Deu 17:5-6 | TNotes | STEP | 17:5 the gates: A typical town in ancient Israel was small (about 10 acres or less) and crowded. It had few open areas except for a plaza just inside or outside the main gate where public meetings were held, including trials and other judicial proceedings. The place here is clearly outside of the town because stoning to death would not occur inside the walls (22:24 ; 1 Kgs 21:10 ) except under unusual circumstances (Deut 22:21 ).

c1 Kgs 21:10►

dDeut 22:21►

‏ Deuteronomy 17:5-6

17:5 ^a the gates: A typical town in ancient Israel was small (about 10 acres or less) and crowded. It had few open areas except for a plaza just inside or outside the main gate where public meetings were held, including trials and other judicial proceedings. The place here is clearly outside of the town because stoning to death would not occur inside the walls (22:24 ^b; 1 Kgs 21:10 ^c) except under unusual circumstances (Deut 22:21 ^d).