In today’s reading, Moses recounts to Israel the preparing of the second tables of stone with the Ten Commandments inscribed in them, and reinforces the requirements of the LORD to obey and love Him wholeheartedly, and to teach the commandments to their children, keeping the words of the LORD close to their hearts. The LORD commands the complete destruction of the places and paraphernalia of pagan worship, and commands sacrifice be done only at the places the LORD appoints, warning against idolatry, and condemning false prophets and idolators to death. He commands that idolatrous cities be destroyed with their spoil and burnt, never to be rebuilt, and defines clean and unclean animals - what may be eaten and what may not. He gives commandments concerning the paying of tithes, and ordains they should “not forsake” the Levite that is within their gates, making clear the responsibility of the Tribes to take care of the Levites.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission