Deuteronomy 13

Even when the enticement to follow a false god was carried out secretly (verse 6), the guilty party had to be exposed (verse 8). To hide such a sin would be a sin itself and invite serious consequences (see Leviticus 20:4–5). The death penalty was to be carried out by stoning, the usual method of execution in ancient Israel (Leviticus 20:2,27; 24:14). In such cases, the person bringing the charge was required to cast the first stone (verse 9).

12–18 In these verses, a third instance is cited in which an entire town is enticed by wicked men to follow false gods. If after a thorough investigation it was confirmed that such a thing had indeed happened, then that town and all its inhabitants including the livestock were to be destroyed completely (Deuteronomy 7:2) and “devoted” to the Lord as a “burnt offering”⁴² (verses 15–16). Those valuable objects that survived the fire were to be handed over for the Lord’s use; the Israelites were to take nothing for themselves (verse 17).

Sadly, in spite of Moses’ warnings and the severe punishments demanded for those who led people astray, the Israelites kept falling into the sin of worshiping other gods.⁴³ One problem in later years was that Israel’s leaders became corrupt and did not enforce these laws or carry out these punishments. When leaders cease to obey the law, the people are quick to follow their example.⁴⁴