Justin Houtz

Deuteronomy 14, Galatians 5

DateVersionReading Plan
June 16, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Deuteronomy 14

Observation & Interpretation

The LORD through Moses told the people that they were not to practice the same pagan mourning rituals as the nations in cutting themselves or making any baldness on their heads (Deut. 14:1). They were to be a people holy to the LORD who He had chosen for a treasured possession (Deut. 14:2).

The people are then given instruction as to what they were to eat, clean and unclean foods as well as what was to be slaughtered vs. what had died naturally. The people were not to eat of anything that died naturally but it could be given to the sojourner or be sold to a foreigner. “Gentiles were permitted to eat the flesh of an animal that died by itself, whereas Jews were not (v. 21a). To do so would violate Deuteronomy 12:23 because the blood had not been properly removed from the animal.” (BBC)

The people were to tithe all the yield that came from the field year by year (Deut. 14:22). This was to be eaten before the LORD their God in the place He had chosen that they may learn to fear the LORD their God always (Deut. 14:23). “However, if the offerer lived so far from … the place where God placed His name that he was not able to carry his tithe there, he could exchange the produce for money, carry the money to God’s sanctuary, and buy food and drink there to be enjoyed before the LORD.” (BBC).

At the end of every three years, the tithe at home was used to feed the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless and the widow that they may eat and be filled (Deut. 14:28-29). This they did in order that the LORD their God may bless them in all the work of their hands that they did.

Application

Multiple times in the chapter, we see mention of the Levite who had no portion within the towns of the people as well as how provision was to be made for the sojourner, fatherless and widow. As the BBC states that “the poor and needy are a high priority as far as the LORD is concerned” and quotes Prov. 19:17: “He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given.”

The LORD has great compassion on those of lowly estate and we are to be agents of such compassion. Admittedly, I do not do this well; often passing or driving by those in need, wrongfully assuming that they want handouts or that they will either squander or misuse what they are given. Some discernment is required because there is such great need and I cannot fulfill it all, but this brings awareness to how I need to seek the Lord’s guidance in whom He has for me to aid.

Galatians 5

Observation & Interpretation

In Gal. 5:11, Paul spoke of how if he still preached circumcision the offense of the cross would be removed. The BBC provides helpful comment:

Legalism does away with the offense of the cross. Paul now answers the absurd charge that even he at times preached the necessity of circumcision. He is still suffering persecution at the hands of the Jews. This persecution would stop instantly if he preached circumcision, because that would mean he had abandoned preaching the cross. The cross is an offense to man. It offends him or stumbles him because it tells him that there is nothing he can do to earn salvation. It gives no place to the flesh and its efforts. It spells an end to human works. If Paul were to introduce works by preaching circumcision, then he would be setting aside the whole meaning of the cross.

Application

It is helpful to be reminded of the reason why the cross is so offensive. The root of all sin is to be our own god and its primary manifestation is autonomy and self-achieved salvation. We rebel against the understanding that we need a Savior because thinking otherwise would require admission that we are sinners set at enmity against a holy and righteous God. As Richard Sibbes said in The Bruised Reed, “Men, for the most part, are not lost enough in their own feeling for a savior. A holy despair in ourselves is the ground for true hope.” Praise be to God that He has chosen to humble some by His Spirit, revealing the truth of our sinful state and of the grace poured out for us in the sacrifice of His Son.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are compassionate a merciful to those in need. Father, guide me by Your Spirit to be more generous and to know whom You have for me to bless. Father, thank You for opening my eyes that I may see my great need for You. Father, help me to share who You are and what You have done in order that You would be glorified.

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