Deuteronomy 24

24:1 something wrong: This phrase indicates sexual impurity or some other impropriety. It does not pertain to adultery, which would have required the death penalty (22:22). • a document of divorce: This procedure was a concession; initiating a divorce in such cases was optional and not necessarily desirable (see Mal 2:16; Matt 5:31-32; Mark 10:2-12).

24:4 Perhaps the woman is described as defiled because she had two husbands; returning to the first husband would be considered adultery. • guilt upon the land: The concept of community was so strong in ancient Israel that the individual’s identity almost merged with that of the community. The sin of one individual had collective, corporate consequences.

24:6 the owner uses it to make a living (literally it is his life): Without his tool, the owner of the millstone might perish. The law imposed a limit on what could secure a loan. The millstone probably represents any means by which an individual made his living.

24:8 serious skin diseases: Medical science has determined that this does not refer to leprosy (i.e., Hansen’s disease) per se.

24:11 wait outside: Even debtors were to be allowed their dignity and spared unnecessary embarrassment. A creditor was not to invade the debtor’s privacy when collecting from him.

24:13 Return the cloak . . . by sunset: The law was merciful.

24:17 True justice must be given (literally do not deprive of justice): The people of Israel were to vigorously resist discrimination against the weakest and most vulnerable people in society. Israel had been redeemed from such a status in Egypt, and their experience should help them realize how to treat others in similar circumstances (24:18).