Chapter 25 continues the various laws given to the children of Israel. It covers laws of corporal punishment (verses 1-3); the law concerning the ox (verse 4); the brother-in-law's marriage (verses 5-10); prescriptions against foul play (verses 11,12); dishonest weights (verses 13-16); and the doom upon Amalek (verses 17-19). Take special note of verse 4--the ox was to be allowed to take a chance mouthful of corn as it went around the monotonous tread of the mill. What an encouragement this should be for those who are anxious about their daily bread! If God takes care of even the oxen, surely He will care for those who trust and serve Him!
Chapter 26 covers the offering of firstfruits (verses 1-11), and obedience and prayer (verses 12-19). Possession of the Promised Land is anticipated in these verses. The beautiful ceremony described here anticipated presentation of the firstfruits to the Lord at the central sanctuary, a token of praise, worship, and thanksgiving to the Lord for His faithfulness and blessing. The obedience and prayer in verses 12-19 resulted in blessing.
Chapter 27 is the first of four chapters that deal with Israel's future and covers the blessings and curses of the laws. Its fulfillment can be found in Joshua 8:30-35. This ceremony was to be inaugurated on Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim, overlooking the city of Shechem, in the heart of the land. The memorial stones were to be set up on Mt. Ebal, and the curses of the law were to be pronounced there. On Mt. Gerizim there were no curses pronounced nor any stones engraved with the law, but only blessings pronounced.
