Deuteronomy 19:19

you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Study Bible

you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother.
This phrase underscores the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which is a foundational concept in biblical justice. It emphasizes that the punishment should fit the crime, reflecting a measure-for-measure justice system. This principle is also seen in Exodus 21:23-25 and Leviticus 24:19-20, where the idea of "an eye for an eye" is articulated. The context here is dealing with false witnesses, as outlined in the preceding verses, where someone falsely accuses another of a crime. The intent is to maintain justice and deter malicious actions within the community. This principle is not about personal vengeance but about maintaining societal order and justice through the legal system established by God.

So you must purge the evil from among you.
This phrase highlights the necessity of removing sin and wrongdoing from the community to maintain holiness and righteousness. The concept of purging evil is recurrent in Deuteronomy (e.g., Deuteronomy 13:5, 17:7, 21:21) and is crucial for preserving the covenant relationship between God and His people. It reflects the seriousness with which God views sin and the need for the community to uphold His standards. This idea is echoed in the New Testament, where the church is called to discipline and maintain purity among its members (1 Corinthians 5:13). The ultimate goal is to protect the community from the corrupting influence of sin and to ensure that justice and righteousness prevail.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the laws as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. False Witness
The individual who bears false testimony against another, central to the context of this verse.

4. Judges
Appointed leaders responsible for ensuring justice and applying God's laws.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter, where these laws will be applied.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Justice
God's law emphasizes justice and fairness, ensuring that falsehood is not tolerated within the community.

Purging Evil
The directive to purge evil underscores the need for a community to maintain holiness and integrity.

Consequences of Falsehood
Bearing false witness has serious repercussions, reflecting the biblical principle that actions have consequences.

Community Responsibility
The community is responsible for upholding justice and ensuring that evil is addressed and removed.

Reflecting God's Character
By adhering to these laws, the Israelites reflect God's character of truth and justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the principle of "doing to him as he intended to do to his brother" reflect the broader biblical theme of justice?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of purging evil from among us in our modern-day communities and churches?

3. How does the command against bearing false witness in Exodus 20:16 relate to the instructions in Deuteronomy 19:19?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are not bearing false witness in our daily lives?

5. How can the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7, be applied to our understanding of justice in Deuteronomy 19:19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:16
This verse connects to the commandment against bearing false witness, highlighting the importance of truthfulness.

Proverbs 19:5
This proverb warns that a false witness will not go unpunished, reinforcing the principle of justice.

Matthew 7:12
Known as the Golden Rule, it relates to treating others as one would like to be treated, which underpins the justice in Deuteronomy 19:19.

Galatians 6:7
This verse speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping, which is evident in the consequences for false witnesses.

Romans 12:19
This passage discusses leaving vengeance to God, which complements the idea of purging evil through just means.