Deuteronomy 22:9-11

(5) FORBIDDEN MIXTURE (Deuteronomy 22:9-11)

9 Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole fruit be forfeited, the seed which thou hast sown, and the increase of the vineyard. 10 Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. 11 Thou shalt not wear a mingled stuff, wool and linen together.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 22:9-11

368.

Is it a horticultural fact that the mixture of seeds as here described would result in loss? Discuss.

369.

The separation of the ox and the ass had some reason; what was it?

370.

Why not wear wool and linen together?

AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 22:9-11

9 You shall not plant your vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole crop be forfeited [under this ban], the seed which you have sown and the yield of the vineyard forfeited to the sanctuary.

10 You shall not plow with an ox [a clean animal] and a donkey [unclean] together. [2 Corinthians 6:14-16.]

11 You shall not wear a garment of mingled stuff, wool and linen together. [Ezek. 4:18; Revelation 19:8.]

COMMENT 22:9-11

Note the basic concept of separation which runs throughout these verses. The fact that two kinds of seed might grow quite well together, or that one could plow together quite well with an ox and an ass, or that linen (originating from flax) and wool might make a durable, warm, and nice-looking garment when combined, was nothing to the point! God had said they were not to be mixed! His word was to be respected and honored.

As a separated people, they were to live separated lives (Cf. 1 Kings 8:53, etc.) Such laws as this would also distinguish and identify them as God's own people, different from all others.

Separation is as much a New Testament doctrine as Oldnot the separation here spoken of, but the separation from the world and its ways that has always characterized God's true children It is still very necessary that the child of God distinguish and differentiate in this worldan ability he develops more and more as he matures and grows into the likeness of his Master. Mature Christians should see the difference between light and darkness, sham and sincerity, truth and falsehood.

The unequal yoke of the ox and ass (Deuteronomy 22:10) perhaps were in the very mind's eye of the apostle when he exhorted the Corinthian Christians, Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity. etc. (see 2 Corinthians 6:14 to 2 Corinthians 7:1).