Question 1

What sin is being judged in this passage about idolatry?

Accepted Answer

The sin here is turning away from God to worship other gods. The passage names worship of the sun, moon, or any of the stars, which were common objects of worship in surrounding nations. God calls this “wickedness,” a breaking of his covenant. Israel had promised to belong to God alone, so serving other gods was like spiritual adultery. This was not about small failures or everyday sins, but about openly leaving God’s worship and giving his honour to created things instead of to him.

Question 2

Why was idol worship punished by death in Israel?

Accepted Answer

Idol worship was treated so seriously because it struck at the heart of Israel’s relationship with God. God had taken Israel as his own people on the condition that they worship him alone. To bow to the sun, moon, stars, or any other god was to break that covenant and invite others to do the same. This sin spread easily and could turn the whole nation away. The death penalty showed how hateful this sin is to God and warned the people not to follow it or tolerate it in their midst.

Question 3

What does it mean to inquire diligently before punishing someone?

Accepted Answer

To inquire diligently means the leaders must not act on rumors or first reports alone. They are to look into the matter carefully, question those who bring the report, and make sure of who, when, where, and what really happened. Only if the thing is found to be true and certain may they treat it as an abomination done in Israel. This protects innocent people from harsh punishment and also reminds judges not to be lazy or careless when dealing with serious sins.

Question 4

Why were two or three witnesses required for the death penalty?

Accepted Answer

God required two or three witnesses so that no one would be put to death on the word of a single person. A lone witness could lie, be mistaken, or act from hatred. By asking for at least two, God guards human life and makes false accusation harder. Their testimony had to agree and be clear. This way, judges were kept from quick and unjust decisions, yet once the matter was firmly proven, the punishment could go forward without doubt that an innocent person was being condemned.

Question 5

Why did the witnesses have to throw the first stones?

Accepted Answer

The witnesses had to begin the stoning to show they truly stood by their words. If they were willing to cast the first stones, it showed they believed their own testimony and were not lying. This made people think twice before giving false witness, since they would have to take direct part in the death. It also showed that the whole community, starting with the witnesses, agreed that this sin deserved judgment and that they cared about God’s honour and pure worship.

Question 6

What does ‘put the evil away from among you’ mean here?

Accepted Answer

“Put the evil away from among you” means the community must not let this kind of sin remain in its midst. In this passage, the evil is the person who has turned to idols and the idolatry itself. By carrying out the sentence after a fair trial, Israel removed the open sin and its influence, and also removed the danger of God’s anger on the whole people. It is about keeping the community clean from open, unrepentant rejection of God’s covenant.

Question 7

Why are both a man and a woman mentioned in this law?

Accepted Answer

The passage repeats “that man or that woman” to show that the same standard applies to both. The sin is idolatry, not the sex of the person. God is saying that even if people might be tempted to excuse or pity a woman more because of weakness, this cannot set aside his command when his worship is directly broken. Both men and women were bound by the covenant, so both were held responsible if they turned from God to serve other gods.

Question 8

How does this strict law about idolatry show both severity and care?

Accepted Answer

On one side, the law is very strict: idol worship is called an abomination, and the punishment is death by stoning before the city gate, with all the people involved. This shows how deeply God hates the worship of other gods. On the other side, the law builds in protection: there must be careful inquiry, the charge must be proven, and there must be two or three witnesses. God does not allow blood to be shed lightly, even when his own honour is at stake.

Deuteronomy 17:2

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the Lord thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

Purge the Idolater

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Deuteronomy 17:2

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the Lord thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

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Purge the Idolater

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