Deuteronomy 23:6 - You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days forever.
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What does "Deuteronomy 23:6" mean?
Deuteronomy 23:6 is a specific instruction directed towards the Israelites regarding the Ammonites and Moabites: "You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days forever."
Here's a breakdown of what it means within its historical and theological context:
Historical Context: The Ammonites and Moabites were neighboring peoples who had a hostile relationship with the Israelites. Specifically, they were condemned for not providing food and water to the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt (Deuteronomy 23:4). They also hired Balaam to curse the Israelites (though God prevented this from happening).
"You shall not seek their peace": This means the Israelites were forbidden from pursuing peaceful treaties or alliances with these specific groups. They were not to actively try to live in harmony or cooperate with them.
"Nor their prosperity": This means the Israelites were not to actively promote or support the Ammonites' and Moabites' economic well-being. They were not to engage in trade or activities that would help them thrive.
"All your days forever": This emphasizes that this prohibition was intended to be a permanent one, lasting for generations to come.
Reasons for the Prohibition:
Divine Judgment: The verse reflects God's judgment against the Ammonites and Moabites for their past actions against the Israelites during their vulnerable time in the wilderness.
Maintaining Separation: It was also intended to maintain a clear separation between the Israelites and these groups, likely to prevent the Israelites from being influenced by their potentially idolatrous religious practices.
Preventing Intermarriage: The broader context of Deuteronomy 23 includes prohibitions against certain types of people entering "the assembly of the Lord" (likely referring to religious or communal gatherings), likely to preserve the religious purity of the Israelite community.
Important Considerations:
Specific Context: This verse is highly specific to the Ammonites and Moabites due to their historical actions. It is not a general commandment to hate or avoid all non-Israelites or foreigners.
Later Interpretations: Over time, Jewish tradition has debated the scope and application of this command. Some argue it applied only to the specific generations who had wronged Israel, while others maintained a stricter interpretation.
Moral Implications Today: Many contemporary readers struggle with this verse, particularly from a modern ethical perspective. Some argue that it reflects a tribalistic worldview that is incompatible with broader principles of universal love and compassion. Others believe that while the specific command may not be directly applicable today, it teaches important lessons about justice, remembrance of past wrongs, and the potential dangers of cultural assimilation.
In summary, Deuteronomy 23:6 is a very specific commandment prohibiting the Israelites from seeking peaceful relations or supporting the prosperity of the Ammonites and Moabites due to their past hostility. It is important to understand the verse within its historical and theological context, and to consider its implications in light of broader ethical principles.
Deuteronomy 23:6 - You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days forever.
What does "Deuteronomy 23:6" mean?
Deuteronomy 23:6 is a specific instruction directed towards the Israelites regarding the Ammonites and Moabites: "You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days forever."
Here's a breakdown of what it means within its historical and theological context:
Historical Context: The Ammonites and Moabites were neighboring peoples who had a hostile relationship with the Israelites. Specifically, they were condemned for not providing food and water to the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt (Deuteronomy 23:4). They also hired Balaam to curse the Israelites (though God prevented this from happening).
"You shall not seek their peace": This means the Israelites were forbidden from pursuing peaceful treaties or alliances with these specific groups. They were not to actively try to live in harmony or cooperate with them.
"Nor their prosperity": This means the Israelites were not to actively promote or support the Ammonites' and Moabites' economic well-being. They were not to engage in trade or activities that would help them thrive.
"All your days forever": This emphasizes that this prohibition was intended to be a permanent one, lasting for generations to come.
Reasons for the Prohibition:
Divine Judgment: The verse reflects God's judgment against the Ammonites and Moabites for their past actions against the Israelites during their vulnerable time in the wilderness.
Maintaining Separation: It was also intended to maintain a clear separation between the Israelites and these groups, likely to prevent the Israelites from being influenced by their potentially idolatrous religious practices.
Preventing Intermarriage: The broader context of Deuteronomy 23 includes prohibitions against certain types of people entering "the assembly of the Lord" (likely referring to religious or communal gatherings), likely to preserve the religious purity of the Israelite community.
Important Considerations:
Specific Context: This verse is highly specific to the Ammonites and Moabites due to their historical actions. It is not a general commandment to hate or avoid all non-Israelites or foreigners.
Later Interpretations: Over time, Jewish tradition has debated the scope and application of this command. Some argue it applied only to the specific generations who had wronged Israel, while others maintained a stricter interpretation.
Moral Implications Today: Many contemporary readers struggle with this verse, particularly from a modern ethical perspective. Some argue that it reflects a tribalistic worldview that is incompatible with broader principles of universal love and compassion. Others believe that while the specific command may not be directly applicable today, it teaches important lessons about justice, remembrance of past wrongs, and the potential dangers of cultural assimilation.
In summary, Deuteronomy 23:6 is a very specific commandment prohibiting the Israelites from seeking peaceful relations or supporting the prosperity of the Ammonites and Moabites due to their past hostility. It is important to understand the verse within its historical and theological context, and to consider its implications in light of broader ethical principles.