Jesus said that doing to others what we would have them do to us sums up the Law and the Prophets (Mt 7:12). God details how in Deuteronomy. If a fellow Israelite's animal is lost or fallen, a person must help the owner by caring for and helping the animal. An Israelite who builds a house must also put up a parapet to avoid accidental bloodshed. Eggs or young birds can be taken, but the mother must be freed lest the population of birds be reduced and other Israelites suffer. Doing good to others comes with a promise – God blesses them, and they enjoy a long life (7b).

God then teaches the people to seek purity with various laws about planting different seeds, yoking different animals, and how to dress. Later, Jesus would rebuke the Pharisees for keeping the laws about their tassels but missing the point (Mt 23:5). God desires his people to be pure in lifestyle and heart. This is seen most clearly in the laws regarding marriage. A man who slanders his new bride is punished. A promiscuous woman is also punished. Adultery and rape could be both punishable by death. Marriage, which reflects God's relationship with his people and provides the foundations of families and nations, must be honored and free of sexual immorality (Heb 13:5).


Application: Lord, help us to do good to others and give us a pure heart. Please restore your view of marriage and sexual purity in our land.
One Word: Do good with a pure heart