Deuteronomy 17:2-7
17:3 a The forces of heaven are visible objects such as the sun, moon, and stars, as well as invisible beings such as angels. Worship of anyone or anything created by God is a clear violation of the second commandment (see 5:9 b).17:4 c Anything offensive to the Lord could be called a detestable thing (see 7:25 d; 12:31 e; 13:14 f).
17:5 g 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 h; 1 Kgs 21:10 i) except under unusual circumstances (Deut 22:21 j).
17:7 k The instruction for witnesses to throw the first stones guarded against unfounded allegations. False testimony carried serious consequences. Requiring a witness to take the leading role in an execution helped guarantee the reliability of his testimony; he would personally bear the guilt if he took the life of an innocent person (see John 8:1-11 l).
• The people would purge the evil from among you by executing those whose sin brought the stain of guilt upon the community of Israel (see thematic note for Purge the Evil at end of chapter; cp. 1 Cor 5:12-13 m and study note).
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