Deuteronomy 17:1-7

Deuteronomy 17:1-7

[1] Thou shalt not sacrifice  unto the LORD  thy God  any bullock,  or sheep,  wherein is blemish,  or any evilfavouredness:  for that is an abomination  unto the LORD  thy God.  [2] If there be found  among  you, within any  of thy gates  which the LORD  thy God  giveth  thee, man  or woman,  that hath wrought  wickedness  in the sight  of the LORD  thy God,  in transgressing  his covenant,  [3] and served  other  gods,  and worshipped  them, either the sun,  or moon,  or any of the host  of heaven,  which I have not commanded;  [4] And it be told  thee, and thou hast heard  of it, and enquired  diligently,  and, behold, it be true,  and the thing  certain,  that such abomination  is wrought  in Israel:  [5] Then shalt thou bring forth  that man  or that woman,  which have committed  that wicked  thing,  unto thy gates,  even that man  or that woman,  and shalt stone  them with stones,  till they die.  [6] At the mouth  of two  witnesses,  or three  witnesses,  shall he that is worthy of death  but at the mouth  of one  witness  he shall not be put to death.  [7] The hands  of the witnesses  shall be first  upon him to put him to death,  and afterward  the hands  of all the people.  the evil  away  from among  you.

What does Deuteronomy 17:1-7 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

God specified the method of execution as stoning for idolaters as well as other capital offenders. Rocks were, and still are, present everywhere in Canaan. At least two and preferably three witnesses had to be willing to take the lead in stoning the convicted offender ( Deuteronomy 17:6-7). These requirements were safeguards against injustice and perjury.
"The evidence must be adequate and credible; and anyone ready to make a serious accusation must be prepared to be executioner as well as witness." [1]