The cases in Deuteronomy 22 about "forbidden mixtures" frequently raise questions. It has been observed that the garments of priests did contain both wool and linen (a combination forbidden in verse 11), suggesting that such mixtures were to be restricted to the tabernacle or temple.
Verse 9 seems to point in the same direction in specifying that the produce of a vineyard planted with two kinds of seed be forfeited to the sanctuary. Commentator Roy Gane suggests such an interpretation for these cases and for Lev 19:19, pointing out that there were other "mixtures" at the sanctuary---for example, the cherubim on the cover of the ark were in some sense "mixed beings." If Gane is correct, then these verses are similar to the specification that the recipes for holy anointing oil and incense not be used outside the sanctuary (Ex 30).
There may be some additional considerations behind some of the instructions on mixtures. One could be the idea of honoring boundaries that are part of the created order. The prohibition of cross dressing in verse 5 could have this rationale. These could also be instructions meant to remind the Israelites of who they are, like the tassels on the corners of garments in verse 12.
The remainder of Deuteronomy 22 is related to the commandment against adultery. The instruction here is meant to discourage adultery, rape, and the exploitation of women. Israel would need strong families to carry out its mission in the world.
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