Deuteronomy 13:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
תַכֶּ֗ה
Thou shalt surely
H5221
תַכֶּ֗ה
Thou shalt surely
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 18
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
תַכֶּ֗ה
Thou shalt surely
H5221
תַכֶּ֗ה
Thou shalt surely
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
2 of 18
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֛י
the inhabitants
H3427
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֛י
the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
הָעִ֥יר
of that city
H5892
הָעִ֥יר
of that city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
5 of 18
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הַהִ֖וא
H1931
הַהִ֖וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לְפִי
thereof with the edge
H6310
לְפִי
thereof with the edge
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
7 of 18
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
חָֽרֶב׃
of the sword
H2719
חָֽרֶב׃
of the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
8 of 18
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
הַֽחֲרֵ֨ם
destroying it utterly
H2763
הַֽחֲרֵ֨ם
destroying it utterly
Strong's:
H2763
Word #:
9 of 18
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
אֹתָ֧הּ
H853
אֹתָ֧הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּהֶמְתָּ֖הּ
and all that is therein and the cattle
H929
בְּהֶמְתָּ֖הּ
and all that is therein and the cattle
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
Cross References
Exodus 22:20He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.Deuteronomy 7:2And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:Leviticus 27:28Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto the LORD.
Historical Context
Jericho received cherem judgment (Joshua 6:17-21). Achan's violation brought divine discipline (Joshua 7). This total destruction never applied to apostate Israelite cities in recorded history, possibly because wholesale civic apostasy didn't occur (or wasn't prosecuted). Theocratic law operated differently than modern civil law—covenant community under direct divine rule enforced God's exclusive worship. Church age lacks civil authority for such judgment, but Revelation 2-3 shows Christ judges apostate churches, 'removing lampstands' and bringing spiritual death.
Questions for Reflection
- How does treating apostate covenant people as pagan enemies illuminate New Testament warnings about falling away?
- What does total destruction teach about sin's contagious nature requiring radical removal?
- How should churches respond when entire congregations abandon core biblical doctrines?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The judgment: '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.' This is cherem (חֵרֶם, devoted to destruction)—complete annihilation reserved for Canaanite cities. The phrase 'destroying it utterly' (הַחֲרֵם תַּחֲרִים, hacharem tacharim, intensive absolute + verb) means total consecration to God through destruction—no survivors, no spoil. Even livestock dies. This equals treating apostate Israelite city as Canaanite enemy, showing apostasy forfeits covenant protection. The severity demonstrates idolatry's gravity and corruption's contagious nature. Radical surgery prevents gangrene's spread.