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Deuteronomy 13:10 - Punishing idolatry: community responsibility?

Deuteronomy 13:10 - דברים 13:10

Hebrew Text

כִּי הָרֹג תַּהַרְגֶנּוּ יָדְךָ תִּהְיֶה־בּוֹ בָרִאשׁוֹנָה לַהֲמִיתוֹ וְיַד כָּל־הָעָם בָּאַחֲרֹנָה׃

English Translation

but thou shalt surely kill him; thy hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.

Transliteration

Ki harog tahargenu yadekha tihye-bo varishona lahamito veyad kol-ha'am ba'acharonah.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֤י הָרֹג֙ תַּֽהַרְגֶ֔נּוּ יָ֥דְךָ֛ תִּֽהְיֶה־בּ֥וֹ בָרִֽאשׁוֹנָ֖ה לַהֲמִית֑וֹ וְיַ֥ד כׇּל־הָעָ֖ם בָּאַחֲרֹנָֽה׃
כִּ֤י הָרֹג֙ תַּֽהַרְגֶ֔נּוּ יָ֥דְךָ֛ תִּֽהְיֶה־בּ֥וֹ בָרִֽאשׁוֹנָ֖ה לַהֲמִית֑וֹ וְיַ֥ד כׇּל־הָעָ֖ם בָּאַחֲרֹנָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 13:10

This verse appears in the context of the Torah's laws concerning the mesit (one who entices others to idolatry). The Torah commands strict measures to eradicate idolatry from the Jewish people, emphasizing the gravity of leading others astray from Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 13:10) explains that the phrase "thy hand shall be first upon him" teaches that the witnesses who testified against the mesit must be the first to carry out the execution. This requirement serves as a safeguard to ensure the witnesses are certain of their testimony, as they bear the responsibility of initiating the punishment.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 5:2), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that the witnesses must cast the first stones in the execution. This underscores the principle that those who bring the accusation must be fully committed to the truth of their testimony, as they play an active role in the execution.

Talmudic Discussion

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 45a) elaborates on this verse, teaching that the entire community must participate in the execution after the witnesses initiate it. This collective involvement serves as a deterrent against idolatry and reinforces the severity of the sin.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 87) connects this verse to the broader theme of communal responsibility. It teaches that when one individual strays into idolatry, it affects the entire nation, and thus, the entire community must act to remove the evil from their midst.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

  • Accountability: The requirement for witnesses to initiate the execution emphasizes the gravity of bearing witness and the need for absolute certainty in testimony.
  • Communal Responsibility: The participation of the entire community highlights the collective duty to uphold Torah values and eradicate evil influences.
  • Severity of Idolatry: The harsh measures prescribed reflect the Torah's view of idolatry as a capital offense, due to its potential to corrupt the entire nation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 45b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the execution of idolaters, emphasizing the role of the witnesses in carrying out the punishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 13:10 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 13:10 discusses the severe consequences for someone who tries to lead others astray to worship idols. The verse states that the person who witnesses the attempted seduction must be the first to carry out the punishment, followed by the rest of the community. This emphasizes the seriousness of the sin of idolatry and the collective responsibility to uphold Torah values (Rashi, Rambam Hilchot Avodah Zarah).
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse highlights the Torah's uncompromising stance against idolatry, which is considered one of the most severe sins in Judaism. It teaches the importance of zealously guarding the purity of Jewish faith and the need for immediate action when someone tries to corrupt it. The Talmud (Sanhedrin) discusses the laws derived from this verse regarding dealing with those who lead others astray.
Q: How does this apply today if we don't have capital punishment?
A: While Jewish courts today do not carry out capital punishment, the principle remains relevant in a spiritual sense. The verse teaches us to be vigilant against influences that could lead us away from Torah values. The Rambam explains that even today, we must distance ourselves from those who try to lead others astray spiritually (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:5).
Q: Why does the verse say 'your hand shall be first'?
A: Rashi explains that this teaches us the witness who saw the attempted seduction must be the first to carry out the punishment. This shows personal responsibility in upholding Torah law - one cannot remain passive when seeing Torah values being undermined. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that this prevents people from shifting responsibility to others.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about community?
A: This verse teaches that maintaining proper Torah values is both an individual and communal responsibility. While the witness acts first, the entire community participates afterward, showing that protecting Jewish faith is a shared obligation. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 8a) derives from this that we must all be involved in preserving Torah principles in our communities.