Deuteronomy 13:12
If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying,
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
No clear biblical record exists of this law's implementation—possibly because it was deterrent never needed, or because Israel never fully obeyed. Judges 19-21 records Gibeah's wickedness leading to Benjaminite civil war, approaching this scenario. Prophets condemned cities for idolatry (Hosea 4-5 on Samaria; Jeremiah 7 on Jerusalem) but national apostasy prevented local enforcement. The destruction of Canaanite cities at conquest prefigures this judgment. Revelation 2-3's church judgments show Christ still removes lampstands (churches) for apostasy.
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christians respond when entire churches or denominations abandon biblical truth?
- What is our responsibility when corporate religious bodies embrace heresy or immorality?
- How do we maintain gospel witness while separating from apostate communities?
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Analysis & Commentary
City-wide apostasy: 'If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying.' This introduces worst-case scenario—not individual apostasy but civic rebellion. The phrase 'one of thy cities' indicates Israelite city, part of covenant community, now corrupted. The rumor ('thou shalt hear say') requires investigation before action (v.14). This section (v.12-18) addresses corporate apostasy, distinct from individual (v.6-11) or prophetic (v.1-5) seduction. When whole communities apostatize, more comprehensive judgment follows. The threat of entire cities corrupting others necessitates dramatic response.