Deuteronomy 17:2-12

2 A man or woman in one of the towns the Lord gave you might be found doing something evil and breaking the Agreement.
3 That person may have served other gods and bowed down to them or to the sun or moon or stars of the sky, which I have commanded should not be done.
4 If someone has told you about it, you must look into the matter carefully. If it is true that such a hateful thing has happened in Israel,
5 take the man or woman who has done the evil thing to the city gates and throw stones at that person until he dies.
6 There must be two or three witnesses that it is true before the person is put to death; if there is only one witness, the person should not be put to death.
7 The witnesses must be the first to throw stones at the person, and then everyone else will follow. You must get rid of the evil among you.
8 Some cases that come before you, such as murder, quarreling, or attack, may be too difficult to judge. Take these cases to the place the Lord your God will choose.
9 Go to the priests who are Levites and to the judge who is on duty at that time. Ask them about the case, and they will decide.
10 You must follow the decision they give you at the place the Lord your God will choose. Be careful to do everything they tell you.
11 Follow the teachings they give you, and do whatever they decide, exactly as they tell you.
12 The person who does not show respect for the judge or priest who is there serving the Lord your God must be put to death. You must get rid of that evil from Israel.

Deuteronomy 17:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 17

This chapter begins with a caution not to sacrifice anything to the Lord that is blemished or ill favoured, De 17:1, an order is given to put to death men or women guilty of idolatry, where it is clearly proved upon them, De 17:2-7 and it is directed that when cases are too hard for inferior judges to determine, they should be brought to Jerusalem to the priests, Levites, and judges, which formed the great consistory there, whose sentence was to be adhered unto on pain of death, De 17:8-13, and rules are given about the choice of a king, and he is informed what he must not do, and what he should do, De 17:14-20.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.