Deuteronomy 16: 19-21 Analysis

Deuteronomy 16: 19-21 is a very powerful verse that certainly gives insight into the life of a Christian and how we are called to live. The verse states that “You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you” (Deu.16:19-21). Deuteronomy was written by Moses in the late 7th century to the generation of Israelites bound to enter the Promised Land, and literally means “second law”. This book was written to the Israelites to demonstrate how they should live their lives in order to bring glory and honor
Deuteronomy is the sermon Moses gave the people of Israel while they were camped on the Jordan River previous to entering the Promised Land. Obedience is definitely the predominate message set forth by Moses. Without obedience the Israelites will never enter the land that has been promised to them. Following the commands that God has gave them is crucial to developing a relationship with him and his favor being shown upon them, as they knew that there would be many more challenges that lied ahead. God promised that through their obedience he would take care of any enemies and the Israelites would be handed the land with ease. The Israelites viewed the Promised Land as a place flowing with milk and honey where they would thrive, and experience the glory of God. Moses encouraged the Israelites to remember where they had come from and all that God had blessed them with. It’s important at times to look into the past to see how far we’ve come and to learn from our mistakes. Having a healthy fear of God and respecting him is vital to humbling one’s self and recognizing him as our leader. The overall purpose of chapter sixteen was to discuss the importance of the Passover, the feast of unleavened bread, and the observance of the feast of tabernacles. The chapter lays out the guidelines for each feast, and gives very detailed instructions. This chapter also discussed the judges, and how they were to be spread out to each tribe. Verses 19 and 20 were stated by Moses during his sermon as he was addressing the Israelites and their responsibility for the discharge of justice. To them the verses showed the importance of living just lives and avoiding being deceitful in order to inherit the land that God has promised them. These commands seem simple to follow, however as humans we naturally tend to fall into sin very easily. This is why