Deuteronomy 13:13-14
that certain worthless fellows have gone out among you and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which you have not known, then you shall inquire and make search and ask diligently. And behold, if it be true and certain that such an abomination has been done among you,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "children of Belial" doesn't just mean "bad guys"; it describes people who are utterly worthless and rebellious, having thrown off any sense of order or obedience, even to God. This isn't just a local problem; these are individuals who have actively "gone out" from the community, separating themselves to lead others astray with the temptation of the unknown.
This passage describes a specific scenario within Israel's covenant with God, following the general instruction to reject any who would lead them astray. It outlines what happens when a group within one of their cities, led by "worthless fellows," actively persuades their neighbors to abandon Yahweh and worship foreign gods. The context demands a severe response, ultimately calling for the complete destruction of such a city to purge the nation of this dangerous infection.
Ever heard someone described as a 'good-for-nothing'? The Bible uses a powerful phrase that sounds similar, revealing a deep spiritual truth.
The phrase 'children of Belial' appears in this verse, referring to the troublemakers who led people astray. This term comes from Hebrew words that can mean 'without worth,' 'worthless,' or 'without a yoke.'
When people like this emerge, they don't just have different opinions; they represent a deep-seated rejection of God's order and value.
How do dangerous ideas spread? This verse reveals a deliberate and insidious process that can dismantle faith within a community.
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The verse describes these 'worthless fellows' as having 'drawn away the inhabitants of their city.' This wasn't a passive drift; it was an active, persuasive act.
Understand the original words
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
A religious or moral detestation; something that is morally repugnant and offensive to the holiness of God, particularly idolatry.
beliya'al · Hebrew Noun Phrase
Literally 'sons of Belial' (worthlessness); used to describe wicked, lawless, or base individuals who lead others away from the truth.
This passage also uses the phrase 'children of Belial' to describe wicked individuals who incite sinful actions within a community, mirroring the troublemakers in Deuteronomy.
1 Samuel 2:12This verse describes the corrupt sons of Eli as 'sons of Belial,' highlighting how this term consistently refers to those who are morally bankrupt and disregard God's law.
2 Corinthians 6:15Paul contrasts Christ with 'Belial,' personifying evil and worthlessness, which underscores the profound opposition to God represented by the 'children of Belial' in Deuteronomy.
Jeremiah 2:10-12This prophetic passage calls out Israel for changing their gods, something that has 'not been done,' much like the situation in Deuteronomy where people turn to gods they have not known.
gillDeuteronomy 13:13: "Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;"
Certain men, the children of Belial,.... Which signify either persons without a yoke, who have thrown off the yoke of God's law, and will not submit to it, or unprofitable ones, as wicked men be, both to God, themselves, and others: are gone out from among you; not locally, but with respect to th…
calvinDeuteronomy 13:12-17: "If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying,"
And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.
Atque omnia spolia ejus congregabis in medio plateae ejus, et combures igni urbem ipsam et omnia spolia ejus prorsus Jeh…
The phrase "children of Belial" doesn't just mean "bad guys"; it describes people who are utterly worthless and rebellious, having thrown off any sense of order or obedience, even to God. This isn't just a local problem; these are individuals who have actively "gone out" from the community, separating themselves to lead others astray with the temptation of the unknown.
This passage describes a specific scenario within Israel's covenant with God, following the general instruction to reject any who would lead them astray. It outlines what happens when a group within one of their cities, led by "worthless fellows," actively persuades their neighbors to abandon Yahweh and worship foreign gods. The context demands a severe response, ultimately calling for the complete destruction of such a city to purge the nation of this dangerous infection.
This passage describes a specific scenario within Israel's covenant with God, following the general instruction to reject any who would lead them astray. It outlines what happens when a group within one of their cities, led by "worthless fellows," actively persuades their neighbors to abandon Yahweh and worship foreign gods. The context demands a severe response, ultimately calling for the complete destruction of such a city to purge the nation of this dangerous infection.
"that certain worthless fellows have gone out among you and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which you have not known, then you shall inquire and make search and ask diligently. And be…" — The phrase "children of Belial" doesn't just mean "bad guys"; it describes people who are utterly worthless and rebellious, having thrown off any sense of order or obedience, even to God. This isn't…
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