Deuteronomy 24:7

If a man is caught kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers, whether he treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Study Bible

If a man is caught kidnapping
The Hebrew word for "kidnapping" is "גּוֹנֵב" (gonev), which means to steal or abduct. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kidnapping was a severe crime, often associated with the slave trade. The act of kidnapping is a direct violation of the commandment against stealing, as it involves taking a person against their will. This phrase underscores the sanctity of human life and freedom, reflecting God's justice and the value He places on each individual.

any of his brothers among the Israelites
The term "brothers" (אֶחָיו, echav) emphasizes the familial and covenantal relationship among the Israelites. It highlights the unity and community that God intended for His people. The Israelites were not just a nation but a family bound by their covenant with God. This phrase serves as a reminder of the mutual respect and protection expected within the community of believers.

and treats him as a slave or sells him
The act of treating someone as a slave or selling them is a grave violation of human dignity. In the ancient world, slavery was a common practice, but God's law set Israel apart by demanding justice and mercy. The Hebrew word for "slave" (עֶבֶד, eved) can also mean servant, but in this context, it implies forced servitude. This phrase condemns the dehumanization and exploitation of individuals, aligning with the broader biblical theme of liberation and freedom.

the kidnapper must die
The prescribed punishment of death reflects the severity of the crime. In the Mosaic Law, certain offenses warranted capital punishment to maintain justice and deter others from committing similar acts. This phrase underscores the seriousness with which God views the violation of personal freedom and the sanctity of life. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of upholding God's standards.

You must purge the evil from among you
The command to "purge the evil" (וּבִעַרְתָּ הָרָע, uviarta hara) is a call to maintain the holiness and purity of the community. This phrase is repeated throughout Deuteronomy, emphasizing the need to remove sin and its influence from God's people. It reflects the broader biblical principle of sanctification, where believers are called to live set apart for God, rejecting sin and embracing righteousness. This call to action inspires believers to actively pursue holiness in their lives and communities.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are receiving the laws and commandments through Moses.

2. Kidnapper
An individual who unlawfully seizes and carries away a person by force or fraud, particularly for the purpose of enslavement or sale.

3. Moses
The prophet and leader who delivered God's laws to the Israelites, including the laws in Deuteronomy.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, where the Israelites are to live according to God's laws.

5. Covenant Community
The collective body of Israelites bound by the covenant with God, emphasizing communal responsibility and holiness.

Teaching Points

Sanctity of Human Life and Freedom
This law underscores the value God places on human life and personal freedom. Kidnapping and enslavement are grave offenses because they violate the inherent dignity given by God to every person.

Community Responsibility
The command to "purge the evil from among you" highlights the collective responsibility of the community to uphold justice and righteousness. It is a call for active participation in maintaining a holy and just society.

Justice and Deterrence
The prescribed death penalty serves as a deterrent against such heinous crimes, reflecting the seriousness with which God views the protection of His people.

Moral Continuity
The principles found in this law are consistent with the broader biblical account that condemns exploitation and promotes love and respect for one's neighbor.

Holiness and Purity
The command to remove evil from the community is a call to holiness, reminding believers that they are set apart for God and must live according to His standards.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Deuteronomy 24:7 reflect God's view on the sanctity of human life and personal freedom?

2. In what ways can the principle of community responsibility be applied in today's church or society?

3. How does the severity of the punishment for kidnapping in Deuteronomy 24:7 serve as a deterrent, and what does this teach us about God's justice?

4. How can we apply the principle of "purging evil" from our own lives and communities in a modern context?

5. What connections can you draw between the moral teachings in Deuteronomy 24:7 and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 21:16
This verse also addresses the crime of kidnapping, emphasizing the severity of the offense and the requirement of the death penalty, reinforcing the sanctity of human life and freedom.

1 Timothy 1:9-10
The New Testament lists kidnappers among those who act contrary to sound doctrine, highlighting the continuity of moral law across both Testaments.

Genesis 37:28
The account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers serves as a historical example of the sin of selling a brother, which Deuteronomy 24:7 seeks to prevent.

Matthew 7:12
The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," underscores the ethical treatment of others, opposing actions like kidnapping and enslavement.