Deuteronomy 21:19

Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;

Then shall his father {H1} and his mother {H517} lay hold {H8610} on him, and bring him out {H3318} unto the elders {H2205} of his city {H5892}, and unto the gate {H8179} of his place {H4725};

then his father and mother are to take hold of him and bring him out to the leaders of his town, at the gate of that place,

his father and mother are to lay hold of him and bring him to the elders of his city, to the gate of his hometown,

then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 21:19 (KJV) describes a critical step in the legal process concerning a "stubborn and rebellious son" as outlined in the Mosaic Law. This verse specifies the procedure by which parents are to bring their incorrigible child before the civic authorities for judgment.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a highly specific legal code found in Deuteronomy 21:18-21. In ancient Israelite society, the family unit was the cornerstone, and respect for parents was foundational, even enshrined in the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:16). A son who was habitually disobedient, a glutton, and a drunkard (as described in the following verse, Deuteronomy 21:20) was seen as a grave threat to the family's honor and the community's moral fabric. The "elders of his city" were the local judicial and administrative authorities, responsible for upholding justice and order within the community. The phrase "unto the gate of his place" refers to the city gate, which was not merely an entrance but the primary public square where legal proceedings, business transactions, and public announcements took place in ancient Israel. This public setting ensured transparency and community oversight in serious matters of justice, as seen in other biblical accounts like Ruth 4:1.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Parental Responsibility: The law places the onus on the parents to initiate this serious legal process, highlighting their ultimate responsibility for their child's conduct and their duty to the community's moral order.
  • Community Justice: The involvement of the elders and the public setting at the city gate underscore the community's role in maintaining order and upholding the law. It demonstrates that serious family issues were not solely private matters but impacted the broader society.
  • Upholding Authority: The severity of this law emphasizes the paramount importance of respecting parental authority and societal norms in ancient Israel. Rebellion against parents was seen as a grave offense that could destabilize the entire social structure.
  • Due Process: Even in such a severe case, the Mosaic Law prescribed a formal legal procedure, ensuring that accusations were brought before established authorities and heard publicly, rather than allowing parents to take matters into their own hands.

Practical Application

While the specific legal punishment described in the broader passage is no longer practiced today, Deuteronomy 21:19 offers timeless principles. It underscores the profound importance of parental responsibility in raising children with respect for authority and societal norms. It also highlights the value of community involvement in supporting families and upholding moral standards. For believers, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views rebellion and disorder, emphasizing the need for obedience and respect within the family and broader society. It encourages parents to diligently teach and discipline their children, and for communities to foster environments where respect and order are valued as cornerstones of a healthy society.

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Cross-References

  • Zechariah 13:3

    And it shall come to pass, [that] when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

  • Deuteronomy 25:7

    And if the man like not to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife go up to the gate unto the elders, and say, My husband's brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel, he will not perform the duty of my husband's brother.

  • Deuteronomy 21:2

    Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which [are] round about him that is slain:

  • Deuteronomy 16:18

    ¶ Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
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