Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 13 - Verse 9

This verse from the Bible discusses the concept of executing punishment for those who commit a serious offense. In this case, the verse is instructing the Hebrews to take action against someone who has committed a capital crime. The phrase "thine hand shall be first upon him" suggests that the person responsible for carrying out the execution must be the first to act, taking on the responsibility of ensuring justice is served. This emphasizes the idea of personal accountability and the seriousness of the act that is to be carried out.

Additionally, the mention of "afterwards the hand of all the people" highlights the communal aspect of justice and the importance of upholding the laws of the community. It indicates that after the initial execution, the rest of the community must also participate in carrying out the punishment, reinforcing the collective responsibility of maintaining order and justice within the society.

Overall, this verse serves as a reflection of the ancient Hebrew belief in the importance of upholding laws and values, as well as the necessity of individuals and the community working together to ensure justice is served. It sheds light on the severity of capital crimes and the significance of taking action to address them in a unified and decisive manner.

Within theological interpretation, this verse from Deuteronomy 13:9 addresses the seriousness of staying true to one's faith and the consequences for turning away from it. The instruction to kill the individual who tries to lead others astray highlights the importance of maintaining a pure and unwavering devotion to God. The command for the person's hand to be the first upon the offender signifies the responsibility each individual has in upholding the religious integrity of the community. This act of justice is to be followed by the hand of all the people, emphasizing communal responsibility and solidarity in matters of faith. Through word studies, the significance of "putting to death" signifies the severity of the consequences for those who seek to undermine the beliefs and values of the community. This verse serves as a reminder of the need for unwavering faith and the decisive action required to preserve it.