Deuteronomy 13:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 13:17
17 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;
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 13 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, worship, discipleship. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 13:17
17 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;
Analysis
The prohibition: '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.' The 'cursed thing' (cherem, חֵרֶם, devoted to destruction) must not 'cleave' (dabaq, דָּבַק, cling) to anyone—complete separation required. Retaining cursed items brings divine wrath (Achan's lesson, Joshua 7). The purpose: 'that the LORD may turn from...anger' and show mercy. Removing cursed things restores covenant relationship. The promise: compassion and multiplication (covenant blessing) follow purging. God's anger aims at restoration, not annihilation—judgment removes corruption enabling renewed blessing.
Historical Context
Achan's theft of Jericho's devoted items brought defeat at Ai and corporate judgment (Joshua 7:1-26). Only after execution and removal of cursed things did God's anger turn away (Joshua 7:26). This demonstrates corporate responsibility—one person's sin affects entire community until removed. The principle: tolerating cursed things invites judgment; removing them restores favor. This explains church discipline's necessity (1 Corinthians 5:6-7: 'a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump')—tolerating sin corrupts the whole body.
Reflection
- How does one person's hidden sin affect entire faith communities today?
- What 'cursed things' might we tolerate that hinder God's blessing on our lives or churches?
- How does God's anger serve redemptive purposes, aiming to restore rather than merely punish?
Word Studies
- Mercy: רַחֲמִים (Rachamim) H7356 - Compassion, mercy
Cross-References
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 30:3, Genesis 26:24, Joshua 7:26
- Curse: Deuteronomy 7:26, Joshua 6:18
- Parallel theme: Genesis 26:4, 28:14