Deuteronomy Chapter 25 – God Has the First & Final Say
Having read through this chapter multiple times, quite desperately trying to find a common thread tying its 4 main sections together, I’ve found that the essence of its content is but an extension of God’s concern, mercy and justness into our personal affairs and as His chosen people.
A few takeaways from this chapter include:
V1-V4 – an awareness and adherence to physical boundaries (for both man and animal)
V5-V12 – the perpetuation of God’s holy chosen race through marriage and the family unit and its significance to God
V13-V16 – an emphasis on the upholding of honesty and righteousness
V17-V19 – the conclusion of the matter; exemplified by His judgement of the Amalekites, God’s judgement is and must be the first and final
Even in judgement, just as both humans and animals are fallible, mortal and limited, God has set corresponding limits for us. These limits have opposing functions – chastisement and preservation, and in them, the juxtaposition of the two. These two work hand in hand to keep a semblance of societal peace and order.
Here, we see God as a just witness and judge in the execution of punishment where punishment is due. We also see God as a fierce defender of His people when they have very clearly been wronged.
More often than not, from a big-picture perspective/in the grand scheme of things, it may seem as if whatever we have done with our God-given free will holds little to no weight at all, that nothing we have done or are capable of will ever be noteworthy.
May these chapters in Deuteronomy serve as comfort, reassurances and stern words of caution to us that God holds us firmly accountable to our every thought, word and deed, taking note of all; no one and nothing escapes His watchful gaze. And it shall be that in due time, God will measure it all back to us.
