Deuteronomy 21:21

Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid.

Study Bible

Then all the men of his city
This phrase emphasizes the communal responsibility in ancient Israelite society. The Hebrew word for "men" here is "anashim," which refers to the adult males who were often the decision-makers and enforcers of justice within the community. The involvement of "all the men" signifies a collective action, underscoring the importance of unity and shared moral standards. In a conservative Christian perspective, this reflects the idea that the community is responsible for upholding God's laws and maintaining order.

will stone him to death
Stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Israel, intended as a public and communal act of justice. The Hebrew verb "ragam" means to stone, and it was a method that involved the entire community, symbolizing the collective rejection of sin. From a conservative viewpoint, this severe punishment highlights the seriousness with which God views rebellion and disobedience, particularly in the context of the family and societal order.

So you must purge the evil from among you
The phrase "purge the evil" comes from the Hebrew "ba'ar," meaning to burn or remove completely. This reflects the necessity of eliminating sin to maintain the holiness and purity of the community. In a conservative Christian context, this is seen as a call to uphold God's standards and to remove influences that could lead others astray. It underscores the importance of holiness and the need for decisive action against sin.

and all Israel will hear and be afraid
The purpose of this severe punishment was not only to deal with the individual sin but also to serve as a deterrent for the entire nation. The Hebrew word "yare" means to fear or be afraid, indicating a reverential fear that leads to obedience. In a conservative Christian interpretation, this serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of living in accordance with God's commandments. It reflects the broader biblical principle that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Rebellious Son
The subject of the law in this passage, a son who is stubborn and rebellious, refusing to obey his parents.

2. The Parents
The father and mother who bring their son to the elders of the city due to his rebellious behavior.

3. The Elders of the City
The leaders who are responsible for upholding the law and ensuring justice is served.

4. The Men of the City
The community members who carry out the sentence of stoning.

5. Israel
The nation as a whole, which is to learn from this act and be deterred from similar behavior.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Rebellion
The passage underscores the severity of rebellion against parental authority, reflecting the broader theme of rebellion against God.

Community Responsibility
The involvement of the entire community in the execution of justice highlights the collective responsibility to uphold God's standards.

The Purpose of Discipline
Discipline serves to correct and deter sinful behavior, aiming to restore order and righteousness within the community.

Fear as a Deterrent
The fear of consequences is intended to prevent others from engaging in similar rebellious acts, promoting societal harmony.

Holiness and Purity
The command to purge evil emphasizes the need for holiness and purity within the community of God's people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Deuteronomy 21:21 reflect the broader biblical principle of honoring one's parents, and how can we apply this in our modern context?

2. In what ways does the community's involvement in executing justice in this passage inform our understanding of communal responsibility in the church today?

3. How can the principles of discipline and correction found in this passage be applied to parenting and leadership within the Christian community?

4. What are some modern-day "rebellions" that might require a community response, and how can we address them in a way that aligns with biblical teachings?

5. How does the concept of purging evil from among us relate to personal holiness and the pursuit of righteousness in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:12
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents, which is foundational to understanding the gravity of the son's rebellion.

Proverbs 13:24
This proverb discusses the importance of discipline in raising children, which relates to the parents' responsibility in Deuteronomy 21:21.

1 Corinthians 5:13
Paul echoes the concept of purging evil from the community, showing continuity in the principle of maintaining holiness.

Hebrews 12:11
This verse speaks to the purpose of discipline, which is to produce righteousness and peace, aligning with the intent behind the law in Deuteronomy.

Romans 13:4
This passage discusses the role of authorities in executing justice, similar to the role of the elders and men of the city.