Deuteronomy 17
Why is it such an evil thing for Israelites to worship other gods? I don't know but it is interesting that any accusations must be investigated and there is a burden of proof required. And no person could be put to death on the word of just one person.
Unfortunately in history in such times as the witch trials the burden of proof has not really been taken al that seriously. Having bought up the witch trials let me mention a couple of historical facts - in about 400 years some 50,000 people were executed as witches. This is an alarming and embarrassing number, but let me put some context in this - in the 20th century alone totalitarian states (communist and fascist) executed some 170,000,000 people.
In Israel there is due legal process - if a case cannot be settled locally there is a national high court. it is odd to my mind that the priests are to act as judge in these cases.
There are instruction here about future kings - each king is to be chosen by God, not build up massive armies or send to Egypt for more horses or weapons, not have many wives else his heart will prove weak and he will wander away from God's law. His first act on taking the throne is to make himself a copy of the law of God which he should study carefully.
Deuteronomy 18
Priests have duties - even today a priest is paid a stipend rather than a salary - the stipend is, in theory, money to allow the priest to live without having another job to support him or herself and their family.
In Israel it is very much the same, priests and Levites serving God are entitled to portions of the sacrifices so they do not need to work at another job.
In chapter 17 worshipping other gods and natural phenomenon is forbidden, here witchcraft, divination, spiritists and mediums are forbidden. These are a bit more controversial these days than those who sacrifice their children in fire.
God promises to send prophets to Israel from time to time- however there are guidelines given to detirmine if a prophet is speaking truthfully If what he says does not come true or take place it is not a messge from God.
The main thing is that if you hear God's word and ignore it you are missing a chance at something good or to avoid something not good.
We will run into some prophets later in the Bible.
Why is it such an evil thing for Israelites to worship other gods? I don't know but it is interesting that any accusations must be investigated and there is a burden of proof required. And no person could be put to death on the word of just one person.
Unfortunately in history in such times as the witch trials the burden of proof has not really been taken al that seriously. Having bought up the witch trials let me mention a couple of historical facts - in about 400 years some 50,000 people were executed as witches. This is an alarming and embarrassing number, but let me put some context in this - in the 20th century alone totalitarian states (communist and fascist) executed some 170,000,000 people.
In Israel there is due legal process - if a case cannot be settled locally there is a national high court. it is odd to my mind that the priests are to act as judge in these cases.
There are instruction here about future kings - each king is to be chosen by God, not build up massive armies or send to Egypt for more horses or weapons, not have many wives else his heart will prove weak and he will wander away from God's law. His first act on taking the throne is to make himself a copy of the law of God which he should study carefully.
Deuteronomy 18
Priests have duties - even today a priest is paid a stipend rather than a salary - the stipend is, in theory, money to allow the priest to live without having another job to support him or herself and their family.
In Israel it is very much the same, priests and Levites serving God are entitled to portions of the sacrifices so they do not need to work at another job.
In chapter 17 worshipping other gods and natural phenomenon is forbidden, here witchcraft, divination, spiritists and mediums are forbidden. These are a bit more controversial these days than those who sacrifice their children in fire.
God promises to send prophets to Israel from time to time- however there are guidelines given to detirmine if a prophet is speaking truthfully If what he says does not come true or take place it is not a messge from God.
The main thing is that if you hear God's word and ignore it you are missing a chance at something good or to avoid something not good.
We will run into some prophets later in the Bible.
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