Deuteronomy 13
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
ENTICERS TO IDOLATRY TO BE PUT TO DEATH. (Deu 13:1-5) If there arise among you a prophet--The special counsels which follow arose out of the general precept contained in Deu 12:32; and the purport of them is, that every attempt to seduce others from the course of duty which that divine standard of faith and worship prescribes must not only be strenuously resisted, but the seducer punished by the law of the land. This is exemplified in three cases of enticement to idolatry. a prophet--that is, some notable person laying claim to the character and authority of the prophetic office (Num 12:6; Sa1 10:6), performing feats of dexterity or power in support of his pretensions, or even predicting events which occurred as he foretold; as, for instance, an eclipse which a knowledge of natural science might enable him to anticipate (or, as Caiaphas, Joh 18:14). Should the aim of such a one be to seduce the people from the worship of the true God, he is an impostor and must be put to death. No prodigy, however wonderful, no human authority, however great, should be allowed to shake their belief in the divine character and truth of a religion so solemnly taught and so awfully attested (compare Gal 1:8). The modern Jews appeal to this passage as justifying their rejection of Jesus Christ. But He possessed all the characteristics of a true prophet, and He was so far from alienating the people from God and His worship that the grand object of His ministry was to lead to a purer, more spiritual and perfect observance of the law.
Open source ↗If there arise among you a prophet,.... A false prophet, a lying prophet, as the Targum of Jonathan; one that pretends to be a true prophet, and to be sent of God, and to come from him with a message from him, a new revelation or doctrine, or in his name, to foretell things to come; the former is chiefly meant. Such prophets did arise in Israel before the time of Christ, and have since arose under the Christian name; see Pe2 2:1, or a dreamer of dreams; the same with the prophet, only to be distinguished by the different manner of their having the mind and will of God revealed to them, pretended to; either by vision or by dream, which were the two usual ways in which the Lord spake to the true prophets, Num 12:6 so that the prophet is one who pretended he had a vision from the Lord, and the dreamer one that had a dream from him, or something revealed to him in a dream; and dreams are sometimes used for false doctrines, vain, deceitful, and illusory; see Jer 23:25. The Targum of Jonathan calls him"a dreamer of a dream of pride:''such persons are generally prompted by the pride of their own hearts to take such a method to make themselves famous and respected among men; and usually bring such doctrines with them which are agreeable to the pride and vanity of human nature: and giving thee a sign or a wonder; for the confirmation of his mission and doctrine; such as Moses wrought before the children of Israel and before Pharaoh. Signs are expressions or representations of things to come to pass; wonders, such as either do, or seem to exceed the common course of nature, or be contrary to it.
Open source ↗The first case. If a prophet, or one who had dreams, should rise up to summon to the worship of other gods, with signs and wonders which came to pass, the Israelites were not to hearken to his words, but to put him to death. The introduction of חלום חלם, "a dreamer of dreams," along with the prophet, answers the two media of divine revelation, the vision and the dream, by which, according to Num 12:6, God made known His will. With regard to the signs and wonders (mopheth, see at Exo 4:21) with which such a prophet might seek to accredit his higher mission, it is taken for granted that they come to pass (בּוא); yet for all that, the Israelites were to give no heed to such a prophet, to walk after other gods. It follows from this, that the person had not been sent by God, but as a false prophet, and that the signs and wonders which he gave were not wonders effected by God, but σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα ψεύδους ("lying sings and wonders," Th2 2:9); i.e., not merely seeming miracles, but miracles wrought in the power of the wicked one, Satan, the possibility and reality of which even Christ attests (Mat 24:24). - The word לאמר, saying, is dependent upon the principal verb of the sentence: "if a prophet rise up...saying, We will go after other gods."
Open source ↗Here is, I. A very strange supposition, Deu 13:1, Deu 13:2. 1. It is strange that there should arise any among themselves, especially any pretending to vision and prophecy, who should instigate them to go and serve other gods. Was it possible that any who had so much knowledge of the methods of divine revelation as to be able to personate a prophet should yet have so little knowledge of the divine nature and will as to go himself and entice his neighbours after other gods? Could an Israelite ever be guilty of such impiety? Could a man of sense ever be guilty of such absurdity? We see it in our own day, and therefore may think it the less strange; multitudes that profess both learning and religion yet exciting both themselves and others, not only to worship God by images, but to give divine honour to saints and angels, which is no better than going after other gods to serve them; such is the power of strong delusions. 2. It is yet more strange that the sign or wonder given for the confirmation of this false doctrine should come to pass. Can it be thought that God himself should give any countenance to such a vile proceeding? Did ever a false prophet work a true miracle? It is only supposed here for two reasons: - (1.) To strengthen the caution here given against hearkening to such a one. "Though it were possible that he should work a true miracle, yet you must not believe him if he tell you that you must serve other gods, for the divine law against that is certainly perpetual and unalterable." The supposition is like that in Gal 1:8, If we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you - which does not prove it possible that an angel should preach another gospel, but strongly expresses the certainty and perpetuity of that which we have received. So here, (2.) I…
Open source ↗13:1-18 Prophets who tried to lead Israel away from the one true God were guilty of treason, which carried the death penalty. No other religion insisted on exclusive worship of their national gods; consequently, such harsh penalties for the worship of competing deities were unknown elsewhere in the ancient Near East. 13:1 God performed signs and miracles to induce amazement and faith in those who witnessed them (see 6:22). False prophets and magicians were able to replicate these feats to a degree and thus sometimes led God’s people astray (see Exod 7:11, 22; 8:7).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) קֶרֶב (qereb, H7130) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial… נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ, H5030) — a prophet or (generally) inspired man חָלַם (châlam, H2492) — properly, to bind firmly, i.e. (by implication) to be (causatively to make) plump; also… חֲלוֹם (chălôwm, H2472) — a dream נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) אוֹת (ʼôwth, H226) — a signal (literally or figuratively), as aflag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy,… מוֹפֵת (môwphêth, H4159) — a miracle; by implication, a token or omen
Open source ↗אוֹת (ʼôwth, H226) — a signal (literally or figuratively), as aflag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy,… מוֹפֵת (môwphêth, H4159) — a miracle; by implication, a token or omen בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) אַחַר (ʼachar, H310) — properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various… אַחֵר (ʼachêr, H312) — properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc. אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… עָבַד (ʻâbad, H5647) — to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc.
Open source ↗שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ, H5030) — a prophet or (generally) inspired man חָלַם (châlam, H2492) — properly, to bind firmly, i.e. (by implication) to be (causatively to make) plump; also… חֲלוֹם (chălôwm, H2472) — a dream יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… נָסָה (nâçâh, H5254) — to test; by implication, to attempt יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… יֵשׁ (yêsh, H3426) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection) אָהַב (ʼâhab, H157) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise) לֵבָב (lêbâb, H3824) — the heart (as the most interior organ); נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in…
Open source ↗יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) אַחַר (ʼachar, H310) — properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… יָרֵא (yârêʼ, H3372) — to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… מִצְוָה (mitsvâh, H4687) — a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law) שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… קוֹל (qôwl, H6963) — a voice or sound עָבַד (ʻâbad, H5647) — to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc. דָּבַק (dâbaq, H1692) — properly, to impinge, i.e. cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
Open source ↗נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ, H5030) — a prophet or (generally) inspired man חָלַם (châlam, H2492) — properly, to bind firmly, i.e. (by implication) to be (causatively to make) plump; also… חֲלוֹם (chălôwm, H2472) — a dream מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… סָרָה (çârâh, H5627) — apostasy, crime; figuratively, remission יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) מִצְרַיִם (Mitsrayim, H4714) — Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt פָּדָה (pâdâh, H6299) — to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release, preserve בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant
Open source ↗אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אֵם (ʼêm, H517) — a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively… בַּת (bath, H1323) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and… אִשָּׁה (ʼishshâh, H802) — a woman חֵיק (chêyq, H2436) — the bosom (literally or figuratively) רֵעַ (rêaʻ, H7453) — an associate (more or less close) נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… סוּת (çûwth, H5496) — properly, to prick, i.e. (figuratively) stimulate; by implication, to seduce סֵתֶר (çêther, H5643) — a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense) אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) עָבַד (ʻâbad, H5647) — to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc. אַחֵר (ʼachêr, H312) — properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc.
Open source ↗אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… סָבִיב (çâbîyb, H5439) — (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without… קָרוֹב (qârôwb, H7138) — near (in place, kindred or time) רָחוֹק (râchôwq, H7350) — remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used… קָצֶה (qâtseh, H7097) — an extremity אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Open source ↗אָבָה (ʼâbâh, H14) — to breathe after, i.e. (figuratively) to be acquiescent שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) חוּס (chûwç, H2347) — properly, to cover, i.e. (figuratively) to compassionate חָמַל (châmal, H2550) — to commiserate; by implication, to spare כָּסָה (kâçâh, H3680) — properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or…
Open source ↗הָרַג (hârag, H2026) — to smite with deadly intent יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), רִאשׁוֹן (riʼshôwn, H7223) — first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun) מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill אַחֲרוֹן (ʼachărôwn, H314) — hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence…
Open source ↗סָקַל (çâqal, H5619) — properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if… אֶבֶן (ʼeben, H68) — a stone מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill בָּקַשׁ (bâqash, H1245) — to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to… נָדַח (nâdach, H5080) — to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) מִצְרַיִם (Mitsrayim, H4714) — Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant
Open source ↗יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… יָרֵא (yârêʼ, H3372) — to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application יָסַף (yâçaph, H3254) — to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing) דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause רַע (raʻ, H7451) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral) קֶרֶב (qereb, H7130) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial…
Open source ↗שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… אֶחָד (ʼechâd, H259) — properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude)
Open source ↗אֱנוֹשׁ (ʼĕnôwsh, H582) — a man in general (singly or collectively) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… בְּלִיַּעַל (bᵉlîyaʻal, H1100) — without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… קֶרֶב (qereb, H7130) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial… נָדַח (nâdach, H5080) — to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to… יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) עָבַד (ʻâbad, H5647) — to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc. אַחֵר (ʼachêr, H312) — properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc. אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,…
Open source ↗דָּרַשׁ (dârash, H1875) — properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by… חָקַר (châqar, H2713) — properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately שָׁאַל (shâʼal, H7592) — to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand יָטַב (yâṭab, H3190) — to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy,… אֶמֶת (ʼemeth, H571) — stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause כּוּן (kûwn, H3559) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a… זֹאת (zôʼth, H2063) — this (often used adverb) תּוֹעֵבַה (tôwʻêbah, H8441) — properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application קֶרֶב (qereb, H7130) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial…
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Do not be deceived by the prophets and diviners among you, and do not listen to the dreams you elicit from them.
But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’
The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies.
Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him,
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers treated the false prophets in the same way.
The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,
“For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD.
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.