Deuteronomy 13:9-18

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
13 have been led away from the LORD your God by worthless people. You may hear that these people have been saying, "Let's worship other gods." (Those gods may be gods you've never heard of.)
14 Then make a thorough investigation. If it is true, and you can prove that this disgusting thing has been done among you,
15 you must kill the residents of that city with swords and destroy that city and everyone in it, including the animals, because they are claimed by God.
16 Gather their goods into the middle of the city square. Then burn their city and all their goods as a burnt offering to the LORD your God. It must remain a mound of ruins and never be rebuilt.
17 Don't ever take any of the things claimed for destruction. Then the LORD will stop being angry and will show you mercy. In his mercy he will make your population increase, as he swore to your ancestors.
18 The LORD your God will do this if you listen to him, obey all the commands that I'm giving you today, and do what he considers right.

Deuteronomy 13:9-18 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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