Old Testament
Deuteronomy 13:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
you must put every person in that city to the sword. Destroy the entire city completely — everyone in it and even the livestock.
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Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.
What Deuteronomy 13:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the directive is clear: if a city turns away from the values and teachings that are important, it must face severe consequences. The call to destroy the city and its inhabitants reflects the seriousness of maintaining a community that aligns with these values. This is not just about physical destruction; it symbolizes the need to eliminate influences that can lead people astray. The livestock mentioned signifies that even the resources tied to that city are not to be spared. This harsh command emphasizes the importance of purity and commitment to a shared belief system. It serves as a reminder of the lengths to which one might go to protect their community from corruption. While this may seem extreme, it highlights the value placed on unity and adherence to core principles. The passage challenges us to consider what we allow into our lives and communities, urging us to be vigilant against influences that could lead us away from our values and beliefs.
How to apply Deuteronomy 13:15 to your life
Reflect on the influences in your life and community. Are there ideas or practices that lead you away from your core values? Consider taking action to protect your beliefs and the integrity of your community. This might mean distancing yourself from negative influences or reinforcing positive ones. Stay committed to what truly matters to you and your community's well-being.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Deuteronomy 13:15
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At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 13:15 mean for modern readers?
Deuteronomy 13:15 emphasizes the importance of maintaining community integrity and adherence to core values. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder to evaluate the influences in their lives and communities. The passage challenges individuals to consider what they allow to shape their beliefs and to take action against negative influences that could lead them astray.
Why is the command to destroy a city so severe?
The command to destroy a city in Deuteronomy 13:15 reflects the seriousness of turning away from shared values and teachings. It underscores the belief that allowing corrupt influences can jeopardize the entire community's integrity. This severe directive symbolizes the lengths to which one might go to protect their beliefs and maintain a unified community, highlighting the importance of purity in faith and practice.
How can I apply the lessons of this verse in my life?
To apply the lessons of Deuteronomy 13:15, reflect on the influences surrounding you. Identify any ideas or practices that may lead you away from your core values. Consider taking proactive steps to distance yourself from negative influences and reinforce positive ones. This could involve engaging with supportive communities, setting boundaries, or actively promoting values that align with your beliefs.
What does the livestock mention signify in this verse?
The mention of livestock in Deuteronomy 13:15 signifies that the consequences of turning away from core values extend beyond just people. It emphasizes that all resources tied to a corrupt city, including livestock, must also be eliminated. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the command, reinforcing the idea that maintaining purity and commitment to shared beliefs involves addressing all aspects of a community.
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