Deuteronomy 13 - Introduction

(2 19 in Heb.). Three Laws against the Worship of Other Gods

The first is against the prophet, who, while able to give a sign or wonder, shall say, let us go after other gods; he is only God's test to prove Israel; hearken not to him but walk after Jehovah; as for the prophet, put him to death (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). The second is against the relative or friend who may similarly entice; consent not, neither pity, nor spare him, but kill him by stoning (Deuteronomy 13:6-11). The third is against any city, drawn away by sons of Belial, to worship other gods; in such a case inquisition shall be made, and if the thing is certain the inhabitants shall be slain and the city and its contents devoted (Deuteronomy 13:12-18). The whole piece is a unity (with few editorial additions); but we have seen that it was originally preceded and led up to by Deuteronomy 16:21 to Deuteronomy 17:7. Like this it is throughout in the Sg., except for Deuteronomy 13:4, which has other signs of being an editorial addition. The variations in the use of the same formulas are interesting (e.g. Deuteronomy 13:2; Deuteronomy 13:6; Deuteronomy 13:13): even a law-giver was not bound to exact repetition! The reader will keep in mind that in the Hebrew text the verses are numbered one later than in the English.