Deuteronomy 17:7
The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse emphasizes that the witnesses, who first brought the accusation, must also be the first to carry out the punishment. This wasn't about extra cruelty, but a sobering safeguard, ensuring they were absolutely certain of their testimony before irrevocably taking a life. It's a profound reminder of the weight of speaking truth, especially when it leads to grave consequences.
This passage comes after instructions on how to deal with idolatry, emphasizing that even a neighboring town or a beloved family member caught in such sin must be dealt with severely. The law here specifies the execution process for such an offense, requiring the witnesses to cast the first stones. This procedure ensures the witnesses' testimony is solid and that the community actively participates in purging evil from their midst.
Imagine being the first to cast a stone in an execution. This verse details a profound and sobering responsibility placed upon witnesses.
In ancient Israel, for the severe crime of idolatry, the witnesses weren't just accusers; they were the first to carry out the sentence.
A Weighty Responsibility
This wasn't arbitrary. The Law ordained that the witnesses' hands would be the first to strike the condemned.
The verse ends with a powerful command: 'So you shall purge the evil from your midst.' What does this 'purging' truly mean for a community of faith?
The ultimate goal of this severe judicial process was not merely punishment, but the health and purity of the entire community.
More Than Just Punishment
'Purging the evil' speaks to a vital aspect of communal life in ancient Israel, and by extension, in any community committed to God's ways.
Understand the original words
bāʿar · Hebrew Verb
To remove or eradicate something, often referring to sin or wickedness from the community, to restore purity and holiness before God. It carries the sense of taking decisive action to maintain covenant fidelity.
rāʿâ · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
In a biblical context, this refers to behavior or attitudes that are morally corrupt, harmful, or contrary to God's law. It represents that which is wicked or offensive in the sight of God.
This passage is directly alluded to, showing the progression from bringing the accused to the gate to the community's participation in purging evil.
Leviticus 24:16This verse establishes the penalty of stoning for blasphemy, mirroring the severity and communal involvement in carrying out God's judgment for serious offenses.
John 8:7Jesus' challenge to the accusers, 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone,' echoes the principle established here that those bringing accusations have a direct role in the execution, highlighting the gravity of judgment.
Romans 13:4Paul discusses the governing authority bearing the sword to execute wrath on the wrongdoer, showing a continuity of the principle that judgment and punishment are divinely ordained for the removal of evil.
pooleDeuteronomy 17:7: "The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you."
Shall be first upon him; either laid upon his head to design the person, or stretched out to throw the first stone at him. God thus ordered it, partly for the caution of witnesses, that if they had through malice or wrath accused him falsely, they might now be afraid to imbrue their hands in innocent blood; partly…
bensonDeuteronomy 17:7: "The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you."
Deuteronomy 17:7 . First upon him — God thus ordered it, for the caution of witnesses, that, if they had, through malice or wrath, accused him falsely, they might now be afraid to imbrue their hands in innocent blood; and for the security and satisfaction of the people in the execution of this punishment.
This verse emphasizes that the witnesses, who first brought the accusation, must also be the first to carry out the punishment. This wasn't about extra cruelty, but a sobering safeguard, ensuring they were absolutely certain of their testimony before irrevocably taking a life. It's a profound reminder of the weight of speaking truth, especially when it leads to grave consequences.
This passage comes after instructions on how to deal with idolatry, emphasizing that even a neighboring town or a beloved family member caught in such sin must be dealt with severely. The law here specifies the execution process for such an offense, requiring the witnesses to cast the first stones. This procedure ensures the witnesses' testimony is solid and that the community actively participates in purging evil from their midst.
This passage comes after instructions on how to deal with idolatry, emphasizing that even a neighboring town or a beloved family member caught in such sin must be dealt with severely. The law here specifies the execution process for such an offense, requiring the witnesses to cast the first stones. This procedure ensures the witnesses' testimony is solid and that the community actively participates in purging evil from their midst.
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"The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst." — This verse emphasizes that the witnesses, who first brought the accusation, must also be the first to carry out the punishment. This wasn't about extra cruelty, but a sobering safeguard, ensuring the…
