TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 13:1–5. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A very strange supposition, Deu 13:1, Deu 13:2. 1. It is strange that there should arise any among themselves, especially any pretending to vision and prophecy, who should instigate them to go and serve other gods. Was it possible that any who had so much knowledge of the methods of divine revelation as to be able to personate a prophet should yet have so little knowledge of the divine nature and will as to go himself and entice his neighbours after other gods? Could an Israelite ever be guilty of such impiety? Could a man of sense ever be guilty of such absurdity? We see it in our own day, and therefore may think it the less strange; multitudes that profess both learning and religion yet exciting both themselves and others, not only to worship God by images, but to give divine honour to saints and angels, which is no better than going after other gods to serve them; such is the power of strong delusions. 2. It is yet more strange that the sign or wonder given for the confirmation of this false doctrine should come to pass. Can it be thought that God himself should give any countenance to such a vile proceeding? Did ever a false prophet work a true miracle? It is only supposed here for two reasons: - (1.) To strengthen the caution here given against hearkening to such a one. "Though it were possible that he should work a true miracle, yet you must not believe him if he tell you that you must serve other gods, for the divine law against that is certainly perpetual and unalterable." The supposition is like that in Gal 1:8, If we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you - which does not prove it possible that an angel should preach another gospel, but strongly expresses the certainty and perpetuity of that which we have received. So here, (2.) It is to fortify them against the danger of impostures and lying wonders (Th2 2:9): "Suppose the credentials he produces be so artfully counterfeited that you cannot discern the cheat, nor disprove them, yet, if they are intended to draw you to the service of other gods, that alone is sufficient to disprove them; no evidence can be admitted against so clear a truth as that of the unity of the Godhead, and so plain a law as that of worshipping the one only living and true God." We cannot suppose that the God of truth should set his seal of miracles to a lie, to so gross a lie as is supposed in that temptation, Let us go after other gods. But if it be asked, Why is this false prophet permitted to counterfeit this broad seal? It is answered here (Deu 13:3): "The Lord you God proveth you. He suffers you to be set upon by such a temptation to try your constancy, that both those that are perfect and those that are false and corrupt may be made manifest. It is to prove you; therefore see that you acquit yourselves well in the trial, and stand your ground."
II.Here is a very necessary charge given in this case,
1.Not to yield to the temptation: "Thou shalt not hearken to the worlds of that prophet, Deu 13:3. Not only thou shalt not do the thing he tempts thee to, but thou shalt not so much as patiently hear the temptation, but reject it with the utmost disdain and detestation. Such a suggestion as this is not to be so much as parleyed with, but the ear must be stopped against it. Get thee behind me, Satan." Some temptations are so grossly vile that they will not bear a debate, nor may we so much as give them the hearing. What follows (Deu 13:4), You shall walk after the Lord, may be looked upon,
(1.)As prescribing a preservative from the temptation: "Keep close to your duty, and you keep out of harm's way. God never leaves us till we leave him." Or,
(2.)As furnishing us with an answer to the temptation; say, "It is written, Thou shalt walk after the Lord, and cleave unto him; and therefore what have I to do with idols?"
2.Not to spare the tempter, Deu 13:5. That prophet shall be put to death, both to punish him for the attempt he has made (the seducer must die, though none were seduced by him - a design upon the crown is treason) and to prevent his doing further mischief. This is called putting away the evil. There is no way of removing the guilt but by removing the guilty; if such a criminal be not punished, those that should punish him make themselves responsible. And thus the mischief must be put away; the infection must be kept from spreading by cutting off the gangrened limb, and putting away the mischief-makers. such Dangerous diseases as these must be taken in time.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 13:5 prescribes the death penalty for any prophet or dream-interpreter who attempts to lead the people of Israel away from their exclusive covenant loyalty to the LORD their God. This severe judgment underscores the absolute necessity of maintaining singular devotion to the God who sovereignly delivered them from Egyptian bondage and redeemed them from slavery, highlighting the profound gravity of spiritual deception and the community's sacred responsibility to purge such corrupting influences from their midst to preserve their unique relationship with Yahweh and the integrity of His divine commands.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 13:5 is strategically positioned within a significant legal and theological section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26), which meticulously outlines the statutes and ordinances Israel was commanded to observe upon entering the Promised Land. This particular chapter serves as a critical warning against idolatry and false prophecy, immediately following the foundational command to centralize worship at the single, divinely chosen sanctuary and to utterly dismantle all vestiges of Canaanite religious practices, as detailed in Deuteronomy 12. Chapter 13 systematically presents a series of scenarios designed to test the authenticity of prophetic claims, beginning with individuals who advocate for the worship of other gods, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:1-5, and extending this stringent scrutiny to even the closest family members or entire towns that might promote idolatry, a theme explored in Deuteronomy 13:6-18. The uncompromising severity of the penalty stipulated in verse 5 establishes the absolute intolerance for any influence that would compromise Israel's unique and sacred covenant relationship with the LORD.
Historical & Cultural Context
As ancient Israel stood on the precipice of entering Canaan, they faced a land permeated by polytheistic cultures where various forms of divination, dream interpretation, and prophetic utterances were commonplace. These practices were often intrinsically linked to fertility cults and abhorrent rituals, including the horrific practice of child sacrifice, explicitly condemned in Deuteronomy 12:31. The LORD had, through His mighty hand, delivered Israel from the oppressive slavery of Egypt, an event foundational to their identity and faith, as recounted in Exodus 12:51. At Mount Sinai, He established an exclusive covenant with them, revealing Himself as the one true God and demanding singular worship, a principle enshrined in the very first commandments (Exodus 20:2-3). Consequently, any "prophet" or "dreamer" who sought to introduce or encourage the worship of other deities was not merely committing a religious transgression but an act of profound treason against the divine King who had redeemed them from the house of bondage. The mandatory death penalty, therefore, reflected the absolute necessity of preserving religious purity and unwavering loyalty in a societal context where national identity and survival were inextricably interwoven with covenant fidelity.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of exclusive loyalty to Yahweh, emphasizing that Israel's very identity, well-being, and continued existence are entirely contingent upon their singular and unreserved devotion to the God who delivered them from Egypt and graciously established a covenant with them (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Secondly, the passage highlights the profound gravity of spiritual deception and apostasy, portraying false prophecy not merely as an error but as an existential threat to the nation's spiritual and social fabric, warranting the most severe judicial punishment. Thirdly, the concluding command to "put the evil away from the midst of thee" reinforces the vital theme of community responsibility for purity and holiness. The entire community is charged with active vigilance against corrupting influences, ensuring the integrity of their covenant relationship and preventing the insidious spread of idolatry, a principle that finds echoes in the New Testament concerning the purging of evil from the community.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term generally refers to one who speaks on behalf of God, acting as His mouthpiece. In this context, however, it refers to an individual who claims divine inspiration but whose message fundamentally leads the people away from the LORD. The emphasis here is on the claim to speak for God, which is then utterly invalidated and condemned by the content and direction of their message.
This primitive root means "to dream." While dreams were a legitimate means of divine communication in the Old Testament (e.g., Genesis 37:5), this passage specifically warns against those whose dream-messages contradict established divine truth and actively promote idolatry. The issue is not the medium of revelation itself, but the message's source and its ultimate effect on the people's fidelity to Yahweh.
This is a strong legal formula, often translated as "shall surely be put to death" or "he must die." It signifies a mandatory, non-negotiable capital punishment, underscoring the extreme gravity of the offense. This severe penalty reflects the sacrosanct nature of Israel's covenant with Yahweh and the existential threat posed by those who would undermine it.
Verse Breakdown
"And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death;"
This clause immediately establishes the severe and non-negotiable consequence for individuals claiming divine inspiration. The pairing of "prophet" and "dreamer of dreams" comprehensively covers the primary recognized modes of receiving divine revelation in ancient Israel, ensuring that no one claiming such a role is exempt from the most stringent scrutiny. The mandatory death penalty highlights the absolute seriousness of the crime against God and the community.
"because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, "
This clause provides the explicit and foundational justification for the capital punishment. The core offense is the deliberate attempt to divert the people's allegiance from Yahweh. The repeated theological anchor, "the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage," serves as a powerful, constant reminder of God's unparalleled faithfulness, mighty acts of salvation, and His unique covenant relationship with Israel. It powerfully reinforces that loyalty to Him is non-negotiable because He is their sovereign deliverer and covenant partner.
"to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in."
This further clarifies the insidious nature of the "turning away." It is not merely a theological deviation but a practical and existential one – an attempt to forcibly remove the people from the prescribed path of obedience and covenant fidelity. The "way" (Hebrew, derek', H1870) refers to the entire body of divine commands, statutes, and principles that define Israel's life, identity, and relationship with God.
"So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee."
This concluding phrase serves as both a direct command and a profound theological rationale. It places the solemn responsibility squarely on the community to actively and decisively purge such dangerous influences. The "evil" (Hebrew, raʻ, H7451) here refers not just to the individual false prophet but to the corrupting influence of their message, their very presence, and the potential for widespread apostasy. Removing this evil (Hebrew, bâʻar, H1197, "to consume, take away") ensures the spiritual health, purity, and integrity of the nation, maintaining their covenant faithfulness before God.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. Most prominent is the powerful Repetition of the phrase "the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage." This serves as a profound theological anchor and a constant, evocative reminder of God's redemptive history with Israel, thereby reinforcing the non-negotiable basis for their exclusive loyalty. The repetition functions as a refrain, emphasizing the magnitude of God's past acts and, by extension, the extreme severity of the offense committed against Him. The stark contrast between the false prophet's deceptive words and God's liberating actions creates a powerful antithesis, highlighting the fundamental opposition between truth and falsehood. The concluding phrase, "put the evil away from the midst of thee," is a form of metonymy, where "evil" stands for the person who embodies and propagates that evil, emphasizing the community's active participation in maintaining spiritual purity. Furthermore, the entire passage is characterized by legalistic language, employing clear stipulations, justifications, and consequences, which is characteristic of covenant law and serves to underscore the binding and absolute nature of God's commands.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 13:5 establishes a foundational and enduring principle for discerning truth from error within the covenant community: the ultimate and non-negotiable test of any prophetic claim is its unwavering fidelity to God's established revelation and its effect on the people's exclusive loyalty to Him. This passage powerfully highlights God's zealous guardianship of His covenant and His beloved people, demonstrating that spiritual purity is not merely an abstract ideal but a matter of existential life and death for the nation. It underscores the profound seriousness of leading God's people astray, equating such an act with spiritual treason against the one true God who sovereignly redeemed them. The principle of purging evil from the community, though applied within ancient Israel's specific legal and theocratic framework, resonates throughout biblical theology, emphasizing the church's ongoing and vital responsibility to uphold doctrinal truth and vigilantly guard against deceptive influences that would compromise its singular devotion to Christ.
Reflection and Application
While the specific capital punishment for false prophets belongs to the unique covenant context of ancient Israel under the Mosaic Law, a theocratic nation where religious and civil laws were inextricably intertwined, the enduring principles of discernment, spiritual vigilance, and guarding the truth remain profoundly relevant and critically important for believers today. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep and unwavering commitment to God's revealed Word, recognizing that any teaching, philosophy, or cultural influence that seeks to diminish the supremacy of Christ, contradict core biblical doctrines, or subtly encourage turning away from a life of wholehearted obedience to God is inherently dangerous and must be rejected with conviction. In a world saturated with diverse spiritual claims, competing narratives, and moral relativism, the imperative to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1) becomes paramount for every believer. We are called not only to personally adhere to sound doctrine and live in spiritual integrity but also to participate actively in the collective responsibility of the church to uphold the integrity of the faith, ensuring that the community remains firmly anchored in the truth of the Gospel and devoted exclusively to the Lord Jesus Christ. Our spiritual health, both individually and corporately, profoundly depends on our vigilance against deception and our steadfast loyalty to our Redeemer.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse mean we should execute people who teach false doctrines today?
No, the literal application of capital punishment for false teaching was specific to ancient Israel under the Mosaic Law, which constituted a unique theocratic nation where religious and civil laws were intertwined and enforced by divine mandate. The New Covenant era, inaugurated by the advent of Christ, operates under different principles and a new spiritual economy. While the church is indeed called to guard doctrinal purity and to discipline those who persist in destructive heresies (Titus 3:10-11), it does not employ physical violence or capital punishment. The spiritual battle against false teaching is fought primarily with spiritual weapons, preeminently the truth of God's Word (Ephesians 6:17). The underlying principle, however, remains profoundly relevant: leading people away from God is a grave spiritual offense with eternal consequences.
How can we "put the evil away from the midst of thee" in a New Testament context?
In the New Testament, "putting away evil" from the midst of the community involves various forms of spiritual discipline and discerning action within the church. This includes, but is not limited to, rejecting false teachings and unsound doctrines (2 Timothy 4:3-4), confronting those who spread division or destructive heresy (Romans 16:17), and, in severe cases of unrepentant sin or persistent heresy, exercising church discipline, which can ultimately include excommunication (1 Corinthians 5:13). The ultimate goal of such discipline is always the purity and health of the church body and, ideally, the repentance and restoration of the individual, never physical harm or retribution.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 13:5, with its severe condemnation of false prophets who would lead Israel astray, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant. Jesus Himself, the embodiment of divine truth, frequently warned His disciples against false prophets, identifying them by their deceptive "fruits" (Matthew 7:15-20). He is revealed as the ultimate true Prophet, the very culmination of God's prophetic revelation, through whom God has spoken His final and complete word to humanity (Hebrews 1:1-2). The "way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in" is perfectly embodied, revealed, and made accessible in Christ, who unequivocally declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Therefore, any teaching, ideology, or spiritual claim that turns people away from Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, constitutes the ultimate spiritual deception and treason against the divine King. The severe penalty in Deuteronomy reflects the infinite value and sacredness of the covenant relationship with God, a relationship now fully realized, mediated, and made eternally accessible through Christ's perfect atoning sacrifice. The ancient call to "put the evil away from the midst of thee" is now a spiritual imperative for the church to vigilantly guard the purity of the Gospel, upholding the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ against all false teachings that would draw believers away from their singular devotion to Him. In Christ, the focus shifts from a national, physical purity to a spiritual purity of heart, mind, and doctrine, maintained by steadfast adherence to the truth of the Gospel and the indwelling Holy Spirit.