Deuteronomy 13:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt surely {H5221} smite {H5221} the inhabitants {H3427} of that city {H5892} with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}, destroying it utterly {H2763}, and all that is therein, and the cattle {H929} thereof, with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you must put the inhabitants of that city to death with the sword, destroying it completely with the sword, everything in it, including its livestock.

Berean Standard Bible

you must surely put the inhabitants of that city to the sword. Devote to destruction all its people and livestock.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:15 issues a severe command within the Mosaic Law, stipulating the complete destruction of any Israelite city that has been confirmed to have turned to idolatry. This mandate, part of a larger section addressing spiritual purity and covenant fidelity, emphasizes God's absolute intolerance for apostasy within His chosen people, requiring the utter eradication of the defiling influence to preserve the nation's holiness and covenant integrity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of Deuteronomy (chapter 13) that deals exhaustively with the grave dangers of apostasy and the seduction of false worship. Moses, on the plains of Moab, is delivering his final addresses to the Israelites before their entry into the Promised Land, reiterating and expounding upon the covenant stipulations. The preceding verses [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets") warn against false prophets and dreamers who entice people to serve other gods, while [Deuteronomy 13:6-11](/deuteronomy/13-6 "Deuteronomy 13:6-11 - Warning Against Enticers to Idolatry") extends this warning to close relatives or friends who might secretly attempt to lead others astray. The immediate context of [Deuteronomy 13:12-14](/deuteronomy/13-12 "Deuteronomy 13:12-14 - Dealing with an Apostate City") outlines a meticulous judicial process: if a report of an apostate city is heard, a thorough inquiry and investigation must be made. Only after it is "certainly true" that "abominable things" have occurred within the city, leading its inhabitants to serve other gods, does the command of verse 15 come into effect, specifying the extreme measure of judgment. The subsequent verse, [Deuteronomy 13:16](/deuteronomy/13-16 "Deuteronomy 13:16 - Burning the Spoils of an Apostate City"), details the burning of all the city's spoils as a "burnt offering to the Lord," reinforcing the concept of complete devotion to destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in Deuteronomy were given to the Israelites on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic worship and pagan practices, including child sacrifice and ritual prostitution. God's covenant with Israel at Sinai established them as a unique, holy nation, set apart to worship Yahweh alone. The threat of syncretism and outright idolatry was immense and ever-present. This command for the total destruction of an apostate Israelite city, known as *ḥērem* (devotion to destruction), served as a radical measure to safeguard Israel's spiritual purity and covenant identity. While some ancient Near Eastern cultures practiced similar forms of "devotion" in warfare, Israel's *ḥērem* was distinct in its explicit theological purpose: to purge evil from within the covenant community and prevent the spread of defilement, thereby maintaining the nation's unique relationship with a holy God. It underscored the absolute necessity of exclusive loyalty to Yahweh in a land where spiritual compromise was a constant temptation.
* **Key Themes:** The command in [Deuteronomy 13:15](/deuteronomy/13-15 "Deuteronomy 13:15 - Judgment on an Apostate City") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is **Divine Justice and Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering righteousness and His severe judgment against blatant rebellion and spiritual infidelity within His covenant people. This act of judgment is not arbitrary but a necessary consequence of violating the covenant, particularly the first two commandments found in [Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First Two Commandments"). Closely related is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, where the radical act of *ḥērem* is revealed as a means of purging evil from the midst of Israel, preventing the spread of idolatry and maintaining the nation's consecrated status. It highlights God's demand for a holy people in a holy land, echoing the call in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). The severity of the command also underscores **Zero Tolerance for Idolatry**, emphasizing God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and portraying idolatry not merely as a ritual offense but as a direct betrayal of the covenant relationship. Finally, the judgment on an entire city highlights **Communal Responsibility**, indicating that the sin of idolatry had permeated the community, and the community as a whole was held accountable for failing to uphold its covenant obligations to Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** This verb (נָכָה) denotes striking, beating, or smiting, often with a sense of inflicting a decisive blow or defeat. In military contexts, it frequently describes the act of killing or utterly defeating an enemy. Here, it conveys the direct, forceful, and lethal execution of judgment upon the inhabitants, emphasizing the finality and severity of the divine command.
* **Destroying it utterly (Hebrew, _ḥērem'_):** The term (חֵרֶם) is central to understanding this verse. It signifies something "devoted" or "set apart," often for complete destruction, especially in the context of holy war or the purging of evil from Israel. It is not mere annihilation but a consecration to God by destruction, removing the defiling influence from the land and preventing any profit or benefit from the apostasy. This concept is seen famously in the command for [Jericho's destruction in Joshua 6:17](/joshua/6-17 "Joshua 6:17 - The Ban on Jericho"). The "utter destruction" is an act of divine justice and purification, ensuring that the defilement of idolatry is completely excised from the community.
* **Edge of the sword (Hebrew, _pi-cherev'_):** This idiomatic phrase (פִּי-חֶרֶב), literally "mouth of the sword," is a common biblical expression for lethal force or military execution. It emphasizes the instrument of judgment and the decisive, unsparing nature of the action. The repetition of this phrase in the verse ("with the edge of the sword... with the edge of the sword") serves to underscore the method and the absolute finality of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword":** This clause issues a direct and emphatic command to the Israelite community, acting as God's agents of judgment. The "surely smite" (a literal translation of the Hebrew infinitive absolute construction) intensifies the imperative, leaving no room for doubt or deviation. The target is explicitly "the inhabitants" of the identified apostate city, and the prescribed method is lethal force, "with the edge of the sword," indicating a military-style execution of justice.
* **"destroying it utterly":** This phrase introduces the core concept of *ḥērem*. It clarifies the purpose and extent of the smiting: it is not merely to kill but to "devote to destruction" the city. This means the city, its people, and its possessions are to be set apart to God by being completely destroyed, thereby purging the land of the defiling presence of idolatry and preventing any lingering influence or benefit from the sin.
* **"and all that [is] therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword":** This final clause extends the scope of the *ḥērem* to include every living thing and all possessions within the city, including livestock. The repetition of "with the edge of the sword" reinforces the comprehensive and unsparing nature of the judgment. This complete eradication ensures that nothing associated with the apostate city remains to tempt future generations or to be used for profane purposes, emphasizing the radical purity demanded by God and the severity of the offense of idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 13:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity and finality of its command. The use of **Intensification** is evident in the opening phrase, "Thou shalt surely smite," which uses an infinitive absolute construction in Hebrew to emphasize the certainty and severity of the action. This is further highlighted by the repeated phrase, "with the edge of the sword," which serves as **Repetition**, reinforcing the method of execution and the absolute finality of the judgment. The entire verse functions as a form of **Legal Language** or a prescriptive **Apothegm**, a direct and unambiguous command within the covenant law, leaving no room for interpretation regarding the required action. Furthermore, the "sword" itself acts as **Symbolism**, representing not merely a weapon but an instrument of divine judgment and purification, while the "city" serves as a microcosm of the covenant community, illustrating how pervasive sin can lead to comprehensive judgment. The concept of *ḥērem* itself is a profound **Theological Symbolism**, representing the complete consecration of something to God through its destruction, thereby purging evil and maintaining holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:15 profoundly articulates God's absolute holiness and His unwavering demand for exclusive worship from His covenant people. For ancient Israel, idolatry was not merely a religious transgression but a direct act of treason against Yahweh, their sovereign King and covenant partner. This severe command underscores that God's justice is not arbitrary but a necessary response to preserve the spiritual integrity of His chosen nation, through whom He intended to bless all the families of the earth. The *ḥērem* principle, while specific to a theocratic context, reveals that sin, especially spiritual infidelity, is deeply offensive to God and requires radical measures to prevent its defiling spread. It showcases that God's love for His people is intertwined with His commitment to their holiness, even if it means drastic judgment to remove the cancer of apostasy from their midst. This act of judgment was intended to instill a profound fear of God and a deep commitment to covenant faithfulness, ensuring Israel's survival as a distinct people devoted to Yahweh.

* [Deuteronomy 7:2-5](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Commands Regarding the Canaanites"): This passage outlines similar commands for utter destruction (*ḥērem*) against the idolatrous inhabitants of Canaan, demonstrating a consistent principle of purging evil from the land.
* [Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3 "The First Two Commandments"): The foundational commandments against having other gods before Yahweh and against making idols provide the theological basis for the severity of the judgment in Deuteronomy 13:15.
* [Joshua 6:17-19](/joshua/6-17 "The Ban on Jericho"): This narrative provides a concrete historical example of the *ḥērem* command being executed against the city of Jericho, illustrating its application and the consequences of violating it.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal application of the *ḥērem* command belongs to the unique historical and theological context of ancient Israel as a theocratic nation, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to a radical commitment to God, prompting us to identify and "smite" all forms of "idolatry" in our lives. In a modern context, idolatry is rarely the worship of physical statues but can manifest as anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts, minds, or priorities—whether it be materialism, career ambition, self-worship, comfort, or even relationships. The severity of the command reminds us of God's absolute holiness and His intolerance for spiritual compromise. It challenges us to cultivate spiritual vigilance, guarding against subtle influences within our culture or even our own hearts that would draw us away from exclusive devotion to Christ. Ultimately, this passage underscores the importance of unwavering loyalty to God, a principle that transcends time and remains central to the Christian faith, calling us to a life of purity and wholehearted devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we identify and "smite" the "idols" in our own hearts and lives today that compete for God's rightful place?**
* **What influences in our culture or community might subtly draw us away from exclusive devotion to God, and how can we guard against them?**
* **How does understanding God's absolute holiness and justice in the Old Testament inform our appreciation for His grace and mercy in the New Covenant?**
* **In what ways can we, as a spiritual community (the church), uphold purity and faithfulness to Christ, preventing spiritual compromise from taking root?**

### FAQ
**Is this command for literal destruction applicable to Christians today?**

Answer: No, the literal application of the *ḥērem* command, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:15, was specific to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, functioning as a theocratic nation with a unique role in establishing God's physical kingdom in a specific land. With the advent of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, the nature of God's people and their mission has shifted. The battle against idolatry for Christians is primarily spiritual, not physical, as emphasized in passages like [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Our Struggle Is Not Against Flesh and Blood"). While the principle of radical separation from idolatry remains, the means of addressing it are spiritual (e.g., repentance, spiritual warfare, church discipline) rather than physical destruction.

**How does such a severe command reconcile with God's love?**

Answer: This command, though severe, must be understood within its specific covenantal and historical context. God's love for Israel was demonstrated by His choice of them as His people and His desire to preserve them as a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding idolatrous cultures. The judgment against apostate cities was a "severe mercy," intended to prevent the cancer of idolatry from spreading and utterly corrupting the entire nation, which would have jeopardized God's redemptive plan for humanity. It highlights that God's love is not sentimental but holy, demanding righteousness and justice. His holiness requires the purging of sin, and His love seeks to protect His people from the destructive consequences of spiritual rebellion. The judgment, therefore, was an act of preserving the integrity of the covenant and the purity of the people through whom the Messiah would eventually come.

**What is the significance of destroying the cattle and all within the city, not just the people?**

Answer: The command to destroy "all that is therein, and the cattle thereof" signifies the totality and comprehensiveness of the *ḥērem*. This complete destruction was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured that nothing associated with the apostasy, no spoil or property, could be consecrated to false gods or profit from the rebellion. Secondly, it prevented any lingering defilement or temptation from remaining in the land. Thirdly, it underscored the absolute nature of the sin of idolatry, indicating that it permeated every aspect of life within the city, necessitating a complete purge. It was a symbolic act of consecration by destruction, setting apart everything to God by removing it entirely from human use or benefit, thereby emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and the radical purity demanded by Yahweh.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 13:15, with its stern command for the utter destruction of an apostate city, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in physical violence, but in the radical purification brought about by Jesus Christ and the spiritual warfare of the New Covenant. The *ḥērem* principle—the devotion to destruction for the sake of holiness—is powerfully reinterpreted in Christ's work. Jesus himself became the ultimate *ḥērem*, the one "devoted to destruction" on the cross, taking upon Himself the full judgment and curse of the law for our idolatry and sin, as [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." He absorbed the divine wrath against sin, thereby cleansing and purifying His people. In the New Covenant, the battle against idolatry is spiritual; believers are called to "put to death" (or "destroy utterly") the "earthly nature" within them, which includes "sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry" [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Put to Death Your Earthly Nature"). Christ's work enables us to participate in this spiritual *ḥērem*, purging the idols from our hearts and lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Jesus is the one who will ultimately execute perfect divine judgment, separating the righteous from the wicked and establishing a new heavens and new earth where "nothing impure will ever enter it" [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "No Impurity in the New Jerusalem"). Thus, the radical demand for purity and the utter destruction of evil foreshadowed in Deuteronomy 13:15 are fully realized in the person and work of Christ, who purifies His people and will one day bring about a perfectly pure kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 27:28

Notwithstanding 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.

Deuteronomy 7:2

And 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:

Exodus 22:20

He that sacrificeth unto [any] god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.

Revelation 18:18

And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What [city is] like unto this great city!

Revelation 18:24

And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Exodus 23:24

Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.

Revelation 17:16

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.