Deuteronomy:14

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* Verse 1-21 - Moses tells the people of Israel how God had given them three distinguishing privileges , which were their honour , and figures of those spiritual blessings in heavenly things , with which God has in Christ blessed us . Here is election ; "The Lord hath chosen thee ." He did not choose them because they were by their own acts a peculiar people to him above other nations , but he chose them that they might be so by his grace ; and thus were believers chosen , Ephesians strkjv @1:4 . Here is adoption ; "Ye are the children of the Lord your God ;" not because God needed children , but because they were orphans , and needed a father . Every spiritual Israelite is indeed a child of God , a partaker of his nature and favour . Here is sanctification ; "Thou art a holy people ." God 's people are required to be holy , and if they are holy , they are indebted to the grace God which makes them so . Those whom God chooses to be his children , he will form to be a holy people , and zealous of good works . They must be careful to avoid every thing which might disgrace their profession , in the sight of those who watch for their halting . Our heavenly Father forbids nothing but for our welfare . Do thyself no harm ; do not ruin thy health , thy reputation , thy domestic comforts , thy peace of mind . Especially do not murder thy soul . Do not be the vile slave of thy appetites and passions . Do not render all around thee miserable , and thyself wretched ; but aim at that which is most excellent and useful . The laws which regarded many sorts of flesh as unclean , were to keep them from mingling with their idolatrous neighbours . It is plain in the gospel , that these laws are now done away . But let us ask our own hearts , Are we of the children of the Lord our God ? Are we separate from the ungodly world , in being set apart to God 's glory , the purchase of Christ 's blood ? Are we subjects of the work of the Holy Ghost ? Lord , teach us from these precepts how pure and holy all thy people ought to live ! * Verse 22-29 - A second portion from the produce of their land was required . The whole appointment evidently was against the covetousness , distrust , and selfishness of the human heart . It promoted friendliness , liberality , and cheerfulness , and raised a fund for the relief of the poor . They were taught that their worldly portion was most comfortably enjoyed , when shared with their brethren who were in want . If we thus serve God , and do good with what we have , it is promised that the Lord our God will bless us in all the works of our land . The blessing of God is all to our outward prosperity ; and without that blessing , the work of our hands will bring nothing to pass . The blessing descends upon the working hand . Expect not that God should bless thee in thy idleness and love of ease . And it descends upon the giving hand . He who thus scatters , certainly increases ; and to be free and generous in the support of religion , and any good work , is the surest and safest way of thriving . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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