Deuteronomy 17:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 17:5
5 Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 17 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, obedience, covenant. 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 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 17:5
5 Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.
Analysis
Bring forth that man or that woman—gender equality in covenant accountability. Unto thy gates (אֶל־שְׁעָרֶיךָ, el-she'arekha)—the city gate, where judicial proceedings occurred (Ruth 4:1; Deuteronomy 21:19). Public execution at the community center emphasized covenant solidarity.
Stone them with stones, till they die (סָקַל אֲבָנִים, sakal avanim). Stoning wasn't torture but communal execution—the whole community enforcing covenant loyalty. Verse 7 specifies witnesses cast first stones, ensuring accountability. This severity underscores idolatry's capital seriousness—spiritual cancer requiring surgical removal. Paul applies this principle to church discipline: 'purge the evil from among you' (1 Corinthians 5:13, citing this passage).
Historical Context
Stoning served multiple purposes:
- communal participation in covenant enforcement
- no single executioner bore sole responsibility
- public deterrent.
Archaeological evidence suggests execution sites outside city gates. Jesus confronted hypocritical application of this law (John 8:3-11)—authorities eager to stone the adulteress but ignoring their own sin. New Covenant relocates 'putting to death' from physical to spiritual realm (Colossians 3:5).
Reflection
- How does this passage inform the seriousness with which God views idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness?
- How should the church 'purge evil from among you' today without becoming pharisaical or abusive?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 24:14, 24:16, Joshua 7:25