Deuteronomy 24 covers various laws and regulations concerning divorce, remarriage, and the treatment of the poor. It begins by addressing divorce, stating that if a man divorces his wife and she marries another man, and then the second husband dies or divorces her, the first husband cannot take her back as his wife. This is considered an abomination before the Lord.
The chapter then moves on to discuss various ethical practices. It emphasizes fair treatment of the poor and vulnerable, forbidding the taking of a millstone or the pledge of a debtor’s cloak as collateral. Additionally, the Israelites are instructed to leave some crops behind while harvesting, so that the poor, foreigners, and orphans can gather food for themselves.
The final portion of the chapter focuses on just treatment of hired workers. It states that workers should be paid promptly, without delay, and that they should receive their wages before the day ends.
To delve deeper into the context and meaning of each verse, click the following links: