Deuteronomy 17:2-5

2 If a man or woman living among you in one of the towns the LORD gives you is found doing evil in the eyes of the LORD your God in violation of his covenant,

3 and contrary to my command has worshiped other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or the moon or the stars in the sky,

4 and this has been brought to your attention, then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,

5 take the man or woman who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death.

Deuteronomy 17:2-5 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.

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 13:6-11
• 2. Jeremiah 7:31; Jeremiah 7:22-23
• 3. Exodus 22:20
• 4. S Genesis 1:16; Job 31:26
• 5. S Genesis 2:1; S Genesis 37:9
• 6. Deuteronomy 22:20
• 7. Deuteronomy 13:12-14
• 8. S Leviticus 24:14