Nathan E. Lewis

As we read Deuteronomy, we discover how different ancient life was from our experience. We loathe the dust of nomadic life. Our stomachs turn at the thought of mass animal sacrifices. It is nearly impossible for us to imagine the voice of God, like thunder, speaking from the mountain. The ancient Near East seems to be quite removed from our experience. Nevertheless, some things never change. Human nature and relationships are remarkably similar to our experience. The Ten Commandments are surprisingly relevant today. Sadly, we discover another similarity. In Moses’ day, nations would war against other nations. Today, approximately 3,400 years later, we still go to war. Moses devotes his address recorded in Chapter 20 to the rules of war codified in God’s holy law. Continue reading »