26:18-19 ‘Yahweh today has declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; and that He will set you high above all the nations which He has made, for praise, a name, and beauty, and that you should be a people holy to Yahweh your God, as He has spoken”

Earlier in the sermon, the people were exhorted to love Yahweh their God with all their heart, soul, and might. Since then, Moses has restated these myriad, detailed procedures and judgments. From this, we can see that loving God as His people is comprehensive to every aspect of life, including marriage, property, work, business and social relations, religious activities, military endeavors, etc. There should never be a moment in which we forget who we are, where we came from, and ultimately what we are doing. These laws are derivatives of the Ten Commandments, and the many statutes help and guide God’s people towards total devotion. 

Chapter 22 begins with some words about property, clothing, and farming. Overall, Israel should be grateful to God for delivering them from Egypt and planting them in an abundant land. An attitude of thanksgiving and respect battles against silly, lazy and careless behaviors like plowing with different animals, wearing indecent clothes, and taking shortcuts in building your house or working in general. 

Next, Yahweh God once again demonstrates His value of marriage. We can see God’s intention for two to become one through total commitment, and He administers the harshest penalties for those who corrupt that picture by choosing adultery in wedlock. Another aspect of this social structure is preserving the family name and heritage, and there is an authorized shaming for selfish men who refuse to salvage the family name. Moses also enacts guidelines for protecting the purity and focus of the spiritual assembly of the people and the soldiers at war.

Finally, we see many prescriptions for treating needy people with mercy and generosity. There are provisions for the poor to pick up leftovers, receive loans without interest or heavy pledge, and earn fair wages. Again, remembering their own story, the people should not find it difficult to give generously as they have received so generously. This section closes with a heart-warming ceremony in which every household in all Israel gives a portion of their first harvest of the promised land, and celebrates their inheritance in the presence of God among the needy and Levites.