow will just go in circles. Meanwhile, the ass will fight the ox as it is forced to move. This will cause more problems than it can possibly help.
The bull represents one who is in the ministry at some level. They should never minister with an ass. This will result in more work than it will accomplish. As the ox is plowing the ass is kicking. There is no peace. As such, it becomes another embarrassment to Messiah. This is why it is important to know who we are in ministry with, 1 Thessalonians 5:12.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
We ought to know who we labor with. If not, we too could be plowing a field with an ass.
Unfortunately, there are many asses in the faith. They will cause problems in a congregation or in the world, the field. Often a spiritual believer will have to contend with these. Many asses are well intentioned and none are properly equipped to plow the field of the human heart.
Devarim 22:11
11 You shall not wear a garment of divers sorts, of woolen and linen together.
Although this commandment specifies wool and linen, it has been interpreted to be all materials. This is an example where individuals have gone well beyond what is written.
Yechezqel provides insight into this matter of wool and linen, Yechezqel 44:16-18.
16 They shall enter into My sanctuary, and they shall come near to My table, to minister to Me, and they shall keep My charge. 17 And it shall come to pass, when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, while they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within. 18 They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird with any thing that causes sweat.
The wool causes one to sweat. It is equivalent to doing works, dead works. Whereas the linen is representative of works of righteousness Revelation 19:8.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white. For the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Sweat represents works, whereas linen is works through grace. Grace is His supernatural power working through us. We are not to mix works with grace. To mix these two is to do dead works, Hebrews 9:14.
14 How much more shall the blood of Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
We are to be purged from our dead works to perform works of righteousness. If we are to serve the living God, Yehovah through works of righteousness, we must have His power flow through us. Or else, we may find that our efforts and accomplishments produced little if any righteous fruit.
Our Covering
Our Covering
Devarim 22:12
12 You shall make you fringes upon the four quarters of your vesture, wherewith you cover.
Vesture is the Hebrew word כְּסוּת kesut (H3682). It is in the Bible 8 times. כְּסוּת kesut (H3682) is translated covering 6 times, raiment 1 time and vesture 1 time. It refers to a garment that covers an individual.
Cover is the Hebrew word כָּסָה kasah (H3680). It is in the Bible 152 times. כָּסָה kasah (H3680) is translated cover 135 times, hide 6 times, conceal 4 times, covering 2 times, overwhelmed 2 times, clad 1 time, closed 1 time and clothed 1 time. It refers to cover for secrecy.
The covering in Devarim 22:12 is referring to the garment that covers the reproductive organs.
This commandment builds upon Bemidbar 15:37-41.
37 And Yehovah spoke to Moshe, saying, 38 Speak to the Children of Yisrael, and bid them that they make them fringes (tzitzis) in the borders (kanaf) of their garments (beged) throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe (tzitzis) of the borders (kanaf) a ribband of blue. 39 And it shall be to you for a fringe (tzitzis), that you may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of Yehovah, and do them; and that you seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you use to go a whoring. 40 That you may remember, and do all My commandments, and be holy to your Redeemer. 41 I Yehovah your Redeemer, which brought you out of the land of Mitzrayim, to be your Redeemer. I Yehovah your Redeemer.
The tzitzis are so we will remember to do all Yehovah’s commandments. It is on the garment that covers us, because the word is the seed. When we birth new believers we are to do it through the seed of Torah. If not, we may not be birthing the right type of believers. This will result in believers that are unacceptable to Yehovah. We must birth according to His word in the Spirit.
Virginity & Virgin
Virginity & Virgin
Devarim 22:13-14
13 If any man take a wife (ishshah), and go in to her, and hate (sane) her, 14 and give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman (ishshah), and when I came to her, I found not her virginity (besuliym).
Virginity (formerly maid) comes from the Hebrew word בְּתוּלִים besuliym (H1331). It is in the Bible 10 times. בְּתוּלִים besuliym (H1331) is translated virginity 8 times and maid 2 times. It is translated maid in Devarim 22:17. It refers to one as a virgin. In all uses of בְּתוּלִים besuliym (H1331) it should be rendered a form of virginity.
בְּתוּלִים besuliym (H1331) is the masculine plural of the same as בְּתוּלָה besulah (H1330).
בְּתוּלָה besulah (H1330) is in the Bible 50 times. It is translated virgin 38 times, maid 7 times and maiden 5 times. It is believed by some that בְּתוּלָה besulah (H1330) does not necessarily express that a women is a virgin, but rather she is not pregnant or a woman of marriable age. This is an incorrect understanding of בְּתוּלָה besulah (H1330). A woman that is pregnant can still have bleeding due to other medical conditions. Besides there is no way of verifying when the blood on the sheets were the woman’s last menstrual cycle prior to marriage. God understood all this.
The only sheets that are reliable are the sheets of the wedding night. These are the sheets used in these set of commandments to verify a woman’s virginity.
To believe otherwise would lose the figurative foreshadowing of the Author. Besides the fact it completely changes the meaning. This opens the door to allowing a less than pure lifestyle and meaning in many cases. The figurative meaning is a shadow of the future Bride of Messiah.
When one is born again, they become a virgin. This is a spiritual condition. However, in one’s soul life, they can play the harlot. As such, one must be very careful in the use of these terms. A proper perspective of the figurative in the various context is required. If context is properly focused, this would lead to the understanding that בְּתוּלָה besulah (H1330) would be rendered a form of virgin at all times.
Wife & Her Virginity
Wife & Her Virginity
Devarim 22:13
13 If any man take a wife (ishshah), and go in to her, and hate her,
When a man takes a wife and hates her, one has to wonder what they were thinking. This is why it is important that when we marry, we actually bring God into the decision.
In today’s world, people fall in love with one another and marry for reasons that barely take in the whole person. Before we ever marry a person, we should verify our words and leave the emotions aside, 2 Corinthians 13:1.
1 This the third I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
We ought to have our word established. Then we need to faithfully fulfill the word as Yehovah has directed.
In this case, the man has married a woman and finds fault with her. What follows is fairly significant.
Devarim 22:14
14 And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman (ishshah), and when I came to her, I found her not a virgin (besuliym).
In this situation, the man marries a woman who claimed to be a virgin.
When one claims to be a virgin, but has actually had sexual intercourse that places them in a different class altogether.
When we think of the figurative meaning, we need to remember 2 Corinthians 11:2.
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present a chaste virgin to Messiah.
The meaning here is that we are all potentials for the Bride of Messiah. Many of us will unknowingly disqualify ourselves due to practicing false worship. Although many Christians may claim an undeniable allegiance to Messiah, many are guilty of Harlot worship. This is why it is important to take seriously Paul’s exhortation in 2 Corinthians 13:5.
5 Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Yeshua Messiah is in you, except you be reprobates?
We must ensure that everything we do is in alignment with the faith that was given in the First Century. This is the very faith that Yehudah was referring to in Yehudah 3.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort that should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
We must ensure that we observe this faith. If not, we may be accused of following traditions of men and even worse harlot practices. This in itself will likely disqualify an individual from being in the Bride of Messiah. They may still retain salvation, but will miss the High Calling of God in Messiah Yeshua. We must protect our status as a true worshiper in Messiah at all costs.
Devarim 22:15
15 Then shall the father of the damsel (naarah), and her mother, take and bring forth the damsel’s (naarah) virginity (besuliym) to the elders (zaqen) of the city in the gate.
Upon hearing that an accusation is made, the parents of the woman are to bring forth the proof of her virginity. This is typically the bed sheets from the wedding night. There should be a spot of blood from the breaking of the woman’s hymen. The proof is brought to the city gates before the elders.
Cloth of Virginity
Cloth of Virginity
Devarim 22:16-17
16 And the damsel’s (naarah) father shall say to the elders (zaqen), I gave my daughter to this man to wife (ishshah), and he hates her; 17 and, lo, he has given occasions of speech saying, I found not your daughter virginity (besuliym); and yet these my daughter’s virginity (besuliym). And they shall spread the cloth (simlah) before the elders of the city.
Cloth comes from the Hebrew word שִׂמְלָה simlah (H8071). It is in the Bible 29 times. שִׂמְלָה simlah (H8071) is translated raiment 11 times, clothes 6 times, garment 6 times, apparel 2 times, cloth 2 times and clothing 2 times. It expresses the idea of a covering assuming the shape of the object beneath. This could be a dress, especially a mantle.
שִׂמְלָה simlah (H8071) is a general word for garments. It is first used in Bereishis 9:23.
23 And Shem and Yefet took a garment (simlah), and laid upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness.
Clothes were rent as a sign of grief in Bereishis 44:13.
13 Then they rent their clothes (simlah), and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.
And in Yehoshua 7:6.
6 And Yehoshua rent his clothes (simlah), and fell to the land upon his face before the Ark of Yehovah until the eventide, he and the elders of Yisrael, and put dust upon their heads.
Yosef gave changes of garment as a gift in Bereishis 45:22.
22 To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment (simlah); but to Binyamin he gave three hundred of silver, and five changes of raiment (simlah).
Men were not to wear women’s garments Devarim 22:5.
5 The woman shall not wear that which pertains to a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment (simlah). For all that do so abomination to Yehovah your Redeemer.
The clothes and sandals of Yisrael were preserved during the wilderness experience, Devarim 8:4.
4 Your raiment (simlah) waxed not old upon you, neither did your foot swell, these forty years.
The word בֶּגֶד beged (H0899) is another general word for garments. It is used more often. It is in the Bible 217 times. בֶּגֶד beged (H0899) is translated garment 107 times, clothes 69 times, cloth 13 times, raiment 12 times, apparel 4 times, robe 4 times, wardrobe 2 times, very 2 times, clothing 1 time, lap 1 time, rags 1 time and vestures 1 time. There are Hebrew words for individual items of clothing and apparel.
False Accusation
False Accusation
Devarim 22:16-17
16 And the damsel’s (naarah) father shall say to the elders (zaqen), I gave my daughter to this man to wife (ishshah), and he hates her; 17 and, lo, he has given occasions of speech saying, I found not your daughter virginity (besuliym); and yet these my daughter’s virginity (besuliym). And they shall spread the cloth (simlah) before the elders of the city.
The father of the bride will present the wedding night bed sheets to the elders to verify the woman’s virginity. This is used to verify the truth of the bride.
The Father is the one to verify the Bride’s purity. A similar thing will occur in the future Millennium.
Devarim 22:18
18 And the elders of that city shall take that man and discipline him;
Discipline (formerly chastise) comes from the Hebrew word יָסַר yasar (H3256). It is in the Bible 43 times. יָסַר yasar (H3256) is translated chastise 21 times, instruct 8 times, correct 7 times, taught 2 times, bound 1 time, punish 1 time, reformed 1 time, reprove 1 time and sore 1 time. It means to chasten, discipline, instruct or admonish. It is the process of correcting an individual through various methods. A better rendering would be to discipline.
When there is proof of a woman’s virginity, the man is to be disciplined. However, there is no description of the discipline. This would be decided by the elders based on the details of the accusation.
Devarim 22:19
19 And they shall fine him in a hundred of silver, and give to the father of the damsel (naarah), because he has brought up an evil name upon a virgin (besulah) of Yisrael. And she shall be his wife (ishshah); he may not put her away all his days.
Fine (formerly amerce) is the Hebrew word עָנַשׁ anash (H6064). It is in the Bible 9 times. עָנַשׁ anash (H6064) is translated punish 5 times, condemned 2 times, amerce 1 time and surely 1 time. It means to inflict a penalty, specifically to fine.
The man who falsely accuses the bride of not being a virgin is fined 100 of silver. The silver is given to the father. The man may not divorce the woman at any time in the future.
The literal can be understood to a point. The figurative brings with it a severe warning.
Bride of Messiah
Bride of Messiah
In the future, those in the Bride of Messiah will be the best of the best. They are described in Revelation 14:4-5.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile. For they are without fault before the throne of God.
To not be defiled with women is not necessarily to be a man. Nor is it necessarily a physical act of fornication. It is referring to not being defiled by the harlot or her babies. As discussed earlier, a born-again believer is a virgin in Spirit. However, what they do in their soul life, their walk, determines whether they are defiled by women. Those in Revelation 14 are believers that are not defiled by the Harlot Church or products of the Harlot Church doctrine. A product would be a denomination that flowed from the Harlot and does not fully practice the Doctrine of Messiah. These would be ones that practice, to some extent, the traditions that flowed from the Harlot Church, 2 Yochanan 9.
9 Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the Doctrine of Messiah, has not God. He that abides in the Doctrine of Messiah, he has both the Father and the Son.
If one abides in the doctrine of the Harlot to some extent, they may not have the Father and the Son. As such, it is questionable if they possess eternal life. We ought to do everything possible to ensure that our worship is free of any Harlot tendencies. If not, we may find ourselves in a precarious position in the future. This is far more important than anything else you may do in this lifetime for you and your loved ones.
Those of Revelation 14 follow the Lamb wherever He goes. This means they are footstep believers. These fulfill 1 Yochanan 2:5-6.
5 But whoso keeps His word (logos), in him verily is the love (agape) of God perfected (teleioo). Hereby know (ginosko) we that we are in Him. 6 He that says he abides in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.
At this point, it should be obvious that there have been very few believers since the cross that fit into this category. This is a very select few. These were redeemed from men, these have been purchased. As such, the selection will not occur until Messiah returns. There is still time to make changes, but time is running out fast. Those that meet the above qualifications are in the running for the Bride. They will be the Firstfruits to God and the Lamb.
In addition, no guile was found in their mouth. Some associate guile with slander; however, that is not what guile refers to. Guile is insidious cunning, deception or duplicity. One who has guile may be classified as both a hypocrite and having a duplicit nature. This can be unknowingly and often is.
A duplicit nature is one that is dishonest in a way that is intended to make somebody believe something that is not true. This is as simple as acting like something and not having the true nature of what they are trying to make people think they have. For example, the basic definition of a Christians is one that lives a life as defined by the Bible. Therefore, a duplicit nature is one that claims to be a Christian, but does not live a life as defined by the Bible.
To be among those in the future Bride of Messiah does not mean that one is perfect. But that they live within the boundaries as defined by the Bible. One that claims to be a Christian would be one that understands and lives within these boundaries. They live a repentant lifestyle, always striving to be complete in Him.
These are firstfruits without fault before the throne of God. It almost sounds as if they have lived a perfect life. However, that is not what this means. To be without fault is to have repented and received forgiveness before God. However, to repent one must know what sin they committed. This can be much harder to understand due to the nature of sin. To fully identify all sin in one’s life, they must be in a very close relationship to God.
Those that are spiritually mature vying for selection for the Bride are those Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
24 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. 25 And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they to obtain a corruptible crown (stephanos); but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air. 27 But I keep under my body, and bring into subjection. Lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
We are all in a race to be part of the Bride of Messiah. Those that are considered spiritually mature will strive throughout their life. They may slow at times, but they do not quit. They may even become a little discouraged, but they never stop striving for perfection or completeness.
The prize of the incorruptible crown Paul is referring to is the High Calling in Philippians 3:13-14.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended. But one thing forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth to those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Messiah Yeshua.
One who is complete strives through a lifetime. These are held to a higher standard in this lifetime. Something they readily accept in their walk.
Now there are those that are not in the above class of believers. They have done various things to disqualify themselves. This is what is meant by castaway. One does not lose salvation, but they will not be part of the Bride of Messiah nor are they complete in this lifetime. The things that disqualify an individual are infractions as determined by God, the Father. This is not a problem for most of us. For many, their biggest issue is a lack of trying or not even understanding the requirements to qualify. To understand the full requirements to be in the Bride or even in the running will require spending time in Scriptures beyond what most of us are doing today. Then applying what we have learned in our lives. One may find that this will push them to their limits. In the end, this will be decided by Yehovah. So a big part of this is having a relationship with Him that is beyond what most presently have. In the end, one may not qualify, but if they strive towards the goal and never give up, they will never regret what they have accomplished.
This is how it relates to this portion of Devarim 22. These will receive persecution from others, 2 Timothy 3:12.
12 Yes, and all that will live godly in Messiah Yeshua shall suffer persecution.
Those who attempt to live a godly life are often the ones persecuted. Following Messiah takes one down a path that is not often traveled. It pulls one from the mainstream and places them on a path less traveled and far more challenging. Most believers, including many in leadership live a lukewarm and worldly life. They please people long before they please God. Many of them do it for notoriety.
We should be very careful before we criticize anyone. We ought to first learn who we should be and how we should walk. Anyone true to the Bible will soon discover that criticism and persecution are not actions of a footstep follower of Messiah. Those who take such a path, criticize other, will find they may have offended the Father. There will be discipline and penalties in this lifetime and in the future.
Masquerading as a Virgin
Masquerading as a Virgin
Devarim 22:20
20 But if this thing be true, virginity (besuliym) be not found for the damsel (naarah).
Obviously, the other possibility is that the woman is not a virgin. She will be dealt with accordingly.
Devari 22:21
21 Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die. Because she has wrought folly in Yisrael, to play the whore in her father’s house. So shall you put evil away from among you.
In the case of a masquerading virgin, the woman is brought before her father’s house and is stoned.
This may seem to be simple in the literal sense. It may even anger some because of the stoning of the woman; however, one must understand the figurative meaning.
Although stoning may seem severe, one should not masquerade as a virgin. As a matter of fact, a true believer should not masquerade as anything other than what they are.
In the figurative, this is pointing to those that knowingly masquerade as qualified virgins, yet are involved in harlot religion. These are those that are defiled with women. They are taken to their father’s house, the god of the false religion they followed and will be spiritually stoned. What this looks like is unknown. But in the future there will be many that will realize they were operating outside the boundaries of the faith. They were masquerading as a virgin. Thankfully so, there is the Restitution of All Things.
Simple Adultery
Simple Adultery
Devarim 22:22
22 If a man be found lying with a woman married (baal) to a husband (baal), then they shall both of them die, the man that lay with the woman, and the woman. So shall you put away evil from Yisrael.
If a married woman has sexual relationship with anyone other than her husband, both are slain. This was to put away evil. We are to remain physically pure as well as spiritually.
If this was practiced in today’s world, in most counties a greater potion of the population would be eliminated. We should not let our passions and emotions control us. We need to focus on the spiritual. Allowing our passions to get the better of us will bring pain in the years to come. Possibly, the pain and troubles will never end.
The figurative of this would be that one is possibly twice dead. They have chosen other than Yehovah. Or it is one that had salvation wandered from the path and their soul life died. They became useless to Yehovah. These are the men and women of Mishlei 7:22-27.
22 He goes after her straightway, as an ox (shor) goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; 23 until a dart strike through his liver; as a bird haste to the snare, and knows not that it for his life. 24 Hearken to Me now therefore, children and attend to the words of My mouth. 25 Let not your heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. 26 For she has cast down many wounded. Yes, many strong have been slain by her. 27 Her house the way to sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
If one does not recover from this situation, they live a dead life in this lifetime.
This commandment was formerly discussed in Vayyiqra 20:10.
10 And the man that commits adultery with man’s wife, that commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
Adultery Within the City
Adultery Within the City
Devarim 22:23
23 If a damsel (naarah) a virgin (besulah) be betrothed (aras) to a husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;
Betrothed is the Hebrew word אָרַשׂ aras (H0781). It is in the Bible 11 times. אָרַשׂ aras (H0781) is translated betroth 10 times and espouse 1 time. It refers to a woman that is engaged for matrimony. It should always be rendered betrothed.
What is discussed here is adultery prior to marriage. Some will label this fornication rather than adultery. What is important to understand in all these cases, the woman was formerly a virgin promised to another.
Within the city, the man and the virgin have a sexual encounter.
Devarim 22:24
24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel (naarah), because she cried not, in the city; and the man, because he has humbled his neighbor’s wife. So you shall put away evil from among you.
If the woman did not cry out in the city, both the man and the woman are stoned. The woman because she should have cried out. The fact that she was complicit makes her as guilty as the man. The man is stoned because he took advantage of the woman’s weakness.
Of course there are situations where the woman would not be able to cry out. These would be determined by the elders of the city.
To be in the city is to be spiritually within the Kingdom. If harlotry is occurring, we are to cry out to God for release. He will move us in time to a congregation that is not committing harlotry or remove the harlotry. We must answer the call or we will be liable for the penalty. We must follow His lead.
Adultery in the Field
Adultery in the Field
Devarim 22:25
25 But if a man find a betrothed (aras) damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her. Then the man only that lay with her shall die.
In the field, if there is a sexual encounter. Only the man is slain. These are less offensive because of the nature of the location.
Devarim 22:26
26 But to the damsel you shall do nothing; in the damsel no sin of death. For as when a man rises against his neighbor, and slays him, even so this matter.
In the field, the woman is not slain, because she could not be heard. “In the field” has reference to being in the world outside the Kingdom. In the world, there is no one to hear. These are the weakest of believers. The world does not always find adultery or fornication unacceptable. They do not maintain the purity of their virgins. They are more than willing to use a virgin in service to their god as they deem appropriate. The virgin who is a believer must first answer the call of Revelation 18:4.
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, That you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues.
We must first take action to remove ourselves from the Harlot Church. Once in the Kingdom, our cries will be heard. However, if we cry out, but do not do as He tells us, we could be liable in this case.
Devarim 22:27
27 For he found her in the field, the betrothed (aras) damsel cried, and none to save her.
In the field, there may not be one to save us. They must find their way back. For many there is little hope until they return as in Luke 15:17-24.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger. 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you, 19 and am no more worthy to be called your son, make me as one of your hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called your son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on feet. 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill; and let us eat, and be merry. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Before we can be heard, we must return to the Kingdom. The field, the world, is a confusing place. There are many voices calling out for attention and even more answering with false hope. We need to find our way to the Kingdom, this is where we can be heard. This is where the Father will protect us, if we listen to His Spirit and Truth.
Premarital Relationships
Premarital Relationships
Devarim 22:28
28 If a man find a damsel a virgin, which is not betrothed (aras), and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;
This involves a man and women that have sexual relations and the women is neither married nor betrothed.
Devarim 22:29
29 then the man that lay with her shall give to the virgin’s (besulah) father fifty of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he has humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.
The man is to give the woman’s father 50 of silver. She becomes his wife and the man cannot divorce the woman. It is a permanent bond that cannot be broken with a Get.
This was formerly in Shemos 22:16-17.
16 And if a man entice a virgin (besulah) that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife. 17 If her father utterly refuse to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins (besulah).
Father’s Wife
Father’s Wife
Devarim 22:30
30 A man shall not take his father’s wife, nor discover his father’s skirt.
We are never to marry our father’s wife nor be expose our father’s nakedness.
This was formerly discussed in Vayyiqra 18:8.
8 The nakedness of your father’s wife shall you not uncover. It your father’s nakedness (ervah).
And in Vayyiqra 20:11.
11 And the man that lies with his father’s wife has uncovered his father’s nakedness (ervah). Both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood upon them.
Return to Devarim (Deuteronomy)
Return to Books of the Bible
Return to Bible Studies