“If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying,”
Deuteronomy 13:12 is the beginning of a passage that addresses the subject of dealing with false prophets and idolatry within the Israelite community. This verse sets the context for the subsequent verses, which outline the appropriate response to such situations.
In the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 13:1-11), Moses warns the Israelites about the presence of false prophets who may arise among them, seeking to turn the people away from the worship of the one true God. The passage emphasizes the importance of staying loyal to God and not being led astray by false teachings or the worship of other gods.
Now, let’s continue with the following verses to gain a deeper understanding of this passage:
Verse 13: “Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known.”
This verse describes a situation where individuals, referred to as “the children of Belial” (a term used to describe wicked and lawless people), have influenced the inhabitants of a particular city to worship other gods. They are advocating the abandonment of the true worship of God and the adoption of idolatrous practices.
Verse 14: “Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;”
In response to this situation, the Israelites are encouraged to investigate the matter thoroughly. They are instructed to inquire, make a diligent search, and ask questions to determine the truthfulness of the reports regarding idolatrous practices in their midst. It is important to note that the Israelites are to exercise discernment and not hastily act based on mere rumors or hearsay.
Verse 15: “Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.”
If their investigation reveals that the reports are true and idolatry has indeed taken root, the Israelites are commanded to take decisive action. They are instructed to completely destroy the city and all its inhabitants, including their livestock. The severity of this command may seem harsh, but it reflects the seriousness with which God views idolatry and false worship.
Verse 16: “And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.”
Following the destruction, the Israelites are to gather all the spoils of the city into the center of the city’s street and burn them with fire as an offering to the Lord. This act symbolizes the complete dedication of the city and everything associated with idolatry to God. The city is to be left in ruins, never to be rebuilt again.
Verses 17-18: “And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and show thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers; When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God
These verses conclude the passage by reiterating the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commandments. By obeying His instructions and turning away from idolatry, the Israelites are assured of God’s mercy, compassion, and continued blessings.
In summary, Deuteronomy 13:12-18 addresses the presence of false prophets and the worship of other gods within the Israelite community. It emphasizes the need for discernment, thorough investigation, and decisive action when faced with such situations. The passage reflects the seriousness with which God regards idolatry and underscores the importance of remaining faithful to Him and His commandments.
