Deuteronomy 13:2-12

2 What he predicts may even take place. But don't listen to that prophet or dreamer if he says, "Let's worship and serve other gods." (Those gods may be gods you've never heard of.)
3 The LORD your God is testing you to find out if you really love him with all your heart and with all your soul.
4 Worship the LORD your God, fear him, obey his commands, listen to what he says, serve him, and be loyal to him.
5 That prophet or dreamer must be put to death because he preached rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt and freed you from slavery. He was trying to lead you away from following the directions the LORD your God gave you. You must get rid of this evil.
6 Your own brother, son, or daughter, the wife you love, or your best friend may secretly tempt you, saying, "Let's go worship other gods." (Those gods may be gods that you and your ancestors never knew.
7 They may be the gods of the people around you, who live near or far, from one end of the land to the other.)
8 Don't be influenced by any of these people or listen to them. Have no pity on them. Don't feel sorry for them or protect them.
9 You must put them to death. You must start the execution. Then all the other people will join you in putting them to death.
10 Stone them to death because they were trying to lead you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of slavery in Egypt.
11 All Israel will hear about it and be afraid. Then no one among you will ever do such a wicked thing again.
12 You may hear that the residents in one of the cities which the LORD your God is giving you to live in

Deuteronomy 13:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 13

In this chapter the Israelites are taught how to discern a false prophet, shun and punish him, De 13:1-5, what to do with enticers to idolatry, not only not to consent to them, but, without favour and affection to them, endeavour to bring them to just punishment, and be the first that should inflict it on them, De 13:6-11 and how to behave towards a city drawn into idolatry, as to inquire the truth of it; then make war against it; destroy all in it, men, women, children, and cattle; and burn the spoil of it, and suffer not anything at all belonging to it to cleave unto them, De 13:12-18.

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