“And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you, and all Israel shall hear, and fear.”
Deuteronomy 21:21 is a verse from the Old Testament, specifically part of a larger passage that deals with the laws and regulations given to the Israelites by God through Moses. This particular verse addresses the case of a rebellious and disobedient son.
In the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 21:18-20), it is stated that if a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his parents, they are to bring him before the elders of the city. The parents are required to bring a formal accusation against their son, declaring that he is rebellious and disobedient.
In verse 21, it states that upon hearing the accusation and finding the young man guilty, all the men of the city are to gather and stone him to death. The purpose behind this punishment is twofold: to put away evil from among the people and to serve as a deterrent for others.
This law was given in the context of ancient Israel, where God established a theocratic system of governance. The severity of the punishment reflects the significance that was placed on honoring parents and maintaining order within the community. Disobedience and rebellion were considered serious offenses because they undermined the authority structure and the well-being of the community.
It’s important to note that this particular law was specific to the Israelites during that time and was part of the Old Covenant. With the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant, the Mosaic laws were fulfilled and replaced. Christians today are under the New Covenant, which is characterized by the teachings of Jesus Christ, grace, and forgiveness.
In the New Testament, we see a different approach to dealing with disobedience and rebellion. Rather than resorting to severe punishments, Jesus emphasized forgiveness, repentance, and restoration of relationships. The message of the Gospel encourages love, compassion, and reconciliation.
In summary, Deuteronomy 21:21 represents a specific law given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. It highlights the seriousness of rebellion and disobedience, but it should be understood in its historical and cultural context. As Christians, we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, which emphasize forgiveness and restoration, rather than strict legal punishments.
