Deuteronomy 22: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 22 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Those who find their brother’s lost ox or sheep must not hide from the responsibility to return them (vv. 1-3). If the owner is not nearby, they must keep the lost items until he comes.

Key verse

“You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely bring them again to your brother.”
Deuteronomy 22:1 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 22:1–4 Caring for Lost Property
Deuteronomy 22:5–12 Laws on Clothing and Agriculture
Deuteronomy 22:13–21 Marriage and Virginity Claims
Deuteronomy 22:22–27 Adultery and Punishment
Deuteronomy 22:28–30 Regulations on Consent and Relationships

Discussion questions

In v9, what types of seed are mentioned as being forbidden to sow together?
What does the term 'tokens of virginity' in v17 refer to in this chapter?
In vv. 20-21, what are the implications for a woman if 'the tokens of virginity' are not found?
The case in vv. 23-24 describes two different locations for sin; what does this suggest about accountability?
When have you witnessed someone hiding from responsibility, as suggested in v1's instruction to not 'hide yourself'?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 22: 2 Corinthians 6, Exodus 22, Leviticus 19.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 23.