Question 1

What is a "prophet or dreamer of dreams" in this passage?

Accepted Answer

A "prophet or dreamer of dreams" here is someone who claims to speak for God or receive special messages through visions or dreams. This person may even give a sign or wonder that actually happens. But if their message leads people to follow other gods, they are not truly from God. The sign itself is not what proves they are genuine. The real test is whether they point people to the Lord and His commands or try to pull them away from Him.

Question 2

Why does God allow false prophets and signs that come true?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that God allows this “to prove you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” In other words, these situations reveal what is really in people’s hearts. Will they cling to God’s word, or will they chase impressive signs and new teachings? God uses such tests to show who truly loves Him and who is only following Him for what they see and feel in the moment.

Question 3

Why is the punishment for leading others to other gods so severe?

Accepted Answer

Leading people to worship other gods is treated as a very serious evil because it pulls them away from the Lord who rescued them from slavery. The passage says such a person “hath sought to thrust thee away from the Lord thy God.” In Israel’s law, this was like treason against the one true King. The death penalty showed how dangerous idolatry was for the whole community, and removing such influence was meant to protect everyone from turning away from God.

Question 4

How could God command action even against a close family member?

Accepted Answer

The passage names a brother, child, spouse, or dearest friend and says not to listen, pity, or hide them if they secretly tempt you to serve other gods. This shows that loyalty to God must come before even the closest human bond. Those who try to pull us away from the Lord are treated as our worst enemies, no matter how much we naturally love them. The law here teaches that God’s honor and our faithfulness to Him outweigh every other tie.

Question 5

What does it mean to "walk after the Lord your God" in this chapter?

Accepted Answer

To “walk after the Lord your God” means to shape your whole way of life by who He is and what He has said. The verse explains it with several phrases: fear Him, keep His commandments, obey His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. It is not just agreeing in your mind, but following Him with your steps, choices, and desires. In the passage, this steady walk with God is the clear opposite of following anyone who calls you to serve other gods.

Question 6

Why does the passage speak about destroying a whole city that turns to other gods?

Accepted Answer

The passage describes a city whose people have been led away by “children of Belial” to serve other gods. If a careful search proves this is true, the whole city and its goods are to be destroyed and left in ruins. This shows how serious it was for a whole community to turn from God, and how idolatry can spread like a disease. The strict command also keeps anyone from profiting from that city’s judgment, so that the people fear this sin and keep themselves from it.

Question 7

Why must Israel "enquire and make search" before judging a city?

Accepted Answer

Before any action is taken against a city accused of idolatry, the people are told to “enquire, and make search, and ask diligently.” Only if the matter is found to be true and certain is judgment carried out. This shows that God’s law does not allow careless or rushed punishment. Serious charges must be carefully checked. Justice in Israel was to be both firm against sin and fair in its process, so that innocent people would not be harmed by false reports.

Question 8

What does this passage show about God’s character?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God is jealous for His people’s love and will not share His worship with other gods. He is the one who brought them out of slavery, so He has every right to their loyalty. It also shows that He cares about truth more than outward signs, and that He wants His people to cling to His word. At the same time, He promises mercy, compassion, and increase when they listen to His voice and do what is right in His eyes.

Question 9

How can this hard passage about idolatry apply to life today?

Accepted Answer

Today, believers are not called to carry out these civil penalties, but the heart lesson still stands. We are warned not to follow anyone, no matter how gifted or close to us, who pulls us away from loyalty to the Lord. We are called to test teachings by God’s word, not by how impressive they look. It also reminds us to guard our hearts and communities from anything that takes the place of God, and to love Him more than any person or thing.

Deuteronomy 13:1

If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

Idolaters to Be Put to Death

Idolatrous Cities to Be Destroyed

Idolaters to Be Put to Death

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Deuteronomy 13:1

If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

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Idolaters to Be Put to Death

Idolatrous Cities to Be Destroyed

Idolaters to Be Put to Death

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