Summary
Deuteronomy 24:1–4 – Divorce and remarriage prohibition
What happens: A man who divorces his wife and she marries another may not take her back after she is divorced again or widowed.
What it means: Marriage is weighty. God guards against casual cycles that defile the land and relationships.
Deuteronomy 24:5 – Joyful first year
What happens: A newly married man is exempt from war for one year to bring happiness to his wife.
What it means: God values family stability and joy. Duties adjust to protect covenant life.
Deuteronomy 24:6–7 – Pledges and kidnapping
What happens: A millstone may not be taken as pledge. Kidnapping is a capital crime.
What it means: God protects livelihood and human freedom. Justice shields the vulnerable.
Deuteronomy 24:10–13 – Respect in lending
What happens: Creditors must not enter a debtor’s house to seize a pledge and must return a cloak by night.
What it means: Mercy moderates power. God’s people honor dignity in economic dealings.
Deuteronomy 24:14–16 – Wages and personal accountability
What happens: Pay workers the same day. Each person bears his own sin; children are not punished for fathers, nor fathers for children.
What it means: God loves fairness and personal responsibility. Justice is timely and precise.
Deuteronomy 24:17–22 – Justice and gleaning
What happens: Do not pervert justice for sojourners, orphans, or widows. Leave gleanings in field, olive trees, and vineyard for them, remembering slavery in Egypt.
What it means: Compassion grows from memory. God’s redemption shapes generosity and equity.
Application
- Treat economic power as a trust bounded by mercy.
- Pay fairly and protect dignity in all transactions.
- Build generosity into your work because God once rescued you.
