Deuteronomy 13:16

KJV

And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt gather {H6908} all the spoil {H7998} of it into the midst {H8432} of the street {H7339} thereof, and shalt burn {H8313} with fire {H784} the city {H5892}, and all the spoil {H7998} thereof every whit {H3632}, for the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}: and it shall be an heap {H8510} for ever {H5769}; it shall not be built again {H1129}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Heap all its spoils in an open space, and burn the city with its spoils to the ground for ADONAI your God; it will remain a tel forever and not be built again -

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to gather all its plunder in the middle of the public square, and completely burn the city and all its plunder as a whole burnt offering to the LORD your God. The city must remain a mound of ruins forever, never to be rebuilt.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, unto Jehovah thy God: and it shall be a heap for ever; it shall not be built again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:16 delivers a severe command for the complete and utter destruction of an Israelite city proven to have apostatized and turned to idolatry. This verse mandates the burning of the city and all its spoil, transforming it into a permanent ruin, never to be rebuilt. This extreme measure underscores the absolute necessity of Israel's undivided loyalty to Yahweh, serving as a stark warning against spiritual defilement and a means to preserve the nation's covenant purity in the face of pervasive Canaanite idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse culminates a specific legal case presented in [Deuteronomy 13:12-15](/deuteronomy/13-12 "Deuteronomy 13:12-15 - The Case of the Apostate City"). The preceding verses outline a meticulous investigative process: if "wicked men" (or "worthless fellows" in some translations) have arisen within a city and enticed its inhabitants to serve other gods, a thorough inquiry must be made. Only after the truth is "certain" and "established" is the city to be put to the sword. Deuteronomy 13:16 then details the final, uncompromising act of judgment, emphasizing that the destruction is not for personal gain but as an offering "for the LORD thy God." This entire chapter, [Deuteronomy 13](/deuteronomy/13 "Deuteronomy 13 - Warnings Against Idolatry"), is embedded within Moses's final addresses to Israel, serving as a critical warning against the allure of idolatry as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, a land saturated with pagan practices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was a nation formed by a unique covenant with Yahweh, distinct from the polytheistic cultures surrounding them. As they stood on the brink of entering Canaan, they faced immense pressure to assimilate and adopt the religious practices of the indigenous peoples, which often involved fertility cults, child sacrifice, and various forms of divination. The command in Deuteronomy 13:16, though shocking to modern sensibilities, must be understood within this context of maintaining the absolute spiritual purity and distinctiveness of a nascent nation whose identity was intrinsically tied to its exclusive worship of the one true God. The concept of *ḥerem* (חרם), often translated as "devotion to destruction" or "holy ban," is central here. This was not an act of wanton cruelty but a ritualized consecration to God through complete destruction, designed to prevent defilement and the spread of spiritual corruption within the covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** The command in [Deuteronomy 13:16](/deuteronomy/13-16 "Deuteronomy 13:16 - The Destruction of an Apostate City") powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Uncompromising Holiness of God** and His demand for exclusive worship. Idolatry was not merely a theological error but a profound betrayal of the covenant, a spiritual adultery that threatened the very foundation of Israel's relationship with Yahweh, who declared, "[You shall have no other gods before me](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")." Secondly, it vividly illustrates the **Severe Consequences of Apostasy**, serving as a dire warning that deliberate turning away from the Lord would incur divine judgment on both individuals and communities. The destruction of the city and its spoil signifies **Complete Separation from Evil**, emphasizing that nothing associated with false worship was to be preserved or profited from, symbolizing a total dedication to God and a rejection of all that opposes Him. Finally, the phrase "it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again" establishes the site as a **Perpetual Warning**, a tangible, enduring monument to the catastrophic spiritual and physical consequences of forsaking the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _shalal'_):** Refers to the plunder or booty taken from a conquered city. In typical warfare, this spoil would be distributed among the victors. However, in Deuteronomy 13:16, the command is to gather *all* of it and burn it, signifying that it is not for human benefit but is instead consecrated to God through destruction. This redefines the nature of the spoil, transforming it from a material gain into an object of divine judgment and purification.
* **Burn (Hebrew, _saraph'_):** This verb denotes complete consumption by fire. Fire in the Old Testament is often associated with divine judgment, purification, and the consuming holiness of God. Here, it is the agent of absolute destruction, leaving nothing behind but ashes and a permanent "heap." The act of burning highlights the severity of the offense (idolatry) and the radical nature of God's response to preserve the purity of His people.
* **Heap (Hebrew, _tel'_):** This word refers to a mound or ruin, typically formed by the debris of a destroyed settlement. The declaration that it "shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again" signifies a permanent desolation. It's not merely a temporary destruction but an irreversible act, ensuring that the site remains a perpetual, visible reminder of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and a deterrent against future apostasy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof":** This initial clause specifies a deliberate, organized collection of all possessions and valuables from the condemned city. The act of gathering it "into the midst of the street" suggests a public, centralized, and intentional preparation for its complete destruction, not a haphazard or partial disposal. It underscores the totality of what is to be destroyed, leaving no part untouched.
* **"and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God":** This is the core command: the entire city, along with every single item of its spoil ("every whit" emphasizing absolute totality), is to be consumed by fire. The crucial phrase "for the LORD thy God" transforms this act from mere vengeance or military destruction into a sacred, ritualistic devotion to God. It signifies that the city and its contents are not merely destroyed but are consecrated to God through this act of judgment, removing the defilement of idolatry from the land and from Israel.
* **"and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.":** This final clause pronounces the permanent fate of the city. It is to become a "heap," a desolate ruin, and explicitly states that it is "not to be built again." This ensures that the judgment is irreversible and serves as a perpetual, tangible monument to the severity of God's wrath against apostasy and a constant warning to future generations of Israel about the consequences of forsaking their covenant with Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 13:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where the extreme nature of the command – the utter destruction and perpetual desolation of an entire city – emphasizes the gravity of idolatry in God's eyes. It’s a rhetorical amplification designed to impress upon the Israelites the absolute zero-tolerance policy for spiritual infidelity. **Symbolism** is also central, with the "heap for ever" serving as a powerful symbol of irreversible judgment and a permanent memorial of divine wrath against apostasy. The act of "burning with fire" is symbolic of purification and the consuming holiness of God, eradicating defilement. The **Repetition** of "all the spoil" (first gathered, then burned) reinforces the totality and comprehensiveness of the destruction, leaving no room for partial obedience or personal gain. Furthermore, the command itself functions as a **Legal Precedent** within the Deuteronomic law, establishing a clear and uncompromising consequence for the most egregious of covenant violations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:16 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's uncompromising holiness and His absolute demand for exclusive worship from His covenant people. This command, though specific to ancient Israel's unique historical context, reveals timeless principles about the nature of sin, particularly idolatry, as an affront to God's sovereignty and a threat to spiritual purity. It underscores that God's justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive, aiming to preserve the integrity of His people and the sanctity of His covenant. The severity of the judgment reflects the infinite value God places on His relationship with humanity and the catastrophic spiritual consequences of turning away from Him. It also prefigures the ultimate separation of good from evil in God's final judgment.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Joshua 7:1-26](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1-26 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal command of Deuteronomy 13:16 is not directly applied to believers today, its underlying spiritual principles are profoundly relevant for our lives. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts for any form of idolatry – anything that competes with or takes precedence over our devotion to the Lord. This can manifest not only in overt worship of false gods but also in the subtle idols of materialism, ambition, relationships, comfort, or self-reliance. The call to utterly destroy the "spoil" of the apostate city translates into a radical commitment to purge from our lives anything that defiles our relationship with God or hinders our spiritual growth. It demands a ruthless self-examination and a willingness to make costly sacrifices to maintain spiritual purity and undivided loyalty to Christ. This passage reminds us that God's holiness is not to be trifled with, and genuine faith requires a complete turning away from all that opposes His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" (whether overt or subtle) might be competing for my ultimate devotion and loyalty to God in my life today?**
* **What "spoil" or cherished possessions/habits/ambitions might God be calling me to "burn" or completely surrender for the sake of His holiness and my spiritual purity?**
* **How seriously do I take spiritual compromise in my own life and within the Christian community?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate radical obedience and unwavering loyalty to God, even when it requires significant personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command such extreme destruction, including the spoil?**

Answer: This command, rooted in the concept of *ḥerem* (חרם), or "devotion to destruction," was not about vengeance or personal enrichment but about maintaining the absolute spiritual purity of ancient Israel. Idolatry was considered spiritual treason against the unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The complete destruction of the city and its spoil, rather than allowing it to be plundered, prevented the spread of defilement and ensured that nothing associated with the apostasy could corrupt the rest of the nation. It was a radical surgical procedure designed to excise spiritual cancer from the body of Israel, demonstrating God's uncompromising holiness and His determination to preserve His people from the pervasive paganism of the surrounding cultures. It underscored that the battle was ultimately spiritual, "for the LORD thy God."

**Is this command still relevant for believers today, given its harshness?**

Answer: While believers today are not commanded to literally destroy cities, the underlying spiritual principles of [Deuteronomy 13:16](/deuteronomy/13-16 "Deuteronomy 13:16 - The Destruction of an Apostate City") remain profoundly relevant. The New Testament consistently warns against idolatry, not just the worship of physical idols, but also greed, covetousness, and anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Greed is Idolatry"); [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")). The command to utterly destroy the city and its spoil spiritually translates to a radical call for believers to identify and eliminate anything in their lives that compromises their devotion to God. It emphasizes the seriousness of sin, God's intolerance for spiritual impurity, and the necessity of radical obedience in pursuing holiness and complete separation from all forms of spiritual defilement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 13:16, with its stark depiction of judgment against apostasy and the demand for absolute purity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual reinterpretation in Christ. While the Old Testament command involved the physical destruction of a city to cleanse the land of idolatry, Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, became the ultimate sacrifice who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He bore the full "burning" wrath of God against sin and spiritual idolatry on the cross, making possible a spiritual cleansing far more profound than any physical destruction. Through His atoning work, believers are called to participate in a spiritual *ḥerem*, not by destroying cities, but by putting to death the deeds of the flesh and crucifying their sinful desires ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Putting to Death the Deeds of the Body"); [Galatians 5:24](/galatians/5-24 "Galatians 5:24 - Crucifying the Flesh")). The "heap for ever" of the destroyed city foreshadows the final and eternal judgment of all unrighteousness, where every spiritual "idol" and all who cling to them will face complete and irreversible separation from God's presence ([Revelation 20:14-15](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14-15 - The Lake of Fire")). Thus, Christ fulfills the demand for holiness by both perfectly embodying it and by providing the means for His followers to be purified and set apart for God's exclusive worship, transforming hearts from temples of idols to temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")).

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

Joshua 8:28

And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, [even] a desolation unto this day.

Jeremiah 49:2

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites; and it shall be a desolate heap, and her daughters shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel be heir unto them that were his heirs, saith the LORD.

Joshua 6:24

And they burnt the city with fire, and all that [was] therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 25:2

For thou hast made of a city an heap; [of] a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.

Isaiah 17:1

¶ The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from [being] a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

Joshua 6:26

And Joshua adjured [them] at that time, saying, Cursed [be] the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest [son] shall he set up the gates of it.

Numbers 21:2

And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.