Israel was not to seek, i . e . care for and use means to promote, the welfare of these nations. Individuals, however, of these nations might be naturalized in Israel, and as proselytes enter the congregation, as the case of Ruth proves. It was against the nations, as such, that this ban was directed, and this they had brought on themselves by choosing to be enemies of Israel when they might have been friends and allies. read more
It was to be otherwise with the Edomite and the Egyptian; though the former had refused permission to the Israelites to pass through their land, and the latter had oppressed and wronged the nation, yet as the former were connected with Israel by a bond of kindred— for he is thy brother —and the latter had received Israel to sojourn in their land, where, notwithstanding the oppression which clouded the later times of their sojourn, they had reaped many benefits, they were not to abhor these... read more
Terminable chastisements. The sting in God's curse is its irreversibleness. The bitter draught is dashed with mercy when we have prospect that it shall cease. I. THE CONDUCT OF SOME MEN IS A STRANGE ADMIXTURE OF GOOD AND BAD . There were some fine traits in Esau's character commingled with coarse and selfish obstinacy. Light was interfused with darkness. The treatment of Israel by the Edomites was not the most friendly, nor was it decidedly hostile. It was... read more
Cleanliness a religious duty. The Law of Moses may be regarded as fourfold—moral, ritual, civil, and sanitary. The precepts in this paragraph are an example of the last-named part thereof. They refer to the inculcation of cleanliness, both in camp and in person. And not only so, but to the observance thereof in time of war. While, perhaps, at such times special evils would result from the neglect of such regulations, yet, on the other hand, it would be precisely when movements were... read more
Purity in the camp. The camp was to be free from: 1. Moral pollution ( Deuteronomy 23:9 ). 2. Ceremonial pollution (verses10, 11). 3. Natural pollution ( Deuteronomy 23:12 , Deuteronomy 23:13 )—M. Henry. This, because God was in its midst. He was there to work for their deliverance and for the confusion of their enemies. We are taught— I. THAT MILITARY LIFE IS NO EXCUSE FOR LAXITY IN MORALS , OR FOR A LOWERED STANDARD OF PROPRIETY IN... read more
A pure camp for a pure King. After insisting on purity giving power in war ( Deuteronomy 23:9 ), and giving direction to men about putting away uncleanness which may be due to natural causes, Moses urges the precaution, because the All-seeing One walketh through the camp, Inspector of all their ways ( Deuteronomy 23:14 ). The directions here given might have been urged on sanitary grounds, but Moses puts them deliberately upon religious . For the experience among Orientals and... read more
This law forbids only the naturalization of those against whom it is directed. It does not forbid their dwelling in the land; and seems to refer rather to the nations than to individuals. It was not understood at any rate to interdict marriage with a Moabitess; compare Ruth 1:4; Ruth 4:13. Ruth however, and her sister were doubtless proselytes.Deuteronomy 23:4Compare the marginal reference. The Moabites and the Ammonites are to be regarded as clans of the same stock rather than as two... read more
i. e. “thou shalt not invite them robe on terms of amity with thee (compare Deuteronomy 20:10 ff), nor make their welfare thy care”: compare Ezra 9:12. There is no injunction to hatred or retaliation (compare Deuteronomy 2:9, Deuteronomy 2:19); but later history contains frequent record of hostility between Israel and these nations. read more
The Edomite, as descended from Esau the twin brother of Jacob (compare Deuteronomy 2:4), and the Egyptian, as of that nation which had for long shown hospitality to Joseph and his brethren, were not to be objects of abhorrence. The oppression of the Egyptians was perhaps regarded as the act of the Pharaohs rather than the will of the people Exodus 11:2-3; and at any rate was not to cancel the memory of preceding hospitality.Deuteronomy 23:8In their third generation - i. e. the great... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 23:5
The curse turned into a blessing. No enchantment, no curse of evil men, can prevail against the people of God. Contrariwise, God will turn the curse into a Messing. In Malachi, on the other hand, he threatens to "curse the blessings" of the wicked ( Malachi 2:2 ). How does God turn the curse into a blessing? 1. Directly, by substituting a blessing for a curse . The curse is not merely not allowed to take effect for harm, but God puts a blessing in its stead. A Divine law of... read more