Deuteronomy-Chapt-25

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Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the Tanakh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2“Mechon-Mamre.org (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org (SEF), three brilliant versions, However, the JPS-1917 is my preferred version!

Colour coded details of our beloved TaNaKh:

1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.

*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!

Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

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Deuteronomy Chapter 25

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

Introduction: (The Bounds of Justice and Memory).

Deuteronomy 25 reflects on the boundaries of human conduct, moving from legal punishment to family obligations and national memory. It balances justice with mercy, ensuring human dignity is maintained even in discipline. The chapter emphasizes protecting the ‘vulnerable’, ending with a call ‘to remember’ and ‘combat evil’.

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Below are the verses of Deuteronomy Chapter 25, verses 1 to 19: Whilst below the chapter is a commentary of same. (The Chapter is from JPS-1917 version of the Torah).

1 “If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, and the judges judge them, by justifying the righteous, and condemning the wicked, 2 then it shall be, if the wicked man deserve to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to the measure of his wickedness, by number. 3 Forty stripes he may give him, he shall not exceed; lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should be dishonoured before thine eyes. 4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. 5 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not be married abroad unto one not of his kin; her husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother unto her. 6 And it shall be, that the first-born that she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother that is dead, that his name be not blotted out of Israel7 And if the man like not to take his brother’s wife, then his brother’s wife shall go up to the gate unto the elders, and say: ‘My husband's brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband’s brother unto me’. 8 Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him; and if he stand, and say: ‘I like not to take her’; 9 then shall his brother’s wife draw nigh unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face; and she shall answer and say: ‘So shall it be done unto the man that doth not build up his brother's house’. 10 And his name shall be called in Israel the house of him that had his shoe loosed. 11 When men strive together one with another, and the wife of the one draweth near to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets; 12 then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall have no pity. 13 Thou shalt not have in thy bag diverse weights, a great and a small. 14 Thou shalt not have in thy house diverse measures, a great and a small. 15 A perfect and just weight shalt thou have; a perfect and just measure shalt thou have; that thy days may be long upon the land which יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - the LORD thy Eloheicha (God) giveth thee. 16 For all that do such things, even all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - the LORD thy Eloheicha. 17 Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way as ye came forth out of Egypt; 18 how he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, all that were enfeebled in thy rear, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God). 19 Therefore it shall be, when יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - the LORD thy Eloheicha hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - the LORD thy Eloheicha giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget”.

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My special Commentary on Deuteronomy Chapter 25:

Verses 1-3: The Limitation of Punishment. Physical punishment is strictly capped to prevent the degradation of the offender, ensuring they are still treated with the dignity of a “brother”.

Verse 4: Compassion for the Labouring Animal. Empathy is demanded for animals, underscoring a greater duty of care and gratitude toward those who provide our sustenance.

Verses 5-10: The Duty of Yibbum (Levirate Marriage). These verses establish the importance of preserving a deceased man’s legacy, offering a legal process to protect the family unit and the widow.

Verses 11-12: Restraint in Conflict. The restriction on violent intervention in disputes highlights the need for maintaining boundaries and moderation during intense conflict.

Verses 13-16: Integrity in the Marketplace. The law mandates absolute honesty in trade, equating fair business practices with spiritual integrity and condemning fraudulent measurements.

Verses 17-19: The Obligation of Memory (Amalek). The chapter concludes with a directive to remember and eliminate the threat posed by those who exploit the weak and lack moral conscience.

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My Closing Message: (The Balance of Heart and Law).

Deuteronomy 25 teaches that a just society requires a balance between strict law and ethical consideration, encompassing both personal integrity and national responsibility. It emphasizes that maintaining honest standards in all aspects of life is the primary defence against moral decay and external threats.

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For Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!”

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָהthe LORD of hosts, be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and regular בְּרָכָה Be’ra’chah’s - blessings before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

 

 

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