Old Testament
Deuteronomy 13:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Pile all the plunder in the middle of the city square and burn the whole city and everything in it as an offering to the LORD your God. It must remain a permanent ruin, never to be rebuilt.
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And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.
What Deuteronomy 13:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the Israelites are instructed to destroy a city that has turned away from God. They are to gather all the valuables from the city and burn everything as a sacrifice to God. This act symbolizes complete devotion and the rejection of anything that leads them away from their faith. The city is to remain in ruins forever, serving as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. This command emphasizes the seriousness of idolatry and the importance of staying true to their beliefs. By eradicating such influences, the Israelites are encouraged to maintain their relationship with God. The destruction is not just physical; it represents a spiritual cleansing, ensuring that nothing impure remains. This passage challenges us to consider what we need to remove from our lives to stay aligned with our values and beliefs, urging us to take decisive action against anything that distracts us from our purpose and faithfulness to God. It’s a call to prioritize our spiritual integrity above all else.
How to apply Deuteronomy 13:16 to your life
Reflect on what influences in your life may be leading you away from your core values. Consider making changes to eliminate distractions that hinder your growth. This could mean distancing yourself from certain relationships or habits that do not align with your beliefs. Take action to protect your spiritual integrity and focus on what truly matters to you. Remember, sometimes we must let go to grow stronger in our faith and purpose.
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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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 13:16 mean?
Deuteronomy 13:16 instructs the Israelites to destroy a city that has turned away from God by burning it and all its possessions as an offering. This act symbolizes total devotion to God and the rejection of idolatry.
What is the significance of burning the city in Deuteronomy 13:16?
Burning the city signifies a complete break from anything that leads one away from faith. It represents a spiritual cleansing and the seriousness of maintaining devotion to God.
What does 'permanent ruin' mean in Deuteronomy 13:16?
The phrase 'permanent ruin' indicates that the city is to remain destroyed forever, serving as a lasting reminder of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry.
How does Deuteronomy 13:16 apply to modern life?
This verse encourages individuals to identify and remove influences that distract from their core values and beliefs. It serves as a reminder to take decisive action to protect one's spiritual integrity.
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