Deuteronomy 21:19
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,
his father and mother
In the Hebrew context, the family unit was central to societal structure. The father and mother represent the primary authority figures in a child's life, responsible for his upbringing and moral guidance. The Hebrew words for father (אָב, 'av') and mother (אֵם, 'em') emphasize the nurturing and authoritative roles they play. This phrase underscores the importance of parental responsibility and the expectation that parents will guide their children in the ways of the Lord, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

shall take hold of him
The phrase "take hold" (תָּפַשׂ, 'taphas') implies a firm and deliberate action. It suggests that the parents are not acting out of anger or impulsiveness but are taking a serious and considered step. This action reflects the gravity of the situation and the parents' commitment to addressing their child's behavior in accordance with God's law. It also highlights the communal aspect of discipline, where the family seeks the involvement of the broader community.

and bring him
The act of bringing the child to the elders signifies a transition from private to public accountability. The Hebrew verb (בּוֹא, 'bo') indicates movement towards a place or person of authority. This reflects the biblical principle that unresolved issues within the family should be addressed within the community, emphasizing the role of the community in maintaining moral and social order.

to the elders of his city
Elders (זָקֵן, 'zaqen') were respected leaders and judges within the community, often chosen for their wisdom and experience. Their role was to provide guidance, resolve disputes, and uphold justice. By bringing the child to the elders, the parents are seeking a fair and impartial judgment, recognizing the elders' authority to mediate and decide on matters of community concern.

to the gate of his hometown
The gate of the city was a place of legal and civic activity in ancient Israel. It was where transactions were made, disputes were settled, and justice was administered. The gate symbolizes transparency and public accountability. By bringing the matter to the gate, the parents and elders are ensuring that the issue is addressed openly and justly, in accordance with God's law. This setting underscores the importance of community involvement in upholding righteousness and justice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Father and Mother
The parents of the rebellious son, who are responsible for his upbringing and discipline.

2. The Son
A rebellious and stubborn child who refuses to obey his parents, as described in the preceding verses.

3. Elders
The leaders or judges of the city, responsible for maintaining order and justice within the community.

4. The Gate of the City
A central place in ancient cities where legal matters, judgments, and community gatherings took place.

5. The City
Represents the local community where the family resides, emphasizing the communal aspect of justice and discipline.
Teaching Points
Parental Responsibility
Parents are called to actively engage in the moral and spiritual upbringing of their children, taking necessary steps to correct and guide them.

Community Involvement
The role of the community in maintaining moral standards is crucial. The elders' involvement signifies the importance of communal support and accountability.

Justice and Mercy
While the law provides a framework for justice, it also points to the need for mercy and redemption, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Respect for Authority
The passage underscores the importance of respecting and submitting to authority, both familial and communal.

Consequences of Rebellion
The serious nature of the consequences for rebellion serves as a warning and a call to repentance and obedience.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the parents in Deuteronomy 21:19 reflect the biblical view of parental responsibility?

2. In what ways can the church today act as a supportive community in addressing issues of discipline and rebellion?

3. How do the principles of justice and mercy in this passage relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical ways we can teach respect for authority to the next generation, both in the home and in the church?

5. How can we apply the concept of communal accountability in our personal lives and within our faith communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 13:24
This verse highlights the importance of discipline in child-rearing, connecting to the responsibility of parents to guide their children.

Ephesians 6:1-4
Paul instructs children to obey their parents and fathers not to provoke their children, emphasizing a balanced approach to discipline.

Hebrews 12:11
Discusses the value of discipline, which, though painful at the time, yields righteousness and peace.

Matthew 18:15-17
Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the community, reflecting the communal responsibility seen in Deuteronomy 21:19.

1 Timothy 5:20
Paul advises public rebuke for persistent sin, similar to the public nature of the judgment at the city gate.
A Slippery Path to RuinD. Davies Deuteronomy 21:18-21
The Rebellious SonJ. Orr Deuteronomy 21:18-21
Parental Authority EnforcedR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 21:18-23
People
Levi, Moses
Places
Beth-baal-peor
Topics
Bring, Elders, Gate, Gateway, Hold, Home, Laid, Lay, Public, Responsible, Seize, Town
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 21:19

     5323   gate
     5586   town

Deuteronomy 21:18-20

     5746   youth

Deuteronomy 21:18-21

     4366   stones
     5838   disrespect
     6224   rebellion, against authority

Deuteronomy 21:18-23

     7346   death penalty

Library
The Dead Christ
It was not usual to remove bodies from the cross immediately after their death. They were allowed to hang, exposed to the weather, till they rotted and fell to pieces; or they might be torn by birds or beasts; and at last a fire was perhaps kindled beneath the cross to rid the place of the remains. Such was the Roman custom; but among the Jews there was more scrupulosity. In their law there stood this provision: "If a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be put to death, and thou hang
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

A Condensed Guide for Life
'My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. 16. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. 17. Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. 18. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. 19. Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. 20. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 21. For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Lost Son. ^C Luke XV. 11-32. ^c 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons [These two sons represent the professedly religious (the elder) and the openly irreligious (the younger). They have special reference to the two parties found in the first two verses of this chapter --the Pharisees, the publicans and sinners]: 12 and the younger of them [the more childish and easily deceived] said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: ..... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. W hen our Lord was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and conversed with Him. Had we been informed of the interview only, we should probably have desired to know the subject of their conversation, as we might reasonably suppose it turned upon very interesting and important
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Morning of Good Friday.
The pale grey light had passed into that of early morning, when the Sanhedrists once more assembled in the Palace of Caiaphas. [5969] A comparison with the terms in which they who had formed the gathering of the previous night are described will convey the impression, that the number of those present was now increased, and that they who now came belonged to the wisest and most influential of the Council. It is not unreasonable to suppose, that some who would not take part in deliberations which were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Crucifixion.
Subdivision D. Jesus Found to Be Dead. His Body Buried and Guarded in the Tomb. ^A Matt. XXVII. 57-66; ^B Mark XV. 42-47; ^C Luke XXIII. 50-56; ^D John XIX. 31-42. ^d 31 The Jews therefore, because it was the Preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross upon the sabbath (for the day of that sabbath was a high day ), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. [According to rabbinical writing a few hours before the Sabbath were called the Preparation;
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Deuteronomy 21:19 NIV
Deuteronomy 21:19 NLT
Deuteronomy 21:19 ESV
Deuteronomy 21:19 NASB
Deuteronomy 21:19 KJV

Deuteronomy 21:19 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Deuteronomy 21:18
Top of Page
Top of Page