This Bible study explores what it means to live a holy life according to Deuteronomy 23-26.
The call to holiness is seen throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 23-26, we see this call as God outlines what it means to be set apart for Him. These chapters reveal the importance of purity in leadership, respect within the community, mercy in justice, and gratitude for God’s faithfulness. Together, they paint a picture of what it looks like to live a holy life as a people fully devoted to the Lord.
From the exclusion of certain individuals in the assembly to the careful commands for respecting others, we see God’s desire for His people to reflect His holiness in every aspect of life. These laws may seem foreign or even perplexing at first glance. But they underscore timeless truths about the character of God and the way He calls His people to live.
Read all about what it means to live. holy life, before reflecting on it below.
Deuteronomy 23-26
Living a holy life in the Assembly
There were some who were not allowed in the assembly of the Lord. Although this term could refer to those gathered to worship God, it most likely refers to the leaders or rulers of Israel. The reason for their separation was simple. God wanted those who led His people to be fully committed to living a holy life. Those excluded from the assembly had questionable heritage that could indicate a divided heart. Although they were not excluded from the general covenant community of Israel, they were unable to lead others spiritually.
How do you see the effects of spiritually divided households on those within? Are you fully committed to serving God only (Deuteronomy 10:12)?
A holy camp
In an odd statement, God commands that His people maintain a certain level of cleanliness about their camp. Or else He would turn away from them. The Israelites understood that God was not contained in the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, or the Holy of Holies. He is everywhere. Moving in our midsts. Because of this, the Israelites understood that God would walk among them, weaving through the roads of their tents. If there was anything unclean, it would offend their Holy God. The same is true of our lives today. God is everywhere, walking among the isles of our lives.
Do you have anything impure you are trying to disguise before God (Psalm 139:23-24)?
A holy life Considers others
Many of the Laws presented here seem odd or even harsh to us because we are not aware of the cultural norms during this time. However, each of the laws presented had an underlying theme of living a holy life. This was done in-part by respecting others, considering their dignity, and treating others as more important than yourself.
A man was not allowed to divorce his wife, let her be married to another, and then re-marry her if the option arose. That would lead to women being passed around as commodities. Instead he was to love and cherish her, just as he loved and cared for his own body (Ephesians 5:28). In the same way, someone who gave a loan to a neighbor was not allowed to enter his home to receive the pledge. Instead they were to show dignity to the man who received the loan. Even if it meant returning the pledge every night.
As followers of Christ, we are to consider others more important than ourselves. How do you practice this principle on a daily basis (Philippians 2:3-4)?
Mercy amidst due punishment
Moses instructed the leaders and judges that when someone had committed a crime worthy of punishment, they could inflict up to forty lashes. This was a way to limit the punishment to not only make sure tht it fit the crime, but also to show God’s mercy to sinners. The reason given for the restraint was that if they guilty received more than forty lashes, they may be degraded in the sight of Israel. Here, a punishment was not meant humiliate the guilty or make others view them as inferior. Rather, punishment was limited as a tool for correction so that the crime would not be readily repeated.
Do you rejoice when others are shown mercy for their sin? Or do you relish when their humiliation comes to light (James 3:17)?
Mercy for those who serve
There is an odd command sandwiched in Deuteronomy 25, which instructs to not “muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Here, we see God’s mercy displayed in two ways. The first is that we are to show compassion for animals. When ox tread grain, they are attached to a mill as the pull a stone to grind the grain into flour. While they are walking around the mill, they are free to eat the grain. If they are muzzled, they are prevented from grazing as they work.
The second way this command alludes to showing mercy is for those who serve others. Paul interprets this verse to show that whoever plows and threshes does so in the hope of sharing in the harvest (1 Corinthians 9:10). Humanity is to be shown to those who dedicate their lives in service to God.
Do you show mercy to those who serve, such as by giving tithes and offerings to your local church (1 Timothy 5:17-22)?
Remembering God’s faithfulness and acting on it
When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they were to offer their firstfruits to God. This was to be a time of public acknowledgement for all God had done for them. It was also a time to remember that they had been slaves in Egypt, and it was only through God’s mercy that they made it to the prosperity of the Promised Land. They acknowledged that the firstfruit offering they brought to God had been given to them by God.
Do you publicly acknowledge God’s blessing in your own life (Hebrews 13:15)?
Make a declaration
Israel was commanded to declare their allegiance and dedication to God by their obedience to Him. They were to remember His authority as Lord over their lives and respect Him as such. Their obedience was to be in the form of listening to His voice, and following all of His commands in their lives. It wasn’t meant to be merely ceremonial, but a daily way of living. And God would declare Israel as His people – with all of the privilege it brings.
Do you live in obedience to God’s voice, following His commands (Exodus 19:5-6)?
Reflect on what it means to live a holy life
This passage brings a challenge to examine our hearts and lives. Are you living in a way that honors God’s presence? Are you quick to extend mercy, uphold justice, and treat others with dignity? Do you publicly acknowledge God’s faithfulness and declare you allegiance to Him through obedience?
Take a moment to reflect on how these ancient words apply to your life today. Let this study remind you that holiness is not just about personal piety. It’s about allowing God’s presence to transform every area of your life for His glory.