The disqualification to the privileges of GOD'S people, is expressed by these marks, which imply defect. Who shall say, except the great searcher of hearts, what are the causes of prevention, to unite souls really and spiritually to the congregation of the LORD. And, perhaps, as the prospect of the holy seed in the person of the Messiah, was the great object unto which all Israel looked forward, with the hope that it might be in their household and family; the LORD was pleased, by this precept, to manifest how important a matter it was, that there should be no intercourse by marriages with the idolatrous neighbours around them. In after ages we find the breach of this precept deeply lamented by the fathers; see Neh_13:1-3; Neh_13:23-25.
Deuteronomy 23:1-6
1 He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
2 A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
4 Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee
5 Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.
6 Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperitya all thy days for ever.