Deuteronomy 13:1-7

1 "Prophets or interpreters of dreams may promise a miracle or a wonder,

2 in order to lead you to worship and serve gods that you have not worshiped before. Even if what they promise comes true,

3 do not pay any attention to them. The Lord your God is using them to test you, to see if you love the Lord with all your heart.

4 Follow the Lord and honor him; obey him and keep his commands; worship him and be faithful to him.

5 But put to death any interpreters of dreams or prophets that tell you to rebel against the Lord, who rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves. Such people are evil and are trying to lead you away from the life that the Lord has commanded you to live. They must be put to death, in order to rid yourselves of this evil.

6 "Even your brother or your son or your daughter or the wife you love or your closest friend may secretly encourage you to worship other gods, gods that you and your ancestors have never worshiped.

7 Some of them may encourage you to worship the gods of the people who live near you or the gods of those who live far away.

Deuteronomy 13:1-7 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.