Deuteronomy 17:1-6

1 “Never sacrifice sick or defective cattle, sheep, or goats to the LORD your God, for he detests such gifts.

2 “When you begin living in the towns the LORD your God is giving you, a man or woman among you might do evil in the sight of the LORD your God and violate the covenant.

3 For instance, they might serve other gods or worship the sun, the moon, or any of the stars—the forces of heaven—which I have strictly forbidden.

4 When you hear about it, investigate the matter thoroughly. If it is true that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,

5 then the man or woman who has committed such an evil act must be taken to the gates of the town and stoned to death.

6 But never put a person to death on the testimony of only one witness. There must always be two or three witnesses.

Deuteronomy 17:1-6 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.