Deuteronomy 12-18, 13:1-18

Review

Moses started his second speech at 5:1 Deuteronomy 5:1 “1 And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.”

Last week we ran over a quick summary of the first part of that speech up to chapter 11. Keep that in mind so we don’t separate the sections. It’s not that 1-11 was an introduction then 12-26 is the Law or giving the Law a second time. The Law was given to Moses and through Moses to the people and now Moses will be giving instruction on worship and community in light if the FIRST giving of the Law now being renewed in covenant with the next generation who didn’t die in the wilderness

Chapter 12

Chapter 12 outlines statutes and judgments for the people to follow in the land given to them by the YAHWEH. They are instructed to destroy the places where other nations worshiped their gods and to worship only YAHWEH in the chosen place and not practicing like the other nations. It also details regulations on eating meat, tithes, and offerings, stressing the importance of obedience to the YAHWEH’s instructions. The chapter warns against idolatry and instructs the people to be careful not to act like the other nations do in worship. The text concludes with a command to strictly adhere to YAHWEH’s commands without adding or subtracting from them.

A wonderful verse for us to pay attention to in the church today is Deuteronomy 12:32 “32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” Not adding tradition to scripture as if it were inspired.

Chapter 13

Deuteronomy 13:1–5 KJV

1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

False religious leaders

Even if something they say happens, a prophecy coming to pass isn’t the only test. If they even hint toward a God other than Yahweh or their words drift even a bit from Scripture, they are not to be followed.

Deuteronomy 13:3 “3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

God testing here isn’t tempting them to sin, but testing their heart and profession compared to their actions. It was a test of covenant commitment.

But not only that, he was to be put to death.

Back in Deuteronomy 11 we learned that if that the sins of one would bring a curse on the whole nation so this was serious and they were to be put to death

It’s still serious even though today we don’t get to put them to death, as much as our flesh would like to for the damage they do. But we are to run away from them (maybe even crying out “unclean, unclean as we do).

Deuteronomy 13:6–11 KJV

6 If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; 7 Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; 8 Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: 9 But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. 10 And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 11 And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.

False family or friends

Notice how much harder this will be than leaving the church with the weak preacher...

Theologically the family stands at the center of the triangular pattern of relationships between God, Israel, and the land. But God stands in authority over both. Family and friendship must not be more important than covenant justice and the protection of the whole community

Even if those closest to us draw us away to false gods and idols, verse 8 tells us to not follow, not listen, not feel sorry for, not even show mercy for, or hide them!

Deuteronomy 13:8–9 “8 Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: 9 But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.”

They were to kill them and the accuser be the first one to throw a stone.

Deuteronomy 13:10–11 “10 And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 11 And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.”

Death penalty for this wasn’t meant to “kill five false prophets a day) Deuteronomy 13:11 “11 And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.”

Deuteronomy 13:12–16 KJV

12 If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, 13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; 14 Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you; 15 Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword. 16 And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.

False community or governmental leaders

Deuteronomy 13:13 “13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;”

certain is some vile men. The kind of men who supported Jezebel in the civil community (cf. 1 Kgs. 21:8–14, where “scoundrels” is the same term as certain or vile men in v. 13 here). worthless

Deuteronomy 13:15 “15 Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.”

everything was destroyed so no financial benefit to those that destroyed it

Deuteronomy 13:16 “16 And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.”

Care in thinking about the divine protection of Jerusalem today

If Israelites chose to go the way of Canaanite gods and cults, then God would do to Israelites, individuals and communities, exactly what had been done to the Canaanites. Eventually, the year 587 BCE would see, in the greatest national catastrophe of Israel’s OT history, Deuteronomy 13:12–16 being executed on the very place where God’s name would dwell, and that not by Israelites carrying out covenant justice, but by a pagan nation acting on God’s behalf. The only difference would be that a “remnant” would return, and it would not remain a ruin for ever, never to be rebuilt.

Deuteronomy 13:17–18 KJV

17 And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers; 18 When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.

Chapter 14

Chapter 14 outlines dietary laws and instructions for tithing in the Bible. It prohibits certain practices like cutting oneself for the dead and specifies which animals are clean to eat. The text lists clean and unclean animals, birds, and creeping things. It also emphasizes the importance of tithing, instructing to give a portion of one's produce to the Lord and to support the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows. The chapter details the process of tithing and what to do if the place is too far, allowing the conversion of produce into money to be spent on desired items. It stresses the importance of sharing with those in need and highlights the blessings that come from following these laws.

Chapter 15

Chapter 15 of the text discusses the concept of releasing debts every seven years. It emphasizes the importance of lending to those in need and helping the poor. The chapter also outlines rules for releasing Hebrew servants after six years of service, ensuring they are provided for upon release. Additionally, it mentions sanctifying firstling males of herds and flocks for the Lord and specifies guidelines for eating. The text stresses the importance of generosity, compassion, and obedience to God's commandments, highlighting the blessings that come from helping others and following these principles.

Chapter 16

Chapter 16 outlines various religious observances and laws for the Israelites, including instructions on keeping the Passover, Feast of Weeks, and Feast of Tabernacles. It emphasizes the importance of remembering being brought out of Egypt and following God's commandments. The text also discusses the appointment of judges and officers to ensure just judgment and warns against corruption and idolatry. The Israelites are instructed to give offerings and appear before the Lord at designated times, showing gratitude for blessings received. The chapter concludes with guidelines on maintaining justice, avoiding bias, and refraining from idol worship. These laws and rituals are meant to guide the Israelites in living a righteous and faithful life in accordance with God's will.

Chapter 17

Chapter 17 of the text discusses various laws and regulations set by the LORD thy God giving us a biblical picture of government leadership. It prohibits sacrificing animals with blemishes, condemns worship of other gods, and prescribes stoning as punishment for certain offenses. The chapter also outlines procedures for resolving disputes and appointing a king, emphasizing the importance of following the law and seeking guidance from priests and judges. The chosen king must be from among the brethren, not accumulate wealth excessively, and must keep a copy of the law to govern justly and fear the LORD. The text stresses the need for obedience to the law to maintain order and righteousness within the community, ensuring the king and the people follow the commandments to prosper and live long in the kingdom.

Chapter 18

Chapter 18 discusses the inheritance and duties of the priests, Levites, and tribe of Levi. Showing us not necessarily item and activity, but what biblical spiritual leadership looks like. They are not to have a physical inheritance but will be sustained by offerings to the Lord. The text outlines the priest's share of sacrifices and offerings. It also warns against following the abominable practices of other nations, listing various forbidden activities. The chapter prophesies the coming of a Prophet like Moses, whom the people must obey. It emphasizes the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones based on the accuracy of their prophecies but not only the accuracy. The text stresses the need to listen to the words of the true Prophet sent by God.

Conclusion

Chapter 13 emphasized the seriousness of worshiping the one, true God, tearing down the idols of the nations and replacing them the name of Yahweh God. How we are to be wholly dedicated to God and and not let anyone or anything get in the way of our love for and following of God . Especially separating from (literally for them figuratively for us even “putting to death”) even the closest of our relationships that try to lure us and our hearts away from the one true God.

Chapter 18 reminds us that the prophet God raises up will prophesy things that come to pass but as we learned in chapter 13, this isn’t the ONLY way a prophecy will come true. A second test for a true prophet to be listened to is that they will also be “like Moses”.

There is a standard by which to measure the moral and spiritual qualifications of true or false prophets. Those who pandered to the nation’s wickedness were not “like Moses.” Those who posed no challenge to oppressive government were not “like Moses.” Those who were immoral in their own lives, or self-seeking in their ambitions, were not “like Moses.”

This is the same standard we should use today for the governmental and spiritual leaders we follow today as we “test the spirits” 1 John 4:1–3 “1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”

But not only them...

Deuteronomy 18:18–19 “18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.”

Yahweh God said he would raise up a Prophet like Moses and He has. In the Bible we see the men like Jeremiah and Isaiah and the lesser prophets like Joel, Zechariah, and Malachi. He has also given the world righteous governmental and spiritual leaders all the through our day.

But more importantly God has give us a prophet BETTER than Moses...

Hebrews 3:1–6 “1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

Especially today when it’s harder than ever to see fact from fiction, truth from lies in the world, We MUST know Jesus is true and faithful and only through Him can we do anything to please God and practice righteousness.