Deuteronomy 13:10
And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Stoning executed many Old Testament judgments: blasphemy (Leviticus 24:14-16), Sabbath-breaking (Numbers 15:32-36), adultery (Deuteronomy 22:21-24), idolatry (Deuteronomy 17:2-7). The method ensured community participation and made death certain. Stephen's martyrdom by stoning (Acts 7:58-60) ironically fulfilled this law illegally—mob violence, not proper trial. Jesus prevented an adulteress's stoning (John 8:3-11), not abolishing law but exposing accusers' hypocrisy and offering grace. His sacrifice satisfies law's demands, enabling mercy for repentant sinners.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering God's redemption (salvation from sin) motivate faithfulness and expose apostasy's ingratitude?
- What does it mean that Christ was 'stoned' (crucified) bearing the penalty for our spiritual adultery (idolatry)?
- How should gratitude for salvation affect our resolve against compromise with false teaching?
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Analysis & Commentary
The execution method: 'And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.' Stoning was community execution, requiring multiple participants. The crime: 'sought to thrust thee away' (nadach, נָדַח, drive away, seduce) from Yahweh. This active seduction, not mere personal apostasy, merits death. The reminder of redemption—'brought thee out of Egypt, from the house of bondage'—emphasizes ingratitude's enormity. God delivered you from slavery; leading you back to spiritual slavery (idolatry) is ultimate betrayal. Covenant faithfulness demands capital response to covenant violation.