◄ Deuteronomy 20:18 ►
so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods, and so cause you to sin against the LORD your God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 20:18? 2. How does Deuteronomy 20:18 emphasize the importance of avoiding pagan practices today? 3. What does "teach you to do all the detestable things" warn against spiritually? 4. How can Christians apply Deuteronomy 20:18 to modern cultural influences? 5. What connections exist between Deuteronomy 20:18 and New Testament teachings on holiness? 6. How can Deuteronomy 20:18 guide us in maintaining a pure faith community? 7. Why does Deuteronomy 20:18 command the destruction of certain nations? 8. How does Deuteronomy 20:18 align with the concept of a loving God? 9. What historical context explains the command in Deuteronomy 20:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20? 11. What does the Bible say about child sacrifice? 12. What is the Bible's stance on voodoo? 13. How does the absolute obedience in Joshua 11:12–15 align with prior instructions about sparing certain peoples? 14. If God loves everyone, why does He command the Israelites to kill entire populations, including women and children (Joshua 6:21)? Discussion Questions 1. How can we identify and avoid modern forms of idolatry in our lives today? 2. In what ways does our culture challenge our commitment to biblical values, and how can we respond? 3. What steps can we take to ensure that we are obedient to God's commands in our daily lives? 4. How can we prepare ourselves for spiritual battles and resist the temptations that come our way? 5. What role does community play in helping us maintain our faith and avoid the pitfalls of sin? Deuteronomy 20 Bible Study Questions 1. How does the assurance from the priests mirror God's promises in our personal battles today? 2. Why do you think God provided specific exemptions from war? How does this demonstrate His concern for individual life stages? 3. How do the rules for distant cities reflect God’s mercy and justice? 4. What significance might there be in distinguishing the treatment of nearby cities from distant ones? 5. How does the command to spare fruit-bearing trees align with the broader themes of the Bible? 6. How can we apply the principle of preserving resources in today's context? 7. Why was there such a stark difference in dealing with men compared to women, children, and livestock in captured cities? 8. How do the instructions about warfare teach us about God's character? 9. In what ways can we offer "terms of peace" in our personal conflicts? 10. How can the balance between justice and mercy seen in this chapter be applied in modern situations? 11. What are the potential consequences of not setting apart what is deemed unholy, as illustrated by the instructions for nearby cities? 12. How do you handle situations where you are vastly outnumbered or outpowered, like the Israelites in battle? 13. How might we recognize when God is calling us to a battle versus when it's time to abstain or be exempt? 14. Why is it important to consider the long-term impacts (e.g., fruit-bearing trees) in our decisions today? 15. In what areas of your life are you being called to trust God's victory? 16. How do these wartime rules compare to modern rules of warfare? 17. How can we differentiate between battles we should fight and those we should avoid? 18. How do you reconcile the violent aspects of this chapter with the loving nature of God? 19. In what ways are you protecting the "fruit-bearing trees" in your life? 20. What strategies can we employ to remember God’s presence and assurance during personal struggles? Links Deuteronomy 20:18 NIV Deuteronomy 20:18 NLT Deuteronomy 20:18 ESV Deuteronomy 20:18 NASB Deuteronomy 20:18 KJV Deuteronomy 20:18 Commentaries Bible Hub