“Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days forever.”
This verse is a part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 23 that provides guidelines for the assembly of the Lord’s people and the exclusion of certain individuals from the congregation. It addresses the people of Israel, specifically focusing on their relationship with certain nations.
To better understand this verse, let’s examine its context within the chapter and explore its meaning:
Context: The preceding verses in Deuteronomy 23 discuss specific groups of people who are excluded from the assembly of the Lord’s people, including those born from certain forbidden relationships, the Ammonites, and the Moabites. The passage emphasizes that the Lord did not give His blessing to these nations and, consequently, Israel should not seek their welfare or peace.
Meaning: Deuteronomy 23:6 reinforces the idea that the Israelites should maintain a clear separation from certain nations, specifically the Ammonites and the Moabites. It instructs them not to seek the well-being, peace, or prosperity of these nations for an indefinite period of time.
The reason behind this command can be traced back to historical events involving the Ammonites and the Moabites. These nations were hostile towards the Israelites during their wilderness journey, and they even hired Balaam, a prophet, to curse Israel (Numbers 22-24). As a result, God commanded that the Israelites should not form alliances or seek the benefit of these nations.
By adhering to this commandment, the Israelites would maintain their distinct identity as God’s chosen people and avoid the influence of nations that were in opposition to God’s purposes.
Application: While the specific command in Deuteronomy 23:6 is directed towards the Israelites in their historical context, there are some broader principles we can draw from this verse:
- Loyalty to God: The verse emphasizes the importance of loyalty to God and His purposes. It encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God above any alliances or benefits that may compromise their faith.
- Discernment in relationships: It reminds us to exercise discernment in our relationships and associations. We should be cautious about forming alliances or partnerships with individuals or groups that may hinder our spiritual growth or lead us away from God’s will.
- Separation from ungodly influences: We are called to separate ourselves from influences and practices that oppose God’s principles. While this doesn’t mean isolation from the world, it does encourage us to be discerning and deliberate in our interactions.
- Trusting God for provision: As we prioritize our relationship with God, we trust Him to provide for our needs. Our focus should be on seeking His kingdom and righteousness, trusting that He will take care of our well-being and prosperity (Matthew 6:33).
In summary, Deuteronomy 23:6 instructs the Israelites not to seek the peace or prosperity of the Ammonites and the Moabites. While the specific application is directed towards that historical context, we can draw principles of loyalty to God, discernment in relationships, separation from ungodly influences, and trust in God’s provision from this verse.
