Deuteronomy 23

Chapter Introduction

The “assemblies” appear in the context of the preparation for war, allotment of land, making treaties, and judicial decisions. This normally meant all adult males of the age to worship at the temple or go to war. Certain people were to be excluded when the assembly gathered to decide.

The assembly takes on the look of a sacred space. As God’s chosen people, they were required to maintain ritual purity as part of their covenant. The unclean were excluded from assemblies, as well as the strangers.

Deuteronomy 23:1

The emasculation could be accidental or intentional. Either way, that person is restricted. Emasculation could include castration. In some cultures, the royal eunuchs were castrated to prevent sexual misconduct with the royal harem. It’s not clear if this was done in Israel. This was a physical flaw that made one unclean or impure. This condition disqualified priests and made animals ineligible for sacrifice.

Eunuchs were excluded because God’s covenant with Israel was vitally connected with the idea of the seed, and emasculation is a “crime” against the seed of man. Additionally, most eunuchs were made to be so in pagan ceremonies where they were dedicated to pagan gods. (Guzik)

Deuteronomy 23:2

Children born of illegitimate relationships or a marriage to a non-Israelite fall in this category. This extends to ten generations, considered hyperbole by many, meaning forever.

Deuteronomy 23:3-6

Both the Ammonites and Moabites were related to the Israelites through Lot. However, they opposed Israel on their journey to Canaan. They also hired Balaam with cost them a server punishment (Numbers 22). This extended to ten generations also, and the precept did not expire. These people were not qualified to share in the blessings of Israel.

Both groups also had evidence of Nephilim within their land, which would have been pollution of their bloodlines.

Deuteronomy 23:7-8

The Edomite (descendants of Esau), however, was considered a brother. They likewise would not abhor an Egyptian because they were aliens in that land. The children of the third generation of a union to an Edomite or Egyptian could enter the assembly.

The specific use of this “third generation” timeframe makes the “tenth generation” references appear more specific.

Deuteronomy 23:9-14

It was important for the army to maintain ritual purity in the camp. They were to be aware that Yahweh was among them. The camp of the army was to be considered a sacred space. The war they made was a holy war. The person and the place were to be kept clean.

They were to dig their latrine outside the camp and ensure it was covered when business was complete.

Deuteronomy 23:15-16

This is likely talking about non-Israelite slaves here. Israel’s debt slaves would be freed after seven years. Israel was to become a place of refuge, freedom, and a fresh start for the oppressed slave. This is the story of Israel, having escaped Egypt by the hand of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 23:17-18

This passage is a little obscure, but it seems to restrict the Israelites from taking part in any Canaanite ritual prostitution. This would seem to be a given, but many of these laws seem like they wouldn’t have to be said. The “perverted one” is a male prostitute. The Canaanite shrines hired prostitutes for their fertility rituals. The prostitutes brought their wages back to the temple. An Israelite owing a pledge or something to the temple was not to resort to prostitution to pay it.

The “wages of a harlot” refers to female prostitution. The “price of a dog” is a derogatory idiomatic phrase referring to male prostitutes. They generally viewed dogs unfavorably.

Deuteronomy 23:19-20

It was a moral obligation for an Israelite to loan their brother money if they could afford it. There was an equal obligation to repay it. An Israelite was to never charge interest on the load to a brother, but they could to a foreigner.

Handling money correctly was tied to the blessing of the Lord on the work in the land.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23

When using the name of God for a vow, a person brings the Lord into the contract. The Lord takes this seriously. Failure to carry out the stipulation of the vow breaks the contract and exposes that person to the wrath of God.

This is a caution to guard your tongue. Let your yes be yes and no be no (Matthew 5:33-37). It’s wise not to make a vow. If you do, be diligent to pay it.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it;

For He has no pleasure in fools.

Pay what you have vowed—

Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)

Deuteronomy 23:24-25

The harvest belongs to God. He made the provision for the poor to glean or the traveler to be refreshed and strengthened. A handful of grain or fruit, taken in passing a field is permissible. It is theft is a person constantly harvests from his neighbor’s field.

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