Deuteronomy 22:1

Again, in this chapter, there is a collection of miscellaneous laws, apparently mentioned at random. "The miscellaneous character of the precepts found in Deuteronomy 22:1,12 has perplexed those who regard these chapters as a legal code, but it is natural enough in a spoken discourse."[1] Of course, Deuteronomy is not in the formal sense "a Code of Laws." The Code of Laws is the Decalogue and related legislation of earlier chapters in the Pentateuch. Most of the things mentioned in this chapter have already been commanded by the Lord, and the feature of this chapter is found in the extensions, variations, and explanations found here. We have already commented upon most of the rules given in this chapter, and in a number of instances we have referred to the parallel passages in earlier books of the Pentateuch. (The reader is requested to see other comments on these regulations under those scriptures.)

We are indebted to Scott for this list of the regulations presented in this chapter:[2]

1. On Lost Property (Deuteronomy 22:1-3). (Compare Exodus 23:4ff).

2. On Assisting Fallen Beasts (Deuteronomy 22:4). (Compare Exodus 23:5).

3. Against the Interchange of Clothes (Deuteronomy 22:5). In Deuteronomy only.

4. Regard for the Animal Kingdom (Deuteronomy 22:6,7). In Deuteronomy only.

5. A Banister Required on Roof (Deuteronomy 22:8). (Compare Exodus 21:33f).

6. Of Mixtures (Deuteronomy 22:9-11)

(1) of seed;

(2) of plowing animals; and

(3) wearing materials. (Compare Leviticus 19:19).

7. Of Twisted Threads or Knots (Deuteronomy 22:12). (Compare Numbers 15:37-41).

8. Bride's Virginity Falsely Challenged (Deuteronomy 22:13-19).

In Deuteronomy only.

9. Bride Found Guilty (Deuteronomy 22:20-21). In Deuteronomy only.

10. Punishment of Adulterers (Deuteronomy 22:22). (Compare Leviticus 20:10).

11. Seduction of a Betrothed Virgin with Consent (Deuteronomy 22:23f).

In Deuteronomy only.

12. Seduction of a Betrothed Virgin without Consent (Deuteronomy 22:25-27).

In Deuteronomy only.

13. Intercourse with a Virgin Not Betrothed (Deuteronomy 22:28,29). (Compare

Exodus 22:16ff).

14. Against Intercourse with a Father's Wife (Deuteronomy 22:30). (Compare Lev.

15:8; 18:8).

"Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely bring them again unto thy brother. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it home to thy house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him. And so shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his garment; and so shalt thou do with every lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found: thou mayest not hide thyself."

A comparison with Exodus 23:4f shows that what we have here is an extension of the law there. "Not only the ox or the ass or the sheep that may be lost are covered here, but `every lost thing' that belonged to a brother."[3] Also in the Exodus passage, the primary application is to an "adversary." a legal opponent, but here "brother" actually means an Israelite. Also, there is an archaic expression found a couple of times in this passage: "Thou mayest not hide thyself ... This means, `If you see ... do not ignore it.'"[4] This paragraph means that every man should look not merely to his own advantage but to the good of all people.