Deuteronomy 13:1-9

1 “Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles,

2 and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before—

3 do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul.

4 Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.

5 The false prophets or visionaries who try to lead you astray must be put to death, for they encourage rebellion against the LORD your God, who redeemed you from slavery and brought you out of the land of Egypt. Since they try to lead you astray from the way the LORD your God commanded you to live, you must put them to death. In this way you will purge the evil from among you.

6 “Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known.

7 They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth.

8 But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them.

9 You must put them to death! Strike the first blow yourself, and then all the people must join in.

Deuteronomy 13:1-9 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Verses 13:1-18 are numbered 13:2-19 in Hebrew text.