Deuteronomy:21

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* Verse 1-9 - If a murderer could not be found out , great solemnity is provided for putting away the guilt from the land , as an expression of dread and detesting of that sin . The providence of God has often wonderfully brought to light these hidden works of darkness , and the sin of the guilty has often strangely found them out . The dread of murder should be deeply impressed upon every heart , and all should join in detecting and punishing those who are guilty . The elders were to profess that they had not been any way aiding or abetting the sin . The priests were to pray to God for the country and nation , that God would be merciful . We must empty that measure by our prayers , which others are filling by their sins . All would be taught by this solemnity , to use the utmost care and diligence to prevent , discover , and punish murder . We may all learn from hence to take heed of partaking in other men 's sins . And we have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , if we do not reprove them . * Verse 10-14 - By this law a soldier was allowed to marry his captive , if he pleased . This might take place upon some occasions ; but the law does not show any approval of it . It also intimates how binding the laws of justice and honour are in marriage ; which is a sacred engagement . * Verse 15-17 - This law restrains men from disinheriting their eldest sons without just cause . The principle in this case as to children , is still binding to parents ; they must give children their right without partiality . * Verse 18-21 - Observe how the criminal is here described . He is a stubborn and rebellious son . No child was to fare the worse for weakness of capacity , slowness , or dulness , but for wilfulness and obstinacy . Nothing draws men into all manner of wickedness , and hardens them in it more certainly and fatally , than drunkenness . When men take to drinking , they forget the law of honouring parents . His own father and mother must complain of him to the elders of the city . Children who forget their duty , must thank themselves , and not blame their parents , if they are regarded with less and less affection . He must be publicly stoned to death by the men of his city . Disobedience to a parent 's authority must be very evil , when such a punishment was ordered ; nor is it less provoking to God now , though it escapes punishment in this world . But when young people early become slaves to sensual appetites , the heart soon grows hard , and the conscience callous ; and we can expect nothing but rebellion and destruction . mhcc @Deuteronomy:21:22 ,23 @ Verse 22 ,23 - By the law of Moses , the touch of a dead body was defiling , therefore dead bodies must not be left hanging , as that would defile the land . There is one reason here which has reference to Christ ; "He that is hanged is accursed of God ;" that is , it is the highest degree of disgrace and reproach . Those who see a man thus hanging between heaven and earth , will conclude him abandoned of both , and unworthy of either . Moses , by the Spirit , uses this phrase of being accursed of God , when he means no more than being treated most disgracefully , that it might afterward be applied to the death of Christ , and might show that in it he underwent the curse of the law for us ; which proves his love , and encourages to faith in him . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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