Deuteronomy 13:15
Deuteronomy 13:15 in Multiple Translations
you must surely put the inhabitants of that city to the sword. Devote to destruction all its people and livestock.
Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.
thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.
Then take up arms against the people of that town and give it up to the curse, with all its cattle and everything in it.
then you have to kill the people living in that town with the sword. Set apart for destruction its people and its livestock.
Thou shalt euen slay the inhabitants of that citie with the edge of the sworde: destroy it vtterly, and all that is therein, and the cattel thereof with the edge of the sworde.
'Thou dost surely smite the inhabitants of that city by the mouth of the sword; devoting it, and all that [is] in it, even its cattle, by the mouth of the sword;
you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, with all that is therein and its livestock, with the edge of the sword.
Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is in it, and its cattle, with the edge of the sword.
Thou shalt forthwith kill the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, and shalt destroy it and all things that are in it, even the cattle.
kill all the people in that town. And kill all their livestock, too. Destroy the town completely.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 13:15
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 13:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/דָרַשְׁתָּ֧
וְ/חָקַרְתָּ֧
וְ/שָׁאַלְתָּ֖
הֵיטֵ֑ב
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
אֱמֶת֙
נָכ֣וֹן
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה
הַ/תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה
הַ/זֹּ֖את
בְּ/קִרְבֶּֽ/ךָ
וְ/דָרַשְׁתָּ֧
dârash
H1875
to seek
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
וְ/חָקַרְתָּ֧
châqar
H2713
to search
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
וְ/שָׁאַלְתָּ֖
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
הֵיטֵ֑ב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Hiphil-Ptc
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
אֱמֶת֙
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
נָכ֣וֹן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
הַ/תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
בְּ/קִרְבֶּֽ/ךָ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 13:15
וְ/דָרַשְׁתָּ֧
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
וְ/חָקַרְתָּ֧
châqar
H2713
"to search"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to search or examine something closely, like trying to find out the truth. It is used in the Bible to describe seeking out knowledge or wisdom, and is often translated as search or seek out.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, search out, examine, investigate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search (for) 1a2) to search through, explore 1a3) to examine thoroughly 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out, be found out, be ascertained, be examined 1c) (Piel) to search out, seek out
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try. See also: Deuteronomy 13:15; Psalms 44:22; Psalms 139:1.
וְ/שָׁאַלְתָּ֖
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
הֵיטֵ֑ב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֱמֶת֙
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
נָכ֣וֹן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הַ/תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
הַ/זֹּ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
בְּ/קִרְבֶּֽ/ךָ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 13:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 13:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 13:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 13:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:15
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 13:15
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 13:15
Context — Idolatrous Cities to Be Destroyed
13that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known),
14then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,
15you must surely put the inhabitants of that city to the sword. Devote to destruction all its people and livestock.
16And you are to gather all its plunder in the middle of the public square, and completely burn the city and all its plunder as a whole burnt offering to the LORD your God. The city must remain a mound of ruins forever, never to be rebuilt. 17Nothing devoted to destruction shall cling to your hands, so that the LORD will turn from His fierce anger, grant you mercy, show you compassion, and multiply you as He swore to your fathers,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 22:20 | If anyone sacrifices to any god other than the LORD alone, he must be set apart for destruction. |
| 2 | Leviticus 27:28 | Nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a man, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 7:2 | and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. |
| 4 | Revelation 19:2–3 | For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.” And a second time they called out: “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever.” |
| 5 | Joshua 6:24 | Then the Israelites burned up the city and everything in it. However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD’s house. |
| 6 | Exodus 23:24 | You must not bow down to their gods or serve them or follow their practices. Instead, you are to demolish them and smash their sacred stones to pieces. |
| 7 | Revelation 17:16 | And the ten horns and the beast that you saw will hate the prostitute. They will leave her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 7:16 | You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God will deliver to you. Do not look on them with pity. Do not worship their gods, for that will be a snare to you. |
| 9 | Joshua 6:17–21 | Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, because she hid the spies we sent. But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. If you take any of these, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster upon it. For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.” So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. At the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys. |
| 10 | Revelation 18:18–24 | and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim. Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.” Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her. Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again. And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again. The light of a lamp will never shine in you again, and the voices of a bride and bridegroom will never call out in you again. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.” And there was found in her the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who had been slain on the earth. |
Deuteronomy 13:15 Summary
[This verse is saying that if a city in Israel is led astray to worship other gods, the people of that city must be removed, and the city must be destroyed, as a way of maintaining the purity of worship and preventing the spread of idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:25-26. This is not about promoting violence, but about being faithful to the one true God, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that following God's commands is crucial for our well-being and relationship with Him, as mentioned in Psalm 119:1-2. By obeying God's commands, we can maintain a pure heart and mind, and be a positive influence on those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God command the Israelites to put the inhabitants of the city to the sword in Deuteronomy 13:15?
This command is given to prevent the spread of idolatry and to maintain the purity of worship in Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:13-14, where it is stated that the people of the city have been led astray to serve other gods, which is an abomination to the Lord, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 7:25-26.
Is this verse promoting violence and bloodshed?
No, this verse is not promoting violence and bloodshed, but rather it is a call to maintain the purity of worship and to eliminate the influence of idolatry, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5, where the Lord commands the Israelites to have no other gods before Him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's judgment?
This verse illustrates God's judgment on those who rebel against Him and lead others astray, as seen in Psalm 96:13, where it is stated that the Lord will judge the world with righteousness, and in Hebrews 10:30, where it is written that the Lord will judge His people.
What is the significance of devoting the people and livestock to destruction?
The act of devoting the people and livestock to destruction signifies the complete removal of the influence of idolatry and the dedication of the city to God, as seen in Leviticus 27:28-29, where it is stated that anything devoted to the Lord becomes most holy and cannot be sold or redeemed.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can ensure that I am not being led astray by false teachings or idolatrous influences in my own life?
- How can I maintain a pure heart and mind in a world that often promotes idolatry and rebellion against God?
- What are some ways that I can be a positive influence on those around me, leading them to worship the one true God?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 13:15
Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword,.... This could not be the work of a single person, nor of the whole sanhedrim, but was what the whole nation was to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 13:15
If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, Certain men, the children of Belial , [ bªneey (H1121) Bªliya`al (H1100)].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:15
The inhabitants of that city, to wit, all that are guilty, not the innocent part, such as disowned this apostacy, who doubtless by choice and interest, at least upon warning, would come out of so wicked and cursed a place. Destroying it utterly; the very same punishment which was inflicted upon the cities of the cursed Canaanites, to whom having made themselves equal in sin, it is but fit and just that God should equal them in punishment.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:15
(15) And the cattle thereof.—So in Judges 20:48 : “The men of every city, the beast, and all that were found.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:15
Verse 15. Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants] If one city were permitted to practise idolatry, the evil would soon spread, therefore the contagion must be destroyed in its birth.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 13:15
12–18 (13–19 in Heb.). Against a City seduced to Other Gods Deuteronomy 13:12. in one of thy cities] So Hebrew. R. V. concerning is hardly possible (though cp. Psalms 92:12). As the words define not the place where the report has been heard, but the subject of the report, the guilty city itself; therefore either saying has been carelessly misplaced and should follow hear (tell) (cp. Joshua 22:11) or more probably the writer has designedly but awkwardly brought up the object of the law from the subordinate to the principal clause so as to make it prominent from the first: cp. Deuteronomy 31:29 (Dillm., Driv.). Translate: if thou shalt hear tell, that, in one of the cities, which … certain base fellows have gone out, etc. cities] or towns; these social forms in Israel are much more frequent in D than tribes which under the settled conditions of the people towns gradually displaced; nearly always (exceptions Deuteronomy 19:1, Deuteronomy 20:16 and LXX of Deu 12:5) in these laws they are units of judiciary: here, Deuteronomy 19:1-13 (on the cities of refuge), Deuteronomy 21:2 ff. (with criminal responsibility for murders committed near them), Deuteronomy 21:19 ff., Deuteronomy 22:15 ff., Deuteronomy 22:24, Deuteronomy 25:8 : their representatives being their elders.
The other phrase within thy gates is used of judiciary matters in Deuteronomy 16:18, Deuteronomy 17:2; Deuteronomy 17:8 (otherwise it is reserved for religious and charitable directions: see on Deuteronomy 12:12; Deuteronomy 12:21). But judges and officers are to be chosen according to thy tribes, Deuteronomy 16:18 (for tribes see also Deuteronomy 12:5; Deuteronomy 12:14). giveth] is about to give. Deuteronomy 13:13. Certain base fellows] Hebrew, men, sons of belial usually but doubtfully taken as worthlessness (as if a compound = no use), good-for-nothing fellows, Scot. ‘ne’er-do-weels.’ In early writings of the churlish, foul-mouthed, violent, drunken, unchaste, perjurers and abandoned criminals, but also of rebels against authority and religion as here (Judges 19:22; Judges 20:13; 1 Samuel 1:16; 1 Samuel 2:12; 1 Samuel 10:27; 1 Samuel 25:17; 1 Samuel 25:25; 2 Samuel 16:7; 2 Samuel 20:1; 1 Kings 21:10; 1 Kings 21:13). In D only here and Deuteronomy 15:9 (of a base word or thought), and nowhere else in Hexateuch. are gone out] The vb. is used of going forth of set purpose to do something (Judges 9:8; 1 Samuel 23:15) or, along with coming in, of all kinds of business (Deuteronomy 28:6, Deuteronomy 31:2). So here it might just mean deliberately and (of course) in public (opp. secretly, Deuteronomy 13:6); but the addition from the midst of thee conveys the suggestion of apostasy from Israel: they went out from us but they were not of us (1 John 2:19). drawn away] Deuteronomy 13:5 : draw thee aside (q.v.). Let us go and worship, etc.] See Deuteronomy 13:2; Deuteronomy 13:6. Deuteronomy 13:14. inquire] See Deuteronomy 11:12, Deuteronomy 12:30, Deuteronomy 17:4; Deuteronomy 17:9, Deuteronomy 19:18; in this sense or a similar darash is used elsewhere in the Pent. only in Leviticus 10:16.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 13:15
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Deception by the Gibeonites by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the deception by the Gibeonites as described in Joshua chapter 9. He emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings that God gives u |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 12 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages listeners to listen to the entire series of tape |
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Two Churches-Babylon and Jerusalem by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the concept of Babylon as a corrupt system that infiltrates Christianity, leading believers astray with worldliness, materialism, and false doctrines. It em |
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Coming Out of Babylon by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the need for a pure and holy church, contrasting it with the corrupt system of Babylon. It highlights the dangers of backsliding, divisions, politics, money- |
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(Second Coming of Christ) 10 the Supper of the Great God by Aeron Morgan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings of the Word of God. He warns that a fearful day is coming, known as the Armageddon, where there will |
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When the Heart Lights Go On by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of being corrupted, emphasizing the physical and moral harm caused by corruption, leading to decay, ruin, and destruction. The root word 'phthe |
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Barriers to Blessing by Alan Bartley | This sermon addresses the barriers to blessing in the Christian life, focusing on the dangers of occult involvement, the impact of unbelief, the consequences of unconfessed sin, an |