Question 1

Why were blemished animals forbidden as sacrifices in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Blemished animals were forbidden because God was teaching Israel that he is holy and deserves their best. Bringing a damaged or “evilfavoured” animal to the altar would show a careless heart, not real honor. The sacrifice was to be whole and sound, pointing to the idea of pure worship and, in time, to a sinless sacrifice. This law reminded the people not to treat God like an afterthought, giving him what they did not want, but to give him what was fitting and respectful.

Question 2

Why was idol worship punished by death here?

Accepted Answer

Idol worship is treated as covenant breaking, like being unfaithful in a marriage. When someone went and served other gods, such as the sun, moon, or stars, they were turning away from the God who brought Israel out of slavery and made them his people. Because this could lead others astray and tear the whole community away from God, it is called an abomination. The death penalty showed how serious this was and was meant to “put the evil away” so others would fear and not follow that path.

Question 3

What is the point of needing two or three witnesses?

Accepted Answer

The rule about two or three witnesses was meant to guard against unfair deaths and false charges. No one could be put to death because of what one person said. There had to be a careful inquiry, and then at least two witnesses who agreed. Those witnesses had to throw the first stones, which made them think very hard before accusing someone. This law shows that God cares about justice, not only punishing real evil, but also protecting people from lies and rushed judgments.

Question 4

How were hard legal cases handled in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When a case was too hard for local judges, such as questions about bloodshed, lawsuits, or injuries, the people were told to go up to the place God would choose, where the priests and the judge served. There they were to ask for a clear ruling. Whatever those leaders decided, according to God’s law, had to be followed without turning aside “to the right hand or to the left.” This set up a kind of higher court that kept judgments tied closely to God’s instructions.

Question 5

Why was refusing the priest’s or judge’s ruling such a serious sin?

Accepted Answer

Refusing the ruling of the priest or the judge in this passage was treated as acting proudly against God’s order. The leaders were there to teach and apply God’s law, not their own ideas. When someone stubbornly refused to listen, it was not only pushing back against people, but against God’s way of keeping peace and justice in the nation. The punishment of death and the warning that all would “hear, and fear” show that open rebellion against rightful judgment threatened the whole community.

Question 6

What rules did God give for a future king in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The king had to be chosen by God and had to be from among his own brothers, not a foreigner. He was told not to pile up horses, especially by turning the people back toward Egypt, not to take many wives so his heart would not turn away, and not to greatly heap up silver and gold. These limits kept the king from trusting military power, lust, or wealth instead of God. The king was to live like one of the people under God, not as someone above God’s commands.

Question 7

Why did the king have to write and read his own copy of the law?

Accepted Answer

The king was told to write a copy of the law for himself from what the priests had, and to keep it with him and read it all his life. This was so he would learn to fear the Lord, carefully keep the commands, and not lift his heart up above his brothers. Constant reading would help him stay humble, obedient, and steady, not turning aside to the right or left. God tied the length and steadiness of his rule, and his children’s rule, to this daily closeness to God’s word.

Question 8

What does this passage show about God’s view of leadership?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that leadership among God’s people is meant to be under God’s law, not above it. Judges and priests must judge by what God has said, not by favoritism. The people must respect those decisions, as long as they are in line with God’s commands. A king is not free to live as he pleases, but must be humble, avoid pride, and keep away from the snares of power, pleasure, and riches. God wants leaders who fear him, serve justly, and remember they are brothers among brothers.

Deuteronomy 17:1

Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the Lord thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the Lord thy God.

Detestable Sacrifices

Purge the Idolater

Courts of Law

Guidelines for a King

Detestable Sacrifices

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Deuteronomy 17:1

Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the Lord thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the Lord thy God.

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Detestable Sacrifices

Purge the Idolater

Courts of Law

Guidelines for a King

Detestable Sacrifices

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