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,

If thou shalt hear {H8085} say in one {H259} of thy cities {H5892}, which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath given {H5414} thee to dwell {H3427} there, saying {H559},

"If you hear it told that in one of your cities which ADONAI your God is giving you to live in,

If, regarding one of the cities the LORD your God is giving you to inhabit, you hear it said

If thou shalt hear tell concerning one of thy cities, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee to dwell there, saying,

Commentary

Deuteronomy 13:12 introduces a critical scenario within Israel's covenant law, setting the stage for how the community was to handle potential apostasy within its borders. This verse is the beginning of a hypothetical situation that demands immediate and thorough investigation.

Context of Deuteronomy 13:12

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) outlining the laws and statutes for the Israelites as they prepare to enter and settle in the Promised Land. Specifically, Deuteronomy 13 focuses on the severe threat of spiritual deviation – whether from a false prophet or from individuals inciting idolatry. Verse 12 initiates the process for dealing with a report of a city turning away from the Lord. The phrase "which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there" underscores God's gracious provision of the land, making any rebellion against Him within that land an act of profound ingratitude and treachery against the covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Vigilance Against Apostasy: The verse highlights the imperative for the community to be spiritually alert. The phrase "If thou shalt hear [say]" implies that rumors or reports of spiritual defection must not be ignored but taken seriously.
  • Purity of Worship: Central to the Mosaic covenant was the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Any deviation to "other gods" was a direct violation of the First Commandment and threatened the very foundation of Israel's relationship with God.
  • Community Responsibility: This law places a collective responsibility on the entire nation to maintain the purity of their faith. A single city's apostasy could, if left unchecked, corrupt the entire nation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the community under God's law.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's "[say]" in brackets indicates that the Hebrew word is implied, making the full phrase "if thou shalt hear saying." The context of the following verses (Deuteronomy 13:13-18) clarifies that what is "said" or heard are words of incitement to "go and serve other gods." This highlights the power of words and influence, even rumors, in leading people astray from the true God and underscores the need for careful investigation.

Related Scriptures

  • This verse sets up the investigation and severe consequences detailed in Deuteronomy 13:13-18 for a city that has gone astray.
  • The principle of thorough investigation before judgment is echoed in Deuteronomy 17:4, which deals with similar grave offenses requiring two or three witnesses.
  • The importance of exclusive devotion to God is a recurring theme, found also in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (the Shema), which commands Israel to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might.

Practical Application

While the specific judicial application of this law belongs to ancient Israel's unique theocratic system, the underlying principles remain highly relevant for believers today. We are called to:

  • Exercise Discernment: Be watchful for teachings or influences that subtly or overtly draw us away from the truth of God's Word and devotion to Him (1 John 4:1).
  • Guard Spiritual Purity: Protect the integrity of our faith and the spiritual health of our communities, recognizing that individual choices can impact the collective.
  • Uphold Truth: Have the courage to address and challenge ideas or practices that contradict biblical truth, always with grace and love, but also with conviction for what is right.
Deuteronomy 13:12 serves as a timeless reminder of the constant need for vigilance in maintaining true worship and resisting temptations that lead to spiritual compromise.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 22:11 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.

  • Joshua 22:34 (2 votes)

    And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar [Ed]: for it [shall be] a witness between us that the LORD [is] God.

  • Judges 20:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

  • Judges 20:17 (2 votes)

    And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these [were] men of war.