Clean in body and spirit
Deuteronomy Chapters 23-25 Read it here
Scattered through these chapters are laws referred to in the New Testament, including the very first verses of Chapter 23 that help understand how consequential the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch is in the eighth chapter of Acts.
The law in 25:4, do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, is probably a straightforward rule about an animal’s wellbeing; it would be cruel to prevent an ox from eating grain when surrounded by it. Both 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy will apply the verse to humans, though, in ensuring the right of the worker to be paid.
Several verses show concern for workers. Verses 23:15-16 even forbid the return of an escaped slave, allowing them asylum. While it’s always a challenge to apply ancient legal principles to modern conditions, this verse calls for consideration in current discussions of the treatment of refugees.
Early verses of Chapter 23 discuss relations with other nations, even making the assertion, “Do not despise an Egyptian, because you resided as foreigners in their country.” That verse is a surprisingly positive approach to a nation that enslaved Israel for generations.
Taken as a whole, today’s reading supports the common scriptural themes of maintaining purity while also treating others with compassion and respect.