Deuteronomy 21:10–25:17

---

Week 49 Torah Portion: Ki Teitzei

Deuteronomy 21:10–25:17

Welcome to another edition of Sabbath Lounge. Matt and Jake here, bringing you the Torah portion for week 49, known as Ki Teitzei. When we hear “Ki Teitzei” This reading covers Deuteronomy 21:10 through 25:17—four chapters that are short and sweet.

If you’re looking for more information or want to follow along, visit Sabbath Lounge and click on “Torah Portions” at the top. The easiest way to find us is to Google “Sabbath Lounge.” Please share, like, and tell someone else about our content.

Living Blameless: Like Abraham

At the beginning of this portion, we see how to be blameless, much like Abraham was—living out love within your community, caring for children and animals, and practicing hospitality. Hospitality is highlighted here as a mark of goodness and proper manners, something ingrained in Western society for generations, even if it’s less common today.

Christians and Torah: Where Belief Overlaps

We previously discussed Christians following Torah, addressing pushback about the necessity of keeping the Torah. Many argue the law is done away with, yet unknowingly keep its commands. If that’s true, why do so many maintain what some call “burdensome” rules? Chapter 22 addresses universal morals: “Finders keepers” isn’t taught—children are supposed to return lost items. Cross-dressing is also prohibited here, which is interpreted differently across cultures and times, yet the command remains clear.

Men historically wore skirts and tunics, so it’s less about the garment and more about the intent—are you trying to appear as the opposite gender? Culture influences how these norms are observed, but the core principle is not about a specific item of clothing. Bible-era garb, like tunics and linen shorts, offered comfort and mobility, with none of the modern worries over “gusseted crotches.” If you’ve ever experienced a clothing blowout, you’ll appreciate the design.

Respect and Safety: Laws for Living

This portion covers essential rules: abstain from kidnapping, trafficking, and being disrespectful to people or animals; don’t marry your father’s wife; and help neighbors in need. Some of these commands, like the injunction against marrying your father’s wife, were certainly aimed at specific situations familiar to the original audience.

Hospitality, Divorce, and Remarriage

Chapters 23 through 24 ban incest, promote hospitality, address divorce and remarriage, and denounce favoritism toward the rich. Even though some teach that divorce is never acceptable, Yahweh Himself is described as a divorcee, showing that while divorce shouldn’t be the norm, there are extenuating circumstances where it’s permitted.

The Golden Rule and Overlapping Values

Referenced in Matthew 7:12: “Always do for other people everything you want them to do for you; that is the meaning of Moses’ teachings and the prophets.” This demonstrates that there is often more consensus among believers than many recognize—they are following Torah even if they don’t realize or acknowledge it.

Diverse Seeds: Creation and Mixing

Verse 22:9 discusses sowing fields with diverse seeds. Does this mean mixing seeds is forbidden? Creation itself is diverse; nature is full of mixed grasses and plants. The problem may arise when humans intervene, causing unwanted cross-pollination or genetic mixing, which can spoil the purity of crops. This ancient command also resonates today, cautioning against genetically engineered crops and invasive species, like kudzu and duckweed, which disrupt local ecosystems.

Fringes and Commandment Reminders

The command to wear fringes (tzitzit) on the corners of your garments emerges after the story of the spies (Numbers 15). These the tassels serve as reminders to keep the commandments. Yeshua himself wore such tassels, demonstrating obedience to the Torah.

No Bastards in Yah’s Kingdom

Deuteronomy 23:2 states, “A bastard shall not enter into the assembly of Yahweh, even to his tenth generation.” This sounds harsh, but the intent is that everyone in Yah’s Kingdom is meant to have a proper relationship with the Father, signifying belonging and legitimacy.

Loving Your Neighbor: Grain, Gardens, and Community

If you’re in your neighbor’s vineyard, you can eat grapes until full, but not fill a basket. Similarly, you may pick grain by hand but not harvest with a sickle—this is about satisfying immediate hunger, not personal gain. Ancient societies left grain for the poor, fostering a loving, generous community. Today, this is rarely practiced, but it is a powerful concept of neighborly love.

Throughout the New Testament, we see these Torah principles in action, such as Yeshua’s disciples picking grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12). The Pharisees objected, but Torah permits hand-picking; only sickle-harvesting is considered work.

Divorce, Remarriage, and Honeymoon Laws

Deuteronomy lays out parameters for divorce, remarriage, and marriage responsibilities, including an extended honeymoon—a year off for new spouses, free from war and outside obligations. This foundation helps couples develop deeper bonds.

Sin and Its Consequences

Thankfully, Deuteronomy teaches that parents’ sins do not condemn their children (24:16), though consequences may linger. While the text discusses generational impacts, individuals aren’t punished for their ancestors’ mistakes.

Messiah Connections: Punishment and Redemption

21:22 explains that “cursed is one who’s hung on a tree.” Deuteronomy 25:3 mandates no more than 40 lashes for punishment; the penalty fits the crime. Some scholars suggest Yeshua’s crucifixion may have been closer to being hung on a tree than traditional depictions, but either way, the core concept of cursed punishment remains.

Don’t Muzzle the Ox

25:4 states “don’t muzzle the ox,” echoed in 1 Corinthians 9:4. The lesson is clear: let those who work benefit from their labor. Constructive criticism is fine, but value those who act over those who do nothing.

The Amalekites: Judgment and Memory

Finally, Deuteronomy commands the destruction of the Amalekites (descendants of Esau) — a complex command revealing aspects of judgment, mercy, and history. Yahweh’s love and hatred are demonstrated in ways that defy simple explanation.

---

Final Thoughts

This week’s Torah portion, Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10–25:17), is an essential study. We encourage you to read it, like this post, subscribe, and share our content. You can find all Torah portions easily by Googling “Sabbath Lounge Torah portions.” Joshua Myers contributed the artwork for these pages—they’re designed for accessible group study.

We encourage everyone to pray for their children and extended families: may they love Yah more than the world and seek Him wholeheartedly, just as a deer pants for water in dry Texas summer.

Thank you for joining us here at Sabbath Lounge—Matt and Jake signing off.