Tyndale Open Study NotesDeuteronomy 25

During a whipping, the maximum number of strikes allowed was forty lashes. Fewer could be given depending on the situation (25:2). As people created in the image of God, they deserved mercy and respect, even if they did wrong. In later Judaism, they gave thirty-nine lashes (see 2 Corinthians 11:24 and note).

Do not muzzle an ox: The animal had to be able to eat the grain as it worked (compare 1 Corinthians 9:9–14; 1 Timothy 5:17–18).

The phrase fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law refers to the levirate marriage custom. The word levirate comes from a Latin word meaning “brother-in-law.”

When a married man died without a son, his brother was encouraged to marry the widow. He would father children in his brother’s name so that the dead man’s family line would continue. For examples of this custom, see Genesis 38:6–11; Ruth 3:12–13; 4:1–12; Luke 20:27–33.

• remove his sandal: By removing his sandal, which touched the ground, the brother-in-law gave up his right to his dead brother’s property. This action showed publicly that he would not carry out his duty (Ruth 4:7).

• spit in his face: Spitting in someone’s face was a strong sign of shame and rejection. It showed deep dishonor and contempt (see Numbers 12:14).

his family name in Israel will be called: If a man refused to preserve his brother’s name, people would speak about his family with shame.

His household would be known in a negative way because he did not fulfill his duty.

cut off her hand: The woman’s action would stop the man from having children. Like the earlier law (25:9) the punishment matches the crime. This is called lex talionis ("the law of equal punishment"; see study note on 19:21).

You shall not have two differing weights … one large and one small (Hebrew you must not have stone and stone, large and small, … ephah and ephah, large and small): Merchants should not use two sets of weights and measures to cheat customers. They should not use a heavier weight when buying goods to pay less or a lighter one when selling to earn more.

The Amalekites were tribal groups who attacked Israel during the journey through the Sinai wilderness. They attacked the back of the camp, where the weak and tired people were traveling (Exodus 17:8–16).

The Amalekites were likely related to the Edomites. Their ancestor was Amalek, a grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12).

• blot out: God authorized war against his enemies. Later, the prophet Samuel commanded King Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, something he only partially accomplished (1 Samuel 15). As a result, God rejected Saul as king.

• from under heaven: God commanded the Israelites to completely destroy the Amalekites (see study note on Deuteronomy 2:34).