This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Deuteronomy 23 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Deuteronomy 23 there are various laws, concerning eunuchs, illegitimate children, foreigners and more.
Concerning Eunuchs, it sounds here like God doesn’t approve of eunuchs. Eunuchs were typically men who removed their testicles through either of the above methods, often for the purpose of serving a king with his trusted female escorts, or for priestly purposes on false religious practices. This command had the effect so far as I understand, to stop the Israelites from copying their surrounding neighbours in using eunuchs, and there are no biblical examples of them in use in Israel or Judah. Essentially those who had devoted their life to idolatry or sexual immorality were not welcome.
Later in the Bible there are much more welcoming things said about Eunuchs, such as Isaiah’s prophecy in 56:6 where they are promised a name better than children and promised they would not be cut off. This is a play on meaning because a eunuch would have no posterity, or children, and has in fact had part of his body cut off, plus his future. But to the repentant eunuch, or the repentant anyone, there is always a place in God's heart.
And in Acts 8 we have the perfect example of this in the Ethiopian Eunuch.
However when Babylon took away the exiles, a number of them were made eunuchs without their permission. There were no finer Israelites than Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego who were in this category.
This video also goes into details concerning illegitimate children, foreigners and more.
Jul 6, 2021 | Message by David Alley