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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for January 2024
February 1, 2024
Deuteronomy 17:14 – When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me.
Thought: This is an interesting prophecy made by God regarding the monarchy that would ultimately develop in the nation of Israel. This would not transpire for several hundred more years, but God knew it was coming. Eventually, Israel would say: “I will set a king over me.” This would involve rebellion against God as their king. The reason they desired a king is because they longed to be “like as all the nations” about them. Conformity was their longing.
Romans 12:2
February 2, 2024
Deuteronomy 17:15 – Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee; thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.
Thought: Yes, God knew Israel would eventually set a king over them. In this verse, He sets forth two guidelines regarding this monarch. First, the king would be chosen by God. Since, Israel was God’s people, this is not an unreasonable expectation. Second, the king could not be a stranger, that is, a person from a foreign land. The king had to be a Jew. Strangers had different gods, different agendas, and different behaviors. Israel was suppose to remain holy.
I Samuel 9:15-17
February 3, 2024
Deuteronomy 17:16, 17 – But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
Thought: The Lord warns the kings to come against doing three things. First, they were not to multiply horses to themselves. Horses represented military power. Instead of trusting in God’s strength, the king might trust in his military. Second, he was not to multiply wives to himself. These women could turn his heart from God to idols. Third, he was not to multiply unto himself gold and silver. Too many riches could cause him to quit trusting in God.
I Kings 11:1-4
February 4, 2024
Deuteronomy 17:18, 19 – And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests and Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them.
Thought: The Jews were the covenant people of God. Having a king did not remove their responsibility to the law. The king was required to make sure the law was obeyed. Each king was to write for himself a copy of the law. It was supposed to be with him constantly. He was to “read therein all the days of his life.” He was to manifest awe for God. His fear of the Lord was to be displayed in his obedience to the words and statutes of the Law of Moses.
II Chronicles 34:14-19
February 5, 2024
Deuteronomy 17:20 – That his heart be not lifted above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in the kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
Thought: When a person is exalted to a powerful position, he is templted to be lifted up with pride and arrogancy above those he is supposed to serve. He can exalt himself to a point that he believes he doesn’t have to obey God. This is why God commanded the king of Israel to keep a copy of God’s law with him at all times. Heeding God’s law keeps one humble. If the king obeyed God completely, his kingdom would be prolonged even after his death.
II Chronicles 32:24-26
February 6, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:1, 2 – The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part or inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and of his inheritance. Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the Lord is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.
Thought: The tribe of Levi was chosen by God to be the priestly tribe. They were chosen instead of all the firstborn being used for that purpose. When they entered into the Promised Land, they did not receive an inheritance of land to call their own. The Lord, however, did not allow them to go emptyhanded. “They shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire and of his inheritance.” Part of their bounty came from the sacrifices of the Jews upon the altar.
Numbers 18:8-9
February 7, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:3, 4 – And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. The firstfruit also of the corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.
Thought: Because the Levites did not receive a portion of the land of Canaan, God took care of them in other ways. It was the responsibility of God’s people to help support them because of the service they rendered to the tabernacle of God. The priests received a portion of the sacrifices of the people. They also received the firstfruit of the corn, the wine, the oil, and the fleece of the people. God provides for His people’s needs in many ways.
Leviticus 7:30-34
February 8, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:5 – For the Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons for ever.
Thought: Levi served a very important function within the nation of Israel. God had chosen him “to stand to minister in the name of the Lord.” This was a spiritual work. Sometimes men fail to see the importance of the spiritual over the physical. Those who labor spiritually are doing God’s bidding. They are proclaiming God’s Word. They are attending to God’s temple. They are dealing with souls. They are dealing with things that are eternal in nature.
Numbers 16:8-10
February 9, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:6, 7 – And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the Lord shall choose; then he shall minister in the name of the Lord his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the Lord.
Thought: The Levites were to be given 48 Levitical cities throughout the land of Israel. A Levite could own a home, but the land upon which he lived was not part of the tribe of Levi. When it was his time to minister before the Lord, he would have to leave his home and go to the place the Lord choose to place His tabernacle. He would stand before all of the other priests who had to do likewise. The job was one of honor, but it also required some sacrifice.
Luke 10:30-32
February 10, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:8 – They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.
Thought: Again, the Levites were not given a portion of land in Israel. The tribe as a whole was given 48 Levitical cities. The Levites could locate in these cities and buy homes. Too, they could farm and own animals. These assets are involved in the word “patrimony” mentioned in the verse. These things allowed them to live comfortably in addition to the portions of the sacrifices they were given to eat. God provided for His priests.
I Kings 2:26
February 11, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:9 – When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
Thought: The seven nations of Canaan were idol worshipers. Too, they were extremely immoral. God had separated them from all the nations to be a holy people who would do His bidding. If Israel learned the practices of the heathen, they would depart from Him. Too, they would cease to be the kind of people worthy to do His bidding. The world today is still evil and corrupt. God’s people are still called to come out from them and be separate.
II Corinthians 6:14-7:1
February 12, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:10, 11 – There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Thought: God prohibited the Israelites from getting involves in any form of black magic. Getting involved in matters that are connected to death and evil spirits in the unseen realm is extremely dangerous. It can lead to reprehensible practices. One of these involves offering one’s children to false gods. This is what Moses referred to when he told Israelites not to make their sons or daughters pass through the fire. Idolatry is truly evil and heinous.
Leviticus 20:1-3
February 13, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:13 – Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God.
Thought: When some read this passage, they respond by saying: “This is impossible. No human being can be perfect.” The key to understanding the passage is to define the word. The word means to be complete and entire. It involves the concepts of truth, honesty, and integrity. Thus, one is not hypocritical. A person who is perfect walks in the commands of God. He seeks to be without blemish and without spot. Innocent is a synonym.
Matthew 5:48
February 14, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:14 – For these nations which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
Thought: The nations that occupied the land of Canaan before the Israelites engaged in all kinds of sinful behaviors. Many of them were occupied with observers of times and diviners. Black magic and sorcery intrigued and excited them. They put their trust in those who practiced these evil ways. God did not want His people involved in these corrupt practices. Just because human beings do things does not mean those things are right and profitable.
Acts 8:9-11
February 15, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:15 – The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.
Thought: This is a prophecy about Jesus Christ. There are several things that are noted about this Prophet. First, he is a spokesman for God. Second, God would raise this individual up. One would not assume the position for himself. Third, he would spring forth from the Jewish nation. Fourth, he would be a prophet like unto Moses in many ways. Fifth, the Jews were supposed to hearken unto his words. He came in the last days.
Hebrews 1:1-2
February 16, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:16, 17 – According to all that thou desiredst of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the Lord said unto me, they have well spoken that which they have spoken.
Thought: At the foot of Mount Sinai, the Lord spoke to the children of Israel personally from the mount. The voice of God shook the Israelites. They requested for Moses to be their go-between. It would be he that received God’s Law. Then, he would communicate it to the nation. God honored that request. In like manner, there would be a law-giver in the Christian dispensation. He would communicate God’s Word like Moses did. This was Jesus.
Exodus 20:18-21
February 17, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:18, 19 – I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
Thought: From this verse we learn much about God’s communication with man. First, God usually communicates His will through a human being who occupies the office of a Prophet. Second, this man does not speak forth his own word, but God puts His words into the mouth of the prophet. Third, it is the responsibility of the prophet to speak all God commands. Fourth, man is required to hearken unto the prophets words or suffer the consequences.
Acts 3:22-23
February 18, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:20 – But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Thought: Several transgressions in the Law of Moses carried the death penalty. The one mentioned in this verse involves false prophets. A prophet was not allowed to speak words from his imagination. He was only to speak what the Spirit of God revealed. Too, he was never to speak in the name of a false god. Words spoken in the name of a false god would lead Israel away from the true God. Those who did these things were sentenced to death.
I Kings 18:40
February 19, 2024
Deuteronomy 18:21, 22 – And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Thought: God knew false prophets would arise in Israel. He also knew that false prophets were difficult to detect. Thus, he gave Israel a means of testing the prophets. If the prophet spoke of an event that was to come in the future, but it did not transpire, “that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken.” It was spoken presumptuously, that is, out of foolishness, pride, and arrogance. Once he was revealed to be a fraud, God’s children need not fear him.
Revelation 2:2
February 20, 2024
Deuteronomy 19:1 – When the Lord thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the Lord thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwell in their cities, and in their houses.
Thought: When these words were written, Israel had not yet crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. In this verse, God plainly declares victory for the nation of Israel. They would cut off the nations. They would succeed the nation in the land. They would dwell in their cities and in their houses. God saw the end before it transpired. Israel could do the same by faith. In like manner, God has assured us of victory. Do you have faith?
Joshua 23:9
February 21, 2024
Deuteronomy 19:2, 3 – Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it. Thou shalt prepare a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts that every slayer may flee thither.
Thought: Israel already possessed the land on the western side of the Jordan. They were about to conquer the land on the east of the Jordan. Once it was theirs, they were to set up three cities that would become “the cities of refuge.” There would also be three cities on the eastern side of the river that would be cities of refuge. These were Levitical cities. These cities were places of refuge for the “slayer,” one who unintentionally had taken a life.
Numbers 35:10-15
February 22, 2024
Deuteronomy 19:4, 5 – And this is the case of the slayer which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbor ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past. As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbor to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbor, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live.
Thought: It is one thing to kill a person in cold blood, and it is another thing to kill a person accidentally. In both cases, however, a life has been lost. Families have lost a loved one. In both cases, families members may desire to get even. An accidental killing, however, should not be avenged. Thus, God provided an escape for “the slayer” in the Old Law. He could flee to a city of refuge and be protected until the case was heard. God is a just God.
Numbers 35:22-25
February 23, 2024
Deuteronomy 19:6, 7 – Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past. Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.
Thought: When a murder was committed with hatred and in cold blood, the Law allowed an “avenger” to pursue the murderer. The avenger would be a family member who desired an eye for an eye. However, in the case of an accidental killing, vengeance was not justified. Yes, an avenger might arise and desire to take justice into his own hands, but an accidental killer “was not worthy of death.” A city of refuge would provide the slayer with protection.
Numbers 35:11-12
February 24, 2024
Deuteronomy 19:8, 9 – And if the Lord thy God enlarge thy coast, as he hath sworn unto they fathers, and give thee all the land which he promised to give unto thy fathers; if thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them, which I command thee this day, to love the Lord thy God, and to walk ever in his ways; then shalt thou add three cities more for thee, beside these three.
Thought: Prior to entering into the Land of Promise to conquer it, two and a half tribes asked for the land on the eastern side of the Jordan River. It was perfect for raising flocks and herds. The Lord promised them this land if they would faithfully fight with their brethren to conquer the western lands. Once this land was given to them, three additional cities of refuge were to be found therein. Thus, the Jordan River would not hinder the slayer’s flight.
Joshua 20:7-9
February 25, 2024
Deuteronomy 19:10 – That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee.
Thought: God is a just God. He desires for the wicked to be punished. And, he also desires for the innocent to be free. When life is taken, even accidentally, emotions run high. The family of the slain victim might desire to retaliate. But, there is a big difference between an accidental killing and a killing done in cold blood out of hatred. If the accidental killer were slain, two innocent people would have been killed. His blood would have been upon Israel.
Proverbs 6:16-17
February 26, 2024
Deuteronomy 19:11, 12 – But if any man hate his neighbor, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and he fleeth into one of these cities: then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.
Thought: There are some people who kill other people out of hatred and spite. These individuals are true murderers. They have no respect for human life. The fact that life is a gift means nothing to them. They have no remorse for taking the only life a person will ever have. These individuals were not to be protected under the Law of Moses. If he fled to a city of refuge, he was to be handed over to “the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.”
Proverbs 28:17
February 27, 2024
Deuteronomy 19:13 – Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood, that he may die.
Thought: The emotional aspect of man is extremely difficult to navigate. It is possible for us to feel sorry for an individual who has committed a horrible sin, even murder. We see him plead for mercy and our heart goes out to him. God knew this could happen. Thus, He commands: “Thine eye shall not pity him.” This man has committed a crime. He has taken innocent life. He was to be put to death. This is not murder. It is justice for the innocent.
Leviticus 24:17
February 28, 2024
Deuteronomy 19:14 – Thou shalt not remove thy neighbor’s landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Thought: Fences did not mark property in Moses’ day. Property lines were established by landmarks. An evil, covetous neighbor could easily move the landmark to enlarge his own estate. “…removing them would be equivalent to forging, altering, destroying, or concealing the title-deeds of an estate among us” (e-sword, TSK Cross References). Property is a part of one’s wealth and legacy. Israel was to respect the property rights of others.
Proverbs 22:28
February 29, 2024
Deuteronomy 19:15 – One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
Thought: It is easy for one man to falsely accuse another of a sin. It is also easy for the accused to deny the claim. In such cases, it is one man’s word against another. Justice demands more than one witness to a transgression. At the mouth of two or three witnesses “shall the matter be established.” When witnesses are honorable and agree, there is no reason to doubt their testimony. Their testimony is to be accepted as true by the judge.
Hebrews 10:28
Read devotionals for March 2024