Social Equity in Deuteronomy
As we approach the holiday season, we often find ourselves reminded of the needs of those around us.
However, from the beginning of civilization, it was God's desire that we live in communities filled with regard and concern for each other, regardless of the season. Thank you, Rick Ramunno for this insightful article into the heart of our God for the under-resourced, and often invisible, individuals all around us.
Throughout human history, the various societies that mankind has created have always had certain populations of their communities that were vulnerable and disadvantaged compared to the other parts of the populace. Particularly in the ancient world, these sub-groups of civilization were ignored and often oppressed. However, thousands of years even before Jesus was born, the God of Israel was hard at work developing legislation for his people to enact that would empower the disadvantaged within their own society. This took place during a period of history when the idea of showing dignity to vulnerable communities within a nation simply did not exist. Yahweh’s legislation was weaved in throughout the Torah. An example of it is in Deuteronomy 10:14-20:
“To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the Lord set his affection on your ancestors and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations—as it is today. Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.” (NIV)
In the Ancient Near East, none were more marginalized than orphans, widows, and the immigrant.[1] The God of Israel made it absolutely clear how He viewed these groups of people. He worked to defend them! In fact, he loved the foreigners who lived among the Israelites even though they were not Hebrews. Israel was chosen to be used by God, but they were not allowed to utilize this special status to become conceited, rather they were expected to serve others by becoming a light to the world. Yahweh fully expected his people to follow his example by defending orphans and widows, as well as by providing for immigrants within their borders. This scripture, as well as many others within Deuteronomy, provided a safety net for the unfortunate and vulnerable members within Israelite society.[2]
We, as modern members of God’s Church, must work to do the same. We ought to take advantage of opportunities to display respect and dignity to members of our society that typically do not receive it. It is also important that we intentionally work to serve the marginalized and vulnerable members within our communities.
Food for thought
1. How can you display respect and dignity to individuals that don’t often receive respect in their communities?
2. Who are the disadvantaged in your community and how can you serve them?
[1] Alexander Desmond and David Baker, Dictionary of the Old Testament Pentateuch, (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2003), 292.
[2] (Desmond and Baker, 884).