Albert Barnes Commentary Deuteronomy 22
Albert Barnes Commentary
Deuteronomy 22
Albert Barnes Commentary
Deuteronomy 22
"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." — Deuteronomy 22:1 (ASV)
On the general character of the contents of this chapter see the Deuteronomy 21:10 note.
"A woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman`s garment; for whosoever doeth these things is an abomination unto Jehovah thy God." — Deuteronomy 22:5 (ASV)
That which pertains to a man – i.e., not only his dress but all that especially pertains distinctively to his sex: arms, domestic and other utensils, etc.
The distinction between the sexes is natural and divinely established, and cannot be neglected without indecorum and consequent danger to purity (compare 1 Corinthians 11:3–15).
"If a bird`s nest chance to be before thee in the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young: thou shalt surely let the dam go, but the young thou mayest take unto thyself; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days. When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thy house, if any man fall from thence." — Deuteronomy 22:6-8 (ASV)
These precepts are designed to cultivate a spirit of humanity. Compare Deuteronomy 25:4; Leviticus 22:28; and 1 Corinthians 9:9–10.
Deuteronomy 22:8. The roofs of houses in Palestine were flat and used for various purposes. Compare Joshua 2:6; 2 Samuel 11:2; Acts 10:9. A battlement was almost a necessary protection. It was to be, according to the rabbis, at least two cubits high (about 3 feet).
"Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole fruit be forfeited, the seed which thou hast sown, and the increase of the vineyard. Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. Thou shalt not wear a mingled stuff, wool and linen together." — Deuteronomy 22:9-11 (ASV)
Compare the marginal reference. The prohibition of Deuteronomy 22:10 was also dictated by compassion. The ox and the donkey, being of such different size and strength, it would be cruel to the latter to yoke them together. These two animals are mentioned as those ordinarily employed in agriculture; compare Isaiah 32:20.
"Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four borders of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself." — Deuteronomy 22:12 (ASV)
Compare Numbers 15:38 and its note.
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