If you hear about one of your cities, which Yahweh your God gives you to dwell there, that certain wicked fellows have gone out from among you and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying, “Let’s go and serve other gods,” which you have not known, then you shall inquire, investigate, and ask diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination was done among you, you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, with all that is therein and its livestock, with the edge of the sword. You shall gather all its plunder into the middle of its street, and shall burn with fire the city, with all of its plunder, to Yahweh your God. It shall be a heap forever. It shall not be built again. Nothing of the devoted thing shall cling to your hand, that Yahweh may turn from the fierceness of his anger and show you mercy, and have compassion on you and multiply you, as he has sworn to your fathers, when you listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, to keep all his commandments which I command you today, to do that which is right in Yahweh your God’s eyes.
Parallel Translations
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If you hear about one of your cities, which Yahweh your God gives you to dwell there, that
certain wicked fellows have gone out from among you and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying, “Let’s go and serve other gods,” which you have not known,
then you shall inquire, investigate, and ask diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination was done among you,
you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, with all that is therein and its livestock, with the edge of the sword.
You shall gather all its plunder into the middle of its street, and shall burn with fire the city, with all of its plunder, to Yahweh your God. It shall be a heap forever. It shall not be built again.
Nothing of the devoted thing shall cling to your hand, that Yahweh may turn from the fierceness of his anger and show you mercy, and have compassion on you and multiply you, as he has sworn to your fathers,
when you listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, to keep all his commandments which I command you today, to do that which is right in Yahweh your God’s eyes.
-
If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying,
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;
Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;
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.
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.
And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew 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.
Show all 3 translations
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(13-13) If thou shalt hear tell concerning one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to dwell there, saying:
(13-14) 'Certain base fellows are gone out from the midst of thee, and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying: Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known';
(13-15) 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 in the midst of thee;
(13-16) 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.
(13-17) And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the broad place thereof, and shall burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, unto the LORD thy God; and it shall be a heap for ever; it shall not be built again.
(13-18) And there shall cleave nought of the devoted thing to thy 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;
(13-19) 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.
Examined in Scripture Analysis
Commandments (4)
The laws of the Torah, each cited and shown as a primary source.
Cross-references (75)
- Deuteronomy 12:28 (v18) Observe and hear all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do…
- Deuteronomy 17:4 (v14) and you are told, and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such…
- Joshua 8:28 (v16) So Joshua burned Ai and made it a heap forever, even a desolation, to this day.
- Jeremiah 49:2 (v16) Therefore behold, the days come,” says Yahweh, “that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard against Rabbah of the children of Ammon; and…
- 1 John 2:19 (v13) They went out from us, but they didn’t belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have continued with us. But they left, that…
Show all 73 cross-references
- Joshua 6:24 (vv15–16) They burned the city with fire, and all that was in it. Only they put the silver, the gold, and the vessels of bronze and of iron into the…
- Genesis 26:4 (v17) I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky, and will give all these lands to your offspring. In your offspring all the nations…
- Genesis 26:24 (v17) Yahweh appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you, and will bless…
- Deuteronomy 7:26 (v17) You shall not bring an abomination into your house and become a devoted thing like it. You shall utterly detest it. You shall utterly abhor…
- Deuteronomy 12:25 (v18) You shall not eat it, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, when you do that which is right in Yahweh’s eyes.
- Deuteronomy 13:2 (v13) and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, “Let’s go after other gods” (which you have not known) “and…
- Deuteronomy 13:6 (v13) If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is as your own soul,…
- Joshua 7:26 (v17) They raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Yahweh turned from the fierceness of his anger. Therefore the name of…
- Isaiah 11:3-4 (v14) His delight will be in the fear of Yahweh. He will not judge by the sight of his eyes, neither decide by the hearing of his ears; but he…
- Isaiah 17:1 (v16) The burden of Damascus. “Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap.
- Isaiah 25:2 (v16) For you have made a city into a heap, a fortified city into a ruin, a palace of strangers to be no city. It will never be built.
- Matthew 7:21 (v18) Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
- Matthew 7:24 (v18) “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.
- John 7:24 (v14) Don’t judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
- 2 Corinthians 6:15 (v13) What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what portion does a believer have with an unbeliever?
- 1 Timothy 5:19 (v14) Don’t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses.
- Genesis 28:14 (v17) Your offspring will be as the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the…
- Exodus 22:20 (v15) “He who sacrifices to any god, except to Yahweh only, shall be utterly destroyed.
- Leviticus 27:28 (v15) “ ‘Notwithstanding, no devoted thing that a man devotes to Yahweh of all that he has, whether of man or animal, or of the field of his…
- Numbers 35:30 (v14) “ ‘Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain based on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify alone…
- Deuteronomy 7:2 (v15) and when Yahweh your God delivers them up before you, and you strike them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant…
- Deuteronomy 10:18 (v14) He executes justice for the fatherless and widow and loves the foreigner in giving him food and clothing.
- Deuteronomy 12:32 (v18) Whatever thing I command you, that you shall observe to do. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.
- Deuteronomy 30:3 (v17) that then Yahweh your God will release you from captivity, have compassion on you, and will return and gather you from all the peoples…
- Joshua 6:18 (v17) But as for you, only keep yourselves from what is devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted it, you take of the devoted thing; so…
- Judges 19:22 (v13) As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain wicked fellows, surrounded the house, beating at the door; and…
- Judges 20:13 (v13) Now therefore deliver up the men, the wicked fellows who are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and put away evil from Israel.” But…
- 1 Samuel 2:12 (v13) Now the sons of Eli were wicked men. They didn’t know Yahweh.
- 1 Samuel 25:17 (v13) Now therefore know and consider what you will do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house; for he is such a…
- 2 Samuel 16:7 (v13) Shimei said when he cursed, “Be gone, be gone, you man of blood, and wicked fellow!
- 2 Samuel 20:1 (v13) There happened to be there a wicked fellow, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the trumpet, and said, “We…
- 2 Samuel 23:6 (v13) But all the ungodly will be as thorns to be thrust away, because they can’t be taken with the hand,
- 1 Kings 21:10 (v13) Set two men, wicked fellows, before him, and let them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king!’ Then carry him out, and…
- 1 Kings 21:13 (v13) The two men, the wicked fellows, came in and sat before him. The wicked fellows testified against him, even against Naboth, in the presence…
- Psalms 119:6 (v18) Then I wouldn’t be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.
- Matthew 6:33 (v18) But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
- John 8:44 (v13) You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn’t stand…
- Jude 1:19 (v13) These are those who cause divisions and are sensual, not having the Spirit.
- Joshua 6:26 (vv16–17) Joshua commanded them with an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed is the man before Yahweh who rises up and builds this city Jericho. With…
- Genesis 22:16-17 (v17) and said, “ ‘I have sworn by myself,’ says Yahweh, ‘because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, that I…
- Exodus 20:6 (v17) and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
- Exodus 23:24 (v15) You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor follow their practices, but you shall utterly overthrow them and demolish their…
- Leviticus 27:28-29 (v17) “ ‘Notwithstanding, no devoted thing that a man devotes to Yahweh of all that he has, whether of man or animal, or of the field of his…
- Numbers 21:2-3 (v16) Israel vowed a vow to Yahweh, and said, “If you will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.”…
- Numbers 25:4 (v17) Yahweh said to Moses, “Take all the chiefs of the people, and hang them up to Yahweh before the sun, that the fierce anger of Yahweh may…
- Deuteronomy 2:34 (v15) We took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed every inhabited city, with the women and the little ones. We left no one…
- Deuteronomy 4:19 (v13) and lest you lift up your eyes to the sky, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, even all the army of the sky, you are drawn…
- Deuteronomy 7:13 (v17) He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your…
- Deuteronomy 7:16 (v15) You shall consume all the peoples whom Yahweh your God shall deliver to you. Your eye shall not pity them. You shall not serve their gods;…
- Joshua 6:17-21 (v15) The city shall be devoted, even it and all that is in it, to Yahweh. Only Rahab the prostitute shall live, she and all who are with her in…
- Joshua 7:1 (v17) But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted things; for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of…
- Joshua 22:11-34 (v12) The children of Israel heard this, “Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an…
- Joshua 22:20 (v17) Didn’t Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the devoted thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? That man didn’t…
- Judges 20:1-17 (v12) Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was assembled as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of…
- Judges 20:48 (v15) The men of Israel turned again on the children of Benjamin, and struck them with the edge of the sword—including the entire city, the…
- 1 Samuel 10:27 (v13) But certain worthless fellows said, “How could this man save us?” They despised him, and brought him no present. But he held his peace.
- 1 Samuel 25:25 (v13) Please don’t let my lord pay attention to this worthless fellow, Nabal; for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with…
- 2 Kings 17:21 (v13) For he tore Israel from David’s house; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king; and Jeroboam drove Israel from following Yahweh, and…
- 2 Chronicles 13:7 (v13) Worthless men were gathered to him, wicked fellows who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young…
- Psalms 78:38 (v17) But he, being merciful, forgave iniquity, and didn’t destroy them. Yes, many times he turned his anger away, and didn’t stir up all his…
- Lamentations 3:32 (v17) For though he causes grief, yet he will have compassion according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.
- Ezekiel 37:26 (v17) Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them. It will be an everlasting covenant with them. I will place them, multiply them, and…
- Micah 1:6 (v16) Therefore I will make Samaria like a rubble heap of the field, like places for planting vineyards; and I will pour down its stones into the…
- 1 Corinthians 16:22 (v17) If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord!
- 1 John 3:10 (v13) In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who…
- Revelation 17:16 (v15) The ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute, will make her desolate, will strip her naked, will eat her…
- Revelation 18:18-24 (v15) and cried out as they looked at the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like the great city?’ They cast dust on their heads, and cried,…
- Revelation 19:2-3 (v15) for his judgments are true and righteous. For he has judged the great prostitute, who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and…
73 distinct cross-references across this passage (75 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (19 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv13, 14, 16, 17 Hebrew, children of Belial.
Hebrew, children of Belial.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv12–13 Deu 13:12 If thou shalt hear [say] in one…
Deu 13:12 If thou shalt hear [say] in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying,
Ver. 12. If thou shalt hear say.] Rumours are not always to be credited, nor always to be contemned.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv13–17 The children of Belial; a title oft used in…
The children of Belial; a title oft used in Scripture, as Jdg 19:22; 1Sa 1:16; 25:25; 2Sa 16:7. It signifies properly persons without yoke, vile and wretched miscreants, lawless and rebellious, that will suffer no restraint, that neither fear God nor reverence man.
From among you, i.e. from your church and religion. It notes a separation or departure from them, not in place, (as appears by their partnership with their fellow citizens both in the sin and punishment, as it here follows,) but in heart, doctrine, and worship, as the same phrase is used, 1Jo 2:19.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v12 Here the case is put of a city revolting…
Here the case is put of a city revolting from its allegiance to the God of Israel, and serving other gods.
I. The crime is supposed to be committed, 1. By one of the cities of Israel, that lay within the jurisdiction of their courts. The church then judged those only that were within, Co1 5:12, Co1 5:13. And, even when they were ordered to preserve their religion in the first principles of it by fire and sword to propagate it. Those that are born within the allegiance of a prince, if they take up arms against him, are dealt with as traitors, but foreign invaders are not so. The city that is here supposed to have become idolatrous is one that formerly worshipped the true God, but had now withdrawn to other gods, which intimates how great the crime is, and how sore the punishment will be, of those that, after they have known the way of righteousness, turn aside from it, Pe2 2:21. 2. It is supposed to be committed by the generality of the inhabitants of the city, for we may conclude that, if a considerable number did retain their integrity, those only that were guilty were to be destroyed, and the city was to be spared for the sake of the righteous in it; for will not the Judge of all the earth do right? No doubt he will. 3. They are supposed to be drawn to idolatry by certain men, the children of Belial, men that would endure no yoke (so it signifies), that neither fear God nor regard man, but shake off all restraints of law and conscience, and are perfectly lost to all manner of virtue; these are those that say, "Let us serve other gods," that will not only allow, but will countenance and encourage, our immoralities. Belial is put for the devil (Co2 6:15), and the children of Belial are his children. These withdraw the inhabitants of the city; for a little of this old leaven, when it is entertained, soon leavens the whole lump.
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II. The cause is ordered to be tried with a great deal of care (Deu 13:14): Thou shalt enquire and make search. They must not proceed upon common fame, or take the information by hearsay, but must examine the proofs, and not give judgment against them unless the evidence was clear and the charge fully made out. God himself, before he destroyed Sodom, is said to have come down to see whether its crimes were according to the clamour, Gen 18:21. In judicial processes it is requisite that time, and care, and pains, be taken to find out the truth, and that search be made without any passion, prejudice, or partiality. The Jewish writers say that, though particular persons who were idolaters might be judged by the inferior courts, the defection of a city was to be tried by the great Sanhedrim; and, if it appeared that they were thrust away to idolatry, two learned men were sent to them to admonish and reclaim them. If they repented, all would be well; if not, then all Israel must go up to war against them, to testify their indignation against idolatry and to stop the spreading of the contagion.
III. If the crime were proved, and the criminals were incorrigible, the city was to be wholly destroyed. If there were a few righteous men in it, no doubt they would remove themselves and their families out of such a dangerous place, and then all the inhabitants, men, women, and children, must be put to the sword (Deu 13:15), all the spoil of the city, both shop-goods and the furniture of houses, must be brought into the marketplace and burned, and the city itself must be laid in ashes and never built again, Deu 13:16. The soldiers are forbidden, upon pain of death, to convert any of the plunder to their own use, Deu 13:17. It was a devoted thing, and dangerous to meddle with, as we find in the case of Achan. Now, 1. God enjoins this severity of show what a jealous God he is in the matters of his worship, and how great a crime it is to serve other gods. Let men know that God will not give his glory to another, nor his praise to graven images. 2. He expects that magistrates, having their honour and power from him, should be concerned for his honour, and use their power for terror to evil doers, else they bear the sword in vain. 3. The faithful worshippers of the true God must take all occasions to show their just indignation against idolatry, much more against atheism, infidelity, and irreligion. 4. It is here intimated that the best expedient for the turning away of God's anger from a land is to execute justice upon the wicked of the land (Deu 13:17), that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of his anger, which was ready to break out against the whole nation, for the wickedness of that one apostate city. It is promised that, if they would thus root wickedness out of their land, God would multiply them. They might think it impolitic, and against the interest of their nation, to ruin a whole city for a crime relating purely to religion, and that they should be more sparing of the blood of Israelites: "Fear not the" (says Moses), "God will multiply you the more; the body of your nation will lose nothing by the letting out of this corrupt blood." Lastly, Though we do not find this law put in execution in all the history of the Jewish church (Gibeah was destroyed, not for idolatry, but immorality), yet for the neglect of the execution of it upon the inferior cities that served idols God himself, by the army of the Chaldeans, put it in execution upon Jerusalem, the head city, which, for is apostasy from God, was utterly destroyed and laid waste, and lay in ruins seventy years. Though idolaters may escape punishment from men (nor is this law in the letter of it binding now, under the gospel), yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgements. The New Testament speaks of communion with idolaters as a sin which, above any other, provokes the Lord to jealousy, and dares him as if we were stronger than he, Co1 10:21, Co1 10:22.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv12–18 If thou shalt hear say in one of thy…
If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities,.... A report concerning them, anyone of them:
which the Lord thy God had given thee to dwell there; which he had not only given them, but had put them into the possession of, and it was become their dwelling place, or was inhabited by Israelites; otherwise they were already given unto them, but did not inherit and inhabit them, and it might be possible that there might be some city or cities, at least for a time, which, though given them, were not inhabited by them, but by the Canaanites, and such cities this law did not concern: saying; as follows.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv13–17 Children of Belial - It signifies properly persons without…
Children of Belial - It signifies properly persons without yoke, vile and wretched miscreants, lawless and rebellious, that will suffer no restraint, that neither fear God, nor reverence man. From among you - That is, from your church and religion. It notes a separation from them, not in place (as appears by their partnership with their fellow citizens both in the sin and punishment) but in heart, doctrine and worship.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv13, 15, 17 Verse 13. Children of Belial] בליעל, from בל bal,…
Verse 13. Children of Belial] בליעל, from בל bal, not, and יעל yaal, profit; - Sept. ανδρες παρανομοι, lawless men; - persons good for nothing to themselves or others, and capable of nothing but mischief.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv13–16 Deu 13:13. Certain men, children of Belial — So…
Deu 13:13. Certain men, children of Belial — So the most profligate and worthless are called in Scripture. The expression properly signifies persons without yoke, lawless, and rebellious, that will suffer no restraint, that neither fear God nor reverence man. Are gone out from you — Have separated themselves from you in point of religion, and carry themselves stubbornly and presumptuously herein.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv12, 13, 16 City was to keep jealous watch over city, as…
City was to keep jealous watch over city, as man over man. The clause “which the Lord thy God hath given thee to dwell in” significantly reminds them that the real ownership of their dwellings rested in the Lord (compare Lev 25:23), and that they, the mere tenants, must not allow His property to become a center of rebellion against His just authority.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv12, 13, 15, 17 Cities. If the inhabitants agreed, in general, to introduce…
Cities. If the inhabitants agreed, in general, to introduce the worship of idols, they were to be first admonished, (Calmet) and if incorrigible, to be utterly destroyed. (Haydock) --- The obligation of seeing that this was executed was left to the magistrates. (Du Hamel)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv12, 14, 16, 17 Certain men, the children of Belial--lawless, designing demagogues (Jdg…
Certain men, the children of Belial--lawless, designing demagogues (Jdg 19:22; Sa1 1:16; Sa1 25:25), who abused their influence to withdraw the inhabitants of the city to idol-worship.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv13, 16, 17 13. Children of Belial — Literally, Sons of worthlessness…
13. Children of Belial — Literally, Sons of worthlessness or wickedness, equivalent to wicked men. As in Psa_18:4, where our version renders “floods of ungodly men,” the same word Belial is used. Also in Psa_101:3, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.”
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On v12 12–18 (13–19 in Heb.). Against a City seduced to…
12–18 (13–19 in Heb.). Against a City seduced to Other Gods
Deu_13:12. in one of thy cities] So Hebrew. R. V. concerning is hardly possible (though cp. Psa_92:12). As the words define not the place where the report has been heard, but the subject of the report, the guilty city itself; therefore either saying has been carelessly misplaced and should follow hear (tell) (cp. Jos_22:11) or more probably the writer has designedly but awkwardly brought up the object of the law from the subordinate to the principal clause so as to make it prominent from the first: cp. Deu_31:29 (Dillm., Driv.). Translate: if thou shalt hear tell, that, in one of the cities, which … certain base fellows have gone out, etc.
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cities] or towns; these social forms in Israel are much more frequent in D than tribes which under the settled conditions of the people towns gradually displaced; nearly always (exceptions Deu_19:1, Deu_20:16 and LXX of Deu_12:5) in these laws they are units of judiciary: here, Deu_19:1-13 (on the cities of refuge), Deu_21:2 ff. (with criminal responsibility for murders committed near them), Deu_21:19 ff., Deu_22:15 ff., Deu_22:24, Deu_25:8 : their representatives being their elders. The other phrase within thy gates is used of judiciary matters in Deu_16:18, Deu_17:2; Deu_17:8 (otherwise it is reserved for religious and charitable directions: see on Deu_12:12; Deu_12:21). But judges and officers are to be chosen according to thy tribes, Deu_16:18 (for tribes see also Deu_12:5; Deu_12:14).
giveth] is about to give.
Deu_13:13. Certain base fellows] Hebrew, men, sons of belial usually but doubtfully taken as worthlessness (as if a compound = no use), good-for-nothing fellows, Scot. ‘ne’er-do-weels.’ In early writings of the churlish, foul-mouthed, violent, drunken, unchaste, perjurers and abandoned criminals, but also of rebels against authority and religion as here (Jdg_19:22; Jdg_20:13; 1Sa_1:16; 1Sa_2:12; 1Sa_10:27; 1Sa_25:17; 1Sa_25:25; 2Sa_16:7; 2Sa_20:1; 1Ki_21:10; 1Ki_21:13). In D only here and Deu_15:9 (of a base word or thought), and nowhere else in Hexateuch.
are gone out] The vb. is used of going forth of set purpose to do something (Jdg_9:8; 1Sa_23:15) or, along with coming in, of all kinds of business (Deu_28:6, Deu_31:2). So here it might just mean deliberately and (of course) in public (opp. secretly, Deu_13:6); but the addition from the midst of thee conveys the suggestion of apostasy from Israel: they went out from us but they were not of us (1Jn_2:19).
drawn away] Deu_13:5 : draw thee aside (q.v.).
Let us go and worship, etc.] See Deu_13:2; Deu_13:6.
Deu_13:14. inquire] See Deu_11:12, Deu_12:30, Deu_17:4; Deu_17:9, Deu_19:18; in this sense or a similar darash is used elsewhere in the Pent. only in Lev_10:16. Make search, ḥaḳar, investigate, in D only here; elsewhere of exploring a land and of examining a case (Job_29:16). Ask diligently, well, or thoroughly; ask, sha’al, like darash, to make inquest.
and the thing certain] or the story established or substantiated (Deu_17:4), or the case well-founded.
abomination] See on Deu_7:25.
Deu_13:15. thou shalt surely] i.e. the whole nation.
with the edge of] Hebrew, mouth of.
destroying it utterly] devoting or putting it to the ban or ḥerem. On this see Deu_2:34; it is the hardest form of the ḥerem which is here pronounced upon an apostate city of Israel.
and the cattle, etc.] Not in LXX; probably a later addition to the law and if so illustrative of the ease with which its varied forms and degrees of stringency (see on Deu_2:34) arose (but see Driver’s note here).
Deu_13:16. street] broad or open place. So far as they have been unearthed the streets of ancient Canaanite towns were as narrow as those of the villages of modern Palestine. But there was always a broad place, just inside the gate, where local courts and consultations were held.
every whit] a whole offering, holocaust. Hebrew kalîl usually synonymous with ‘olah (see Deu_12:6), but here used of the ḥerem; so in Jdg_20:40 of a city set on fire and its smoke: the whole offering of the city went up to heaven.
an heap] or mound. Heb., as Ar., tel (tell), in both languages also applied to the mounds on which living cities stand, their dead selves; the remains of their previous gradual decay or overthrow: all the cities standing on their mounds (Jos_11:13, etc.).
Deu_13:17. devoted thing] The thing banned, as well as the banning, was called ḥerem. See on Deu_2:34, Deu_7:26, and cp. Jos_6:18.
turn from the fierceness of his anger] So Jos_7:26, after the ḥerem was fulfilled on Achan.
and shew thee mercy, etc.] Jer_42:12.
multiply thee] Again this promise! Deu_1:10, Deu_6:3 (q.v.), Deu_7:13, etc.
Deu_13:18. The usual condition attached to promises in Deut.: possibly editorial.
right] Sam., LXX add and good.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv12, 13, 15, 16, 17 (12) If thou shalt hear say in one of…
(12) If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities.—The only case of this kind is the case of Gibeah. We may fairly assume the abominations done there to have been connected with idolatry, from the allusions in Hos_9:9; Hos_10:9. But the outrage rather than the idolatry seems to have excited the indignation of Israel (see Judges 20, 21). It is noticeable that in the remonstrance with the Benjamites at Gibeah—(Jdg_20:13): “Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel”—there seems to be an allusion to the language of this chapter in Deu_13:5; Deu_13:11.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv12, 13, 14, 16 Vers. 12-18. A third ease supposed is that of…
Vers. 12-18. A third ease supposed is that of the inhabitants of a city being seduced by wicked men into idolatry. In this case inquiry was to be made as to the fact; and if it was found to be so, the inhabitants of that city were to be put to the sword, all their property was to be burnt, and the city itself reduced to a heap; so should the anger of the Lord be averted from Israel, and he would do them good.
Hear in one of thy cities. The Hebrew phrase, "to hear in" (B mv). has sometimes the meaning of to overhear, as in Gen_27:5; 1Sa_17:28 Job_15:8; sometimes it means simply to hear, as in 2Sa_19:35; in Job_26:14, it has the force of to hear of orconcerning, though some think this questionable. This latter is apparently the meaning here: If thou hear concerning any of thy cities, etc. Baying. This introduces what is heard.
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Vers. 12-18. A city under ban.
The case here supposed is even more appalling than the former one, for it is the inhabitants of a whole city who, with all that they have, are to be destroyed. Yet, as it is certain that godly persons, dreading the execution of this sentence, would leave this city as soon as they found out what was going on being very possibly the bearers of the tidings to others the curse would practically take effect only on those who were in league with the idolaters. Searching investigation was to precede the infliction of doom (ver. 14).
I EVIL-DISPOSED PERSONS CAN DO MUCH HARM. A few men of Belial perhaps, at first, but one or two, succeed in seducing, and ultimately in destroying, a whole city. Their cancerous influence speedily infected the mass. Like fire breaking out in a little corner of a building, it soon involved the whole place in ruin. "One sinner destroyeth, much good". (Ecc_9:18) "Evil communications corrupt good manners. (1Co_15:33) Evil is not to be thought lightly of, because at first confined to a few individuals, and circumscribed in its range of operations. It will spread faster than good.
II THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF EACH CITY IS OF INTEREST TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. Disease in one part of the social organism will speedily communicate itself to the other parts.
III IMMEDIATE ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO REDUCE EVIL IN ITS CHOSEN SEATS. No longer, indeed, with carnal weapons. We have no warrant to proceed by fire and sword. A better way is open to us of reducing evil than by judicial slaughter. The wickedness of a city is doubtless a token of God"s wrath resting upon it. If it repent not, his judgments will fall upon it with all the old severity. But it does not lie with us to give effect to these judgments; God keeps them in his own hand. Our work, meanwhile, is the happier one of seeking the reduction of evil by spiritual means by reasoning, by persuasion, by preaching of the truth, by substituting good influences for bad ones. These weapons are adequate to the work for which they are given, and ought to be plied to the utmost. Places differ in spiritual character. There are those of which it may be said as of Pergamos, "where Satan"s seat is" (Rev_2:13) that in them evil has a kind of stronghold. Against these, by preference, the assaults of God"s servants should be directed. The apostles chose for their attacks the leading centers of pagan influence. One stronghold gained is worth a dozen outposts, J.O.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v17 There shall cleave nought of the cursed thing.
Deu_13:17
There shall cleave nought of the cursed thing.
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Destroy the cursed thing
Israel must conquer idolatrous cities, and destroy all the spoil, regarding all that had been polluted by idolatry as an accursed thing to be burned with fire. Now, sin of all sorts must be treated by Christians in the same manner. We must not allow a single evil habit to remain. It is now war to the knife with sins of all sorts and sizes, whether of the body, the mind, or the spirit. We do not look upon this giving up of evil as deserving mercy, but we regard it as a fruit of the grace of God, which we would on no account miss. When God causes us to have no mercy on our sins, then He has great mercy on us. When we are angry with evil, God is no more angry with us. When we multiply our efforts against iniquity, the Lord multiplies our blessings. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v12 Seducers Among Fellow-Citizens. —
Seducers Among Fellow-Citizens. —
v. 12. If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities which the Lord, thy God, hath given thee to dwell there, saying,
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v. 13. Certain men, the children of Belial, literally, "sons of worthlessness," vain, profitless people, are gone out from among you, denying their allegiance to the people of God and their obligations to the Lord, and have withdrawn (seduced) the inhabitants of their city, saying, let us go and serve other gods which ye have not known, if this rumor or report should reach the ears of any member of Israel,
v. 14. then shalt thou enquire, make an investigation through the proper officers, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth and the thing certain, that such an abomination is wrought among you, if the guilt of the people is established beyond a doubt,
v. 15. thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, as having fallen under the ban of Jehovah, Deuteronomy 7, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword. The ban should be carried out upon such a city with a severity which would cause the complete extermination of all living things.
v. 16. And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it, in the form of dresses, furniture, jewelry, and the like, in the midst of the street thereof, the broad, open place just inside the gate, and shalt burn with fire the city and all the spoil thereof, every whit, for the Lord, thy God, namely, as being devoted to Him through this destruction; and it shall be an heap forever; it shall not be built again.
v. 17. And there shall cleave naught of the cursed thing to thine hand, no individual should presume to keep any of the material found among the spoil, that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of His anger, and show thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, not visit the sin of that one city upon the entire nation, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, Gen 22:17;
v. 18. when thou shalt hearken to the voice of the Lord, thy God, to keep all His commandments which I command thee this day, including these, which enjoined the utmost severity upon the false prophets and seducers of every kind, to do that which is right in the eyes of the Lord, thy God. The command of God. as it concerns Christian congregations in our days, plainly states that they must have no fellowship with unbelievers and with false believers. Only in this way is it possible to hinder the corruption and the defection of the people of God. Cf 2Co 6:14-18.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv12, 15, 17 General Information:
General Information:
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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Some wicked fellows have gone out from among you
The phrase "from among you" means that these wicked men were Israelites who lived in their communities.
have drawn away the inhabitants of their city and said, 'Let us go and worship other gods that you have not known.'
This can be translated as an indirect quotation. AT: "have persuaded those who live in their city to go and worship other gods that they have not known." (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)
have drawn away the inhabitants of their city
A person causing someone else to stop obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person has caused the other person to physically turn and leave Yahweh. (See: Metaphor)
examine the evidence, make search, and investigate it thoroughly
All of these phrases mean basically the same thing. Moses is emphasizing that they must carefully find out what truly happened at the city. (See: Doublet)
that such an abominable thing has been done among you
This can be stated in active form. AT: "that the people of the city have done such a terrible thing" (See: Active or Passive)
translationWords
Yahweh
God
life
worship
false god
true
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv13, 14, 16 13:13 scoundrels (literally sons of Belial): In Hebrew, “son(s)…
13:13 scoundrels (literally sons of Belial): In Hebrew, “son(s) of” often expresses group affiliation or shared characteristics. Scoundrels typically deceived others and led them astray (Prov 6:12; 16:27; 19:28; Nah 1:11).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.