Deuteronomy 16-20 We are in the World Stream reading from The Message. 7streamsmethod.com | @serenatravis | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis "Lord God, we do all these things to remember you. We know you never forget about us. Help us to be more faithful in remembering you; to acknowledge you in all our ways. Amen." Remember Jesus telling the Disciples at the Last Supper to "do this as often as you do this and to remember Him"? You remember that, right? That is all God is getting at in the reading today - to remember what He told us to remember. 16 - Remember the Passover and all the tenants of it. And observe the Passover.  Celebrate it where I say. Start and stop when I say. Remember to rest from everything on the Sabbath, the festivals surrounding the harvest. We're going to always do this to keep you from worshipping the harvest. You will remember me; your God who brings you the harvest. All men appear before God three times a year. You shall bring offerings, be organized, judge fairly, and do right. 17 - Offerings are to be the best you have to bring to God. All idolaters must be executed. The nation must not tolerate idolaters or idolatry. Justice must be handled with all prudence and the lessons learned must be taken seriously by all. One day you will all be crying out for a king. I wish you wouldn't but you are going to. When you do, do as I command. He must be of your own. He must not be motivated by power, women, money. And he must be a biblical student. 18 - Take care of the Levites. They must be fed and provided for without fail. It is good when they have plenty. Honor them wherever they are or wherever they are from.  All the pagan practices of all the other people you encounter must be avoided permanently.  Their transgressions and witchcraft will never be legal for you to do.     The prophets I raise up among you, listen to them. And there will be a specific one centuries from now -   l i s t e n  to Him! 19 - Again, the "cities of refuge" concept is stated. Accidents happen. And Israel must not be a place of raging revenge and such madness. Those who commit manslaughter and were not intentional need a place to go and live sheltered in peace. As the nation grows, so must the cities of refuge. Other contingencies and bylaws are also stated in 19 so that schemers don't come to rule the country. Justice must rule Israel, not criminals, not even passively or deviously. 20 - Rules for War: Never be afraid. God is right there for you ensuring victory. Anyone distracted with a new house or a new vineyard or a new wife may leave. Cowards - please leave!  Towns that make peace with you, they become your servants. Towns that God tells you to decimate, consult no one and do as you're told. But don't get crazy and cut down orchards though, duh!