Deuteronomy 13:17

KJV

And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers;

KJV (with Strong's)

And there shall cleave {H1692} nought {H3972} of the cursed thing {H2764} to thine hand {H3027}: that the LORD {H3068} may turn {H7725} from the fierceness {H2740} of his anger {H639}, and shew {H5414} thee mercy {H7356}, and have compassion {H7355} upon thee, and multiply {H7235} thee, as he hath sworn {H7650} unto thy fathers {H1};

Complete Jewish Bible

none of what has been set apart for destruction is to stay in your hands. Then ADONAI will turn from his fierce anger and show you mercy, have compassion on you and increase your numbers, as he swore to your ancestors -

Berean Standard Bible

Nothing devoted to destruction shall cling to your hands, so that the LORD will turn from His fierce anger, grant you mercy, show you compassion, and multiply you as He swore to your fathers,

American Standard Version

And there shall cleave nought of the devoted thing to thy hand; that Jehovah may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and show thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:17 delivers a critical command within the context of dealing with an apostate city in ancient Israel. It strictly prohibits the taking of any plunder from a city that has been devoted to destruction due to its idolatry, referring to such spoils as "the cursed thing." This injunction underscores the absolute nature of God's judgment against unfaithfulness and serves as a vital safeguard against spiritual contamination. The verse then reveals the profound redemptive purpose behind this severe obedience: that the Lord might relent from His fierce anger, extend mercy and compassion to His people, and fulfill His ancient promise to multiply them, as He had sworn to their forefathers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a passage (Deuteronomy 13:12-18) that outlines the severe judicial process for an Israelite city accused of apostasy. The preceding verses detail the investigation, the requirement for multiple witnesses, and if the charges of idolatry are proven true, the command for the city and all its inhabitants and livestock to be utterly destroyed by fire. This act, known as *cherem* (devotion to destruction), was not merely punitive but a radical act of purification, designed to eradicate the defilement of idolatry from the midst of the covenant community. Verse 17 specifically addresses the prohibition against taking any of the devoted spoils, emphasizing that no one should profit from God's judgment, thereby ensuring the purity of Israel's response and their unwavering allegiance to Yahweh alone. This command is a direct application of the principle that anything associated with idolatry is anathema to God and must be completely removed.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of *cherem* (חרם) was not unique to Israel but was practiced by various ancient Near Eastern cultures, often involving the dedication of spoils of war to a deity. However, in Israel, *cherem* took on a distinct theological meaning, primarily signifying something "set apart" or "devoted" to God, often for destruction due to its inherent defilement or as an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's absolute sovereignty. In the context of an apostate city, the *cherem* was a radical measure to prevent the spread of spiritual contagion within the Promised Land. Idolatry was considered an act of spiritual adultery against the covenant Lord, threatening the very existence and identity of Israel as God's holy people. The command to utterly destroy and take nothing from such a city was a stark reminder of the gravity of covenant infidelity and the necessity of maintaining ritual and spiritual purity in the land God had given them. This also prevented any temptation to profit from the destruction of fellow Israelites, underscoring the communal responsibility to uphold the covenant.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 13:17 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and Israel's covenant relationship with God. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute demand for exclusive devotion and the complete eradication of anything that defiles His people or land. The "cursed thing" represents impurity that must not be touched. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, particularly the "fierceness of his anger" which is a righteous response to idolatry, threatening the entire nation if not addressed decisively. This anger is not arbitrary but a just reaction to covenant infidelity. Thirdly, and paradoxically, the verse reveals **God's Mercy and Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite the severity of the judgment, the ultimate purpose of this radical obedience is to avert God's sustained wrath and instead receive His compassion, mercy, and the fulfillment of His promises, specifically the promise to "multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers." This promise, foundational to the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Abrahamic Covenant"), demonstrates that even in judgment, God's ultimate desire is restoration and blessing for His obedient people, as seen in His consistent faithfulness to His word throughout Israel's history, from [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis") to the [prophets](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cursed thing (Hebrew, _ḥērem'_):** This term is central to the verse's meaning. While often translated "cursed thing," *ḥērem* carries the deeper theological sense of "devoted," "set apart," or "consecrated" to God, often for complete destruction. Items or people under *ḥērem* were separated from common use and dedicated to God, typically through their destruction, to prevent defilement or to acknowledge God's absolute ownership and judgment. This is not merely about a curse in the sense of misfortune, but about something that has been irrevocably designated for God's purposes, which in this context, is purification through destruction. Its violation, as seen in [Achan's sin](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1 - Achan's Sin"), brought severe consequences upon the entire community.
* **Fierceness of his anger (Hebrew, _ḥarōn 'ap_):** This phrase describes the intensity of God's wrath. *Ḥarōn* denotes a burning, intense heat, often used for anger, while *'ap* literally means "nose" or "nostril," often used metaphorically for anger (flared nostrils). Together, they convey a profound, righteous indignation, a consuming wrath that is a just response to severe sin, particularly idolatry and covenant breaking. This is not capricious rage but a holy response to that which defiles His covenant and dishonors His name.
* **Multiply thee (Hebrew, _yirbeh_):** This verb signifies "to become many," "to increase," or "to be fruitful." It directly echoes the foundational covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, where God swore to make their descendants as numerous as the stars or the dust of the earth ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise to Abraham")). In this context, it highlights God's desire to bless and fulfill His covenant promises to an obedient Israel, demonstrating that even amidst severe judgment, His ultimate intention for His faithful people is life, blessing, and flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand:"** This opening clause issues a strict prohibition. "Cleave nought" emphasizes absolute non-possession; nothing of the *ḥērem* (devoted thing) is to be taken or retained by anyone. The imagery of "to thine hand" signifies personal acquisition or benefit. This command ensures that the destruction of the apostate city is a pure act of obedience and purification, untainted by greed or personal gain, preventing the defilement of idolatry from spreading to the obedient community.
* **"that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger,"** This clause reveals the immediate purpose and desired outcome of Israel's strict obedience. By completely eradicating the "cursed thing," Israel provides the basis for God to "turn from" or relent from His intense, burning anger. This implies that God's anger is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin, and that genuine repentance and obedience can mitigate or avert its full expression. It highlights God's willingness to turn from judgment when His people align with His holy will.
* **"and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee,"** Following the turning away of anger, this clause describes the positive outpouring of God's character. "Mercy" (Hebrew, *raḥamim*) and "compassion" (Hebrew, *ḥanan*) are closely related terms, often used to describe God's tender, parental love and gracious favor towards His people. They signify His willingness to forgive, restore, and bless, even when strict justice might demand otherwise. This demonstrates that God's ultimate disposition towards His obedient covenant people is one of grace and benevolence.
* **"and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers;"** This final clause connects the immediate act of obedience to the grand, overarching covenant promises. The promise to "multiply" Israel was a cornerstone of the Abrahamic, Isaacic, and Jacobic covenants, signifying national prosperity, strength, and the fulfillment of God's plan for His chosen people. By obeying the severe command regarding the apostate city, Israel demonstrates its faithfulness, thereby enabling God to fulfill His ancient, unconditional promises of blessing and growth, reinforcing the conditional nature of the covenant's blessings upon Israel's obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Conditional Clause** is prominent, as the entire second half of the verse ("that the LORD may turn...") is contingent upon the fulfillment of the first command ("And there shall cleave nought..."). This structure clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's obedience and God's response. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "turn from the fierceness of his anger," attributing human-like emotions and actions (turning, anger) to God to make His response comprehensible. This conveys the reality of God's righteous indignation against sin and His capacity to relent. Finally, **Covenant Language** pervades the verse, particularly in the reference to God's oath "unto thy fathers," which directly invokes the foundational promises made to the patriarchs, grounding the present command within the historical and theological framework of God's ongoing covenant relationship with Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:17 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's holiness, the gravity of sin, and the pathway to divine mercy within a covenant relationship. It teaches that God's absolute purity demands a radical separation from anything that defiles, especially idolatry, which is an affront to His exclusive claim on His people's worship. The concept of *cherem* underscores that some things are so antithetical to God's nature that they must be utterly removed, not for personal gain, but for the purification of the community and the vindication of God's justice. Yet, even in this severe context, the verse pivots to reveal God's ultimate desire for mercy and blessing. His "fierceness of anger" is not an end in itself but a means to prompt obedience, allowing Him to extend compassion and fulfill His ancient promises of multiplication and prosperity. This tension between severe judgment and abounding mercy illustrates the complex yet coherent character of a God who is both perfectly just and infinitely compassionate, always seeking to restore His people to a state where He can bless them according to His covenant.

* [Joshua 7:10-12](/joshua/7-10 "Joshua 7:10-12 - Achan's Sin and its Consequences")
* [Zechariah 1:3](/zechariah/1-3 "Zechariah 1:3 - Return to Me and I will Return to You")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Separation from Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal command to destroy apostate cities and their spoils no longer applies to believers today, the spiritual principles embedded in Deuteronomy 13:17 remain profoundly relevant for personal and corporate purity. This verse challenges us to identify and ruthlessly remove "cursed things" from our lives – anything that competes for God's supreme affection, defiles our spiritual walk, or hinders our complete devotion to Christ. This might include sinful habits, idols of the heart (such as materialism, ambition, or self-reliance), or worldly attachments that subtly draw us away from God. The call is for uncompromising obedience, recognizing that partial obedience or attempts to profit from what God has deemed "off-limits" can still bring spiritual consequences, not just to the individual but potentially to the wider community of faith. Ultimately, the verse reassures us of God's character: His anger is a righteous response to sin, but His deepest desire is to show mercy, compassion, and blessing. When we radically obey and turn from spiritual compromise, we create the space for God to "turn from the fierceness of his anger" and pour out His grace, fulfilling His promises in our lives and in His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cursed things" or spiritual contaminants might be clinging to my "hand" (my life, my possessions, my affections) that need to be completely removed for the sake of spiritual purity?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to offer partial obedience or seek personal gain from something God has called me to abandon?**
* **How does understanding God's "fierceness of anger" alongside His desire for "mercy and compassion" deepen my appreciation for His character and my motivation for obedience?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure my life is fully devoted to God, allowing Him to multiply His blessings and presence in me?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that God's mercy is conditional, contradicting His unconditional covenant promises?**

Answer: This verse highlights the conditional nature of the *blessings* within the covenant, not the unconditional nature of the covenant itself. God's covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham")) was unconditional in its establishment and ultimate fulfillment. However, the experience of its blessings by the nation of Israel, particularly in the Promised Land, was conditional upon their obedience to the Mosaic Law. Deuteronomy, as a whole, emphasizes this conditional relationship: obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings judgment. Therefore, for God to "turn from the fierceness of his anger" and "multiply thee," Israel's faithful response to His commands, such as the one in [Deuteronomy 13:17](/deuteronomy/13-17 "Deuteronomy 13:17 - The Cursed Thing"), was essential. This doesn't negate the unconditional promise but clarifies the means by which Israel would enjoy its benefits in their historical context. God's character remains faithful to His word, both in His promises and in His righteous judgment against sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 13:17, with its stark command for the complete eradication of the "cursed thing" to avert divine wrath and secure blessing, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The "cursed thing" in the Old Testament represents sin and idolatry, which brought God's righteous anger and separation. Yet, on the cross, Christ Himself became the "cursed thing" for us, bearing the full weight of God's wrath against sin, as [Galatians 3:13](/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." Through His sacrificial death, Jesus absorbed the "fierceness of God's anger," turning it away from all who believe in Him. His perfect obedience, even unto death, fulfilled the righteous demands of the law, enabling God to "show us mercy and have compassion" not based on our flawed obedience, but on Christ's perfect work. Moreover, the promise to "multiply thee" is fulfilled in the spiritual multiplication of believers, as the church grows and expands through the power of the Holy Spirit, bringing many sons and daughters to glory ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory")). Thus, what was a severe command under the Old Covenant becomes a glorious reality in the New, where the ultimate "cursed thing" was dealt with once and for all by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), securing for us eternal mercy, compassion, and spiritual fruitfulness.

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

Deuteronomy 7:26

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.

Genesis 26:24

And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I [am] the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I [am] with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

Joshua 7:26

And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

Genesis 26:4

And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

Joshua 6:18

And ye, in any wise keep [yourselves] from the accursed thing, lest ye make [yourselves] accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.

Deuteronomy 30:3

That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.

Genesis 28:14

And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.