Deuteronomy 21:21

Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid.

Study Bible

Then all the men of his city will stone him to death.
This phrase reflects the communal responsibility in ancient Israelite society. Stoning was a common method of capital punishment in the ancient Near East, symbolizing the community's collective judgment against sin. The involvement of "all the men of his city" underscores the seriousness of the offense and the necessity for communal participation in upholding the law. This practice is rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where the community is responsible for maintaining holiness. The act of stoning is also seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as in Leviticus 20:2 and Numbers 15:35, where it serves as a deterrent against sin and a means to maintain purity within the community.

So you must purge the evil from among you,
The command to "purge the evil" highlights the need for the community to remove sin to maintain its covenant relationship with God. This phrase is repeated throughout Deuteronomy (e.g., Deuteronomy 13:5, 17:7, 19:19) and emphasizes the importance of holiness and obedience to God's laws. The concept of purging evil is not only about punishment but also about restoration and protection of the community's spiritual integrity. It reflects the seriousness with which God views sin and the necessity for His people to live according to His statutes.

and all Israel will hear and be afraid.
The purpose of the punishment is not only retributive but also preventative. By ensuring that "all Israel will hear and be afraid," the law serves as a deterrent against future disobedience. This reflects the broader biblical principle that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). The fear mentioned here is not merely terror but a reverent acknowledgment of God's holiness and justice. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where the early church's handling of sin, as seen in Acts 5:11 with Ananias and Sapphira, also resulted in great fear and reverence among the people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Rebellious Son
The subject of the law in this passage, a son who is stubborn and rebellious, refusing to obey his parents.

2. The Parents
The father and mother who bring their son to the elders of the city due to his rebellious behavior.

3. The Elders of the City
The leaders who are responsible for upholding the law and ensuring justice is served.

4. The Men of the City
The community members who carry out the sentence of stoning.

5. Israel
The nation as a whole, which is to learn from this act and be deterred from similar behavior.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Rebellion
The passage underscores the severity of rebellion against parental authority, reflecting the broader theme of rebellion against God.

Community Responsibility
The involvement of the entire community in the execution of justice highlights the collective responsibility to uphold God's standards.

The Purpose of Discipline
Discipline serves to correct and deter sinful behavior, aiming to restore order and righteousness within the community.

Fear as a Deterrent
The fear of consequences is intended to prevent others from engaging in similar rebellious acts, promoting societal harmony.

Holiness and Purity
The command to purge evil emphasizes the need for holiness and purity within the community of God's people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Deuteronomy 21:21 reflect the broader biblical principle of honoring one's parents, and how can we apply this in our modern context?

2. In what ways does the community's involvement in executing justice in this passage inform our understanding of communal responsibility in the church today?

3. How can the principles of discipline and correction found in this passage be applied to parenting and leadership within the Christian community?

4. What are some modern-day "rebellions" that might require a community response, and how can we address them in a way that aligns with biblical teachings?

5. How does the concept of purging evil from among us relate to personal holiness and the pursuit of righteousness in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:12
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents, which is foundational to understanding the gravity of the son's rebellion.

Proverbs 13:24
This proverb discusses the importance of discipline in raising children, which relates to the parents' responsibility in Deuteronomy 21:21.

1 Corinthians 5:13
Paul echoes the concept of purging evil from the community, showing continuity in the principle of maintaining holiness.

Hebrews 12:11
This verse speaks to the purpose of discipline, which is to produce righteousness and peace, aligning with the intent behind the law in Deuteronomy.

Romans 13:4
This passage discusses the role of authorities in executing justice, similar to the role of the elders and men of the city.