Deuteronomy 21:20
And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.
Deuteronomy 21:20 (KJV)
Context
Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. It records the laws God gave Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The name Deuteronomy means “second law,” because Moses repeats and reinforces God’s commands for the new generation. This verse belongs to a larger passage, Deuteronomy 21:18-21, which describes how the community must deal with a persistently rebellious son.
Meaning
The verse records the formal accusation that parents bring before the elders of their city. It is a legal declaration made in open court, not a private complaint. The words “stubborn and rebellious” describe a persistent, willful defiance of parental authority. The son refuses to obey his parents’ voice, and his life shows self-indulgence through gluttony and drunkenness. These terms point to a pattern of behavior, not a single mistake. The parents speak plainly about their son’s condition, and their testimony sets the stage for the severe consequence that follows in verse 21.
Biblical connections
The law required parents to act after other discipline had failed, as the process in verses 18-19 shows. Their action was an act of obedience to God’s law and a last resort. The broader purpose was to purge evil from Israel and to deter others from similar behavior. The seriousness of this case reflects how deeply God values honor for parents and holiness within the community. This passage also connects to the fifth commandment, which calls children to honor their father and mother, a foundational principle in Israelite society.
Application
This passage highlights the importance of parental authority and the responsibility parents have to address sin in their children. It encourages children to honor and respect their parents’ guidance. It also warns that unchecked rebellion can break family relationships and require community intervention. The involvement of the elders shows that the whole community shares responsibility for upholding God’s standards and supporting families in difficulty.
Respectful relationships between parents and children require open communication and a spirit of honor.
Discipline should be given with love, aiming to teach and shape character, not merely to punish.
When families face serious challenges, seeking wise counsel from trusted community members can bring healing and order.
Reflection
This verse reminds readers that God takes rebellion against authority seriously. Yet it also shows His desire for a community that is holy and orderly. The parents’ painful testimony was an act of faithfulness, even though it led to judgment. For today, this passage calls families to nurture obedience and self-control, and it calls communities to support one another in truth and love. It challenges every reader to examine their own heart and to value the discipline that leads to life.
