Deuteronomy 17:2-3
“If there is found among you, within any of your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, a man or woman who does what is evil in the sight of the LORD your God, in transgressing his covenant, and has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have forbidden,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just talking about any "evil deed," but specifically "the evil" – a singular, grave wickedness that breaks the intimate, covenantal relationship Israel has with God. This transgression is described as a form of spiritual adultery, a profound betrayal that fractures their very bond with the LORD.
This passage shifts focus from acceptable worship to severe consequences for idolaters within Israel. Building on laws against enticing others to false gods, Moses now outlines the penalty for anyone, man or woman, found practicing idolatry and breaking their covenant with the LORD. This crime is considered the ultimate betrayal, akin to spiritual adultery against God, and demands the harshest punishment to purge the community.
What does it mean to do 'evil in the sight of the LORD'? It's more than just breaking a rule; it's a deep betrayal.
This verse calls out "wickedness" specifically as "transgressing his covenant."
A Marriage Contract
God’s covenant with Israel was like a sacred marriage vow. They promised exclusive loyalty and faithfulness to Him, and He promised to be their God. Idolatry, the focus of this passage, was seen as spiritual adultery – a complete breaking of that marital bond.
Breaking the Law
More broadly, the covenant was their agreement to live by God’s laws, especially the first table which demands wholehearted devotion. Transgressing the covenant means breaking this fundamental promise, not just in a minor way, but in a way that severs the relationship.
The law is clear: no one is above accountability, no matter their gender.
The text explicitly states, "a man or woman." This isn't accidental. It's a deliberate emphasis that God's commands and the consequences for breaking them apply equally to everyone.
Equal Standing
In a culture where women often had fewer public rights or societal influence, highlighting "man or woman" underscores that sin doesn't discriminate, and neither does God's justice. Every individual is responsible before Him.
Universal Sin, Universal Accountability
Whether it's a king or a commoner, a man or a woman, wickedness has consequences. This sets the stage for the severe penalties that follow in the coming verses, reminding everyone that faithfulness to the covenant is paramount for all.
Understand the original words
berit · Hebrew Noun
A breach of the binding relationship between God and His people, often involving a violation of His commandments and a rejection of His sovereign authority.
tsaba' · Hebrew Noun
The entire celestial army, often referring to the sun, moon, and stars; in the ancient Near Eastern context, these were often falsely deified and worshiped in place of the Creator.
This passage shows the devastating consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and covenant-breaking, directly linking sin to God's presence withdrawing, similar to Deuteronomy 17:2's focus on transgressing the covenant.
Jeremiah 11:10Here, the prophet declares that the people of Israel have broken God's covenant, returning to their former sins, echoing the theme of covenant transgression found in Deuteronomy 17:2.
Romans 6:16This New Testament passage highlights the concept of becoming slaves to whomever you obey, contrasting obedience to righteousness with obedience to sin, which resonates with the choice to obey God or transgress His covenant as presented in Deuteronomy 17:2.
1 Corinthians 5:13Paul instructs the Corinthian church to remove a wicked person from among them, directly quoting and applying the principle of purging evil from the community found in Deuteronomy 17:7, which is the consequence for covenant transgression.
pooleDeuteronomy 17:2: "If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,"
Man or woman; the weakness and tenderness of that sex shall not excuse her sin, nor prevent her punishment. In transgressing his covenant, i.e. in idolatry, as it is explained Deu 17:3 , which is called a transgression of God’s covenant made with Israel, partly because it is a brea…
cambridgeDeuteronomy 17:2: "If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,"
2 . If there be found in the midst of thee ] Deuteronomy 13:1 (2): if there arise , etc.; q.v.within any of thy gates ] Deuteronomy 13:12 (13): one of thy cities; q.v.doeth that which is evil , etc.] See on Deuteronomy 4:25 . in transgressing his covenant ] Joshua 7:11 ; Joshua 7:1…
The verse isn't just talking about any "evil deed," but specifically "the evil" – a singular, grave wickedness that breaks the intimate, covenantal relationship Israel has with God. This transgression is described as a form of spiritual adultery, a profound betrayal that fractures their very bond with the LORD.
This passage shifts focus from acceptable worship to severe consequences for idolaters within Israel. Building on laws against enticing others to false gods, Moses now outlines the penalty for anyone, man or woman, found practicing idolatry and breaking their covenant with the LORD. This crime is considered the ultimate betrayal, akin to spiritual adultery against God, and demands the harshest punishment to purge the community.
This passage shifts focus from acceptable worship to severe consequences for idolaters within Israel. Building on laws against enticing others to false gods, Moses now outlines the penalty for anyone, man or woman, found practicing idolatry and breaking their covenant with the LORD. This crime is considered the ultimate betrayal, akin to spiritual adultery against God, and demands the harshest punishment to purge the community.
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"“If there is found among you, within any of your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, a man or woman who does what is evil in the sight of the LORD your God, in transgressing his covenant, and has gone and served other gods and wors…" — The verse isn't just talking about any "evil deed," but specifically "the evil" – a singular, grave wickedness that breaks the intimate, covenantal relationship Israel has with God. This transgressio…
