Chapter 13

1 Enticers to idolatry, 6 how near soever unto thee, 9 are to be stoned to death. 12 Idolatrous cities are not to bespared.

1. If there arise. Preferably, “when there arises.”

A prophet. Literally, a “spokesman” or “speaker.” The word thus translated is from a root meaning “to utter a low voice,” “to announce,” “to pass on information.”

A dreamer. The Hebrew words here used refer to ordinary dreams (Isa. 29:8; Ps. 126:1), to inspired dreams, as those of Jacob (Gen. 28:12), of Joseph (Gen. 37:5–10), of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2:1–3), and of false prophets, as here (Jer. 23:25).

Sign. FromХoth, meaning a “sign,” “token,” given, or a “miracle” performed, to attest an inspired message and to encourage those who witness it to cooperate faithfully with the divine will.

Wonder. Literally, a “symbol,” “sign,” “portent,” or “symbolic act,” sent in token of some future event. This refers to a special display of power by a true prophet (Ex. 7:3; 11:9; Ps. 105:5), or by a false prophet, as here.

3. Shalt not hearken. The fulfillment of the “sign” or “wonder” is not to be accepted alone as proof of a prophet’s claims. His message must be in harmony with previously revealed truth (Isa. 8:19, 20). The Jewish people were prone to seek signs, even in Christ’s day (John 6:30), and for this Christ reproved them (Matt. 12:38–45). The apostle Paul also commented on men’s tendency to seek signs (1 Cor. 1:22).

God proveth you. Literally, “God is the one testing you” (see ch. 8:2, 16).

Love the Lord. God demands of His people sincere, undivided love (Deut. 6:5; 30:20; Joshua 22:5; 23:11; Ps. 31:23; Isa. 56:6). Obedience that does not spring from love is without value in God’s sight.

4. Ye shall walk. This is the basic duty absolutely binding upon each believer (Deut. 6:13; 10:20; 11:13, 22; Eccl. 12:13, 14; Micah 6:8). The Hebrew word order is most emphatic. It would read literally, “after Jehovah your God shall ye walk,” meaning after Him and not after anyone else. Fellowship with God is often spoken of as a “walk” (Gen. 5:24).

His commandments. These consist of love expressed in attitudes and actions toward God and man (Lev. 19:18; Deut. 6:5; 10:12; Micah 6:8), as Christ later explained (Matt. 5:43–45; 19:16–22; 22:36–40; see also 1 John 4:6–12).

5. Put to death. See 2 Kings 10:19–27 and 11:18 for examples of drastic action in cases of idolatry.

Turn you away. Or, “taught rebellion” (RSV). The Hebrew noun here translated “turn … away” is given as “revolt” in Isa. 1:5; 59:13, “revolted” in Isa. 31:6, and “rebellion” in Jer. 28:16; 29:32.

Put the evil away. Literally, “burn out the evil” (see Num. 11:3; Isa. 10:17; Jer. 4:4; 7:20; 21:12; etc.).

6. If thy brother. Moses notes here the influence of close relatives on spiritual life (see Matt. 10:37; Luke 14:26).

The wife. The one nearest to a man, for they are one flesh (Gen. 2:24). This suggests the care that should be exercised in the choice of a life partner. In times of crisis, particularly during the final chapters of the great controversy between good and evil, it may not be possible to trust even the closest relatives if they do not hold to the faith (Micah 7:5–7; Matt. 10:21).

7. Gods of the people. Today these gods are materialism, wealth, popularity, politics, sports, fashions, amusements, etc.

8. Pity. When eternal destinies are at stake stern measures must be taken. The surgeon’s knife may be painful, yet it may be the only way to save other lives (ch. 7:16; 19:13, 21; 25:12).

9. Thine hand. The witness to the crime, the accuser, must take active part in meting out the punishment. The purpose of this provision was to curtail false accusations based on private grudges or quarrels. A person would hesitate to lead out in the execution of one whom he knew to be innocent.

10. Stone him. See Deut. 17:5; 21:21; 22:21, 24; Joshua 7:25. Literally, “pelt him.” Since Palestine is a stony country, a plentiful supply would always be at hand.

11. Hear, and fear. The severe measures outlined in the preceding verses were designed to protect the church from idolatry (see chs. 17:13; 19:20; 21:21). God would have men understand the heinous nature of idolatry.

12. Thy cities. As in modern times, cities then no doubt tended to become hotbeds of crime and spiritual declension.

13. Children of Belial. Literally, “sons of Belial,” that is, “sons of evil,” “children of wickedness.” The same word, “Belial,” is given in ch. 15:9 as “wicked,” and in 2 Sam. 22:5 and Ps. 18:4 as “ungodly men,” in Job 34:18 and Nahum 1:11 as “wicked,” and in Ps. 41:8 as “evil.”

Gone out. That is, severed themselves from association with God’s people, perhaps with the purpose of setting up a new organization (1 John 2:19). Those who leave the church, thinking to work in opposition to it, would do well to remember that apart from Christ they can have no spiritual life and can accomplish nothing for the kingdom (John 15:4, 5).

Have withdrawn. Rather, “have drawn away” (RSV), that is, made strong efforts to seduce others. The same word is translated “thrust” in vs. 5 and 10, suggesting intense effort.

14. Enquire. Literally, “search,” “investigate,” with the idea of demanding an answer (chs. 17:4; 19:18). It is used in Hosea 10:12 of seeking God.

Make search. Used of intensive and minute investigation (Judges 18:2; Ps. 139:1; Prov. 25:2; Jer. 31:37).

Certain. Literally, “substantiated,” “verified,” “established”—after due investigation (see ch. 17:4).

Abomination. Used of idolatrous practices. For examples see Deut. 17:4; 18:9; 20:18; Jer. 32:35.

15. The edge of the sword. Literally, “the mouth of the sword.” The sword is pictured as having an insatiable mouth (2 Sam. 2:26; 11:25).

16. The street. Literally, “the open place,” that is, the city square, plaza, or market place. This was usually situated nearthe gate of the city (Neh. 8:1, 3, 16; 2 Chron. 32:6), and was used for public gatherings (2 Chron. 29:4; Ezra 10:9).

Every whit. Translated as “whole burnt sacrifice” in ch. 33:10 and “whole burnt offering” in Ps. 51:19. It denoted a sacrifice that might not be redeemed by exchange or other form of substitute payment (see Lev. 27:31).

An heap for ever. A desolate landmark of God’s abhorrence of apostasy and idolatry (see Joshua 7:26; 8:28).

17. The cursed thing. The church today needs to watch that she be not soiled with various types of idolatry, of which covetousness is an example (Col. 3:5; 2 Cor. 9:5).

Fierceness. Literally, “heat,” from the verb “to burn” (see Ex. 22:24). It also appears as “be hot” (Judges 6:39; 10:7).

18. Hearken. A recurring theme in Deuteronomy. It stresses that there is no neutrality in God’s army (Matt. 12:30). The church today needs to pray constantly for divine power to maintain absolute loyalty. Note the apostle Peter’s exhortation for these last days (2 Peter 3:17, 18), Jude’s words of caution (Jude 17–25), and the message of Christ Himself on the Mount of Olives (Matt. 24:11–13).