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Deuteronomy 13:14 - Beware idolatrous city's influence?

Deuteronomy 13:14 - דברים 13:14

Hebrew Text

יָצְאוּ אֲנָשִׁים בְּנֵי־בְלִיַּעַל מִקִּרְבֶּךָ וַיַּדִּיחוּ אֶת־יֹשְׁבֵי עִירָם לֵאמֹר נֵלְכָה וְנַעַבְדָה אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יְדַעְתֶּם׃

English Translation

Certain men, wicked persons, are gone out from among you, and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which you know not;

Transliteration

Yatz'u anashim bnei-veliyaal mikirbecha vayadichu et-yoshvei iram lemor nelecha vena'avoda elohim acherim asher lo-yedatem.

Hebrew Leining Text

יָצְא֞וּ אֲנָשִׁ֤ים בְּנֵֽי־בְלִיַּ֙עַל֙ מִקִּרְבֶּ֔ךָ וַיַּדִּ֛יחוּ אֶת־יֹשְׁבֵ֥י עִירָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר נֵלְכָ֗ה וְנַעַבְדָ֛ה אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֲחֵרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־יְדַעְתֶּֽם׃
יָצְא֞וּ אֲנָשִׁ֤ים בְּנֵֽי־בְלִיַּ֙עַל֙ מִקִּרְבֶּ֔ךָ וַיַּדִּ֛יחוּ אֶת־יֹשְׁבֵ֥י עִירָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר נֵלְכָ֗ה וְנַעַבְדָ֛ה אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֲחֵרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־יְדַעְתֶּֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 13:14) describes a scenario where individuals of corrupt character (bnei beliya'al) emerge from within the community and attempt to lead others astray to idol worship. This is part of the Torah's broader warning against mesit (enticement to idolatry) and the severe consequences for those who engage in or promote such behavior.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • בְּנֵי־בְלִיַּעַל (Bnei Beliya'al): Rashi explains this term as referring to people who reject the "yoke of Heaven" (ol shamayim), indicating a complete abandonment of divine authority. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 111b) associates beliya'al with worthlessness and rebellion against Torah values.
  • וַיַּדִּיחוּ (Vayadichu): The verb implies active persuasion or seduction. Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 5:1) emphasizes that these individuals deliberately mislead others, making their sin particularly grievous.
  • אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים (Elohim Acherim): The Sifrei (Devarim 86) interprets this as any form of idolatry or foreign worship, whether familiar or unknown to the community.

Halachic Implications

This verse introduces the laws concerning an ir hanidachat (a city led astray to idolatry). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 71a) discusses the stringent requirements for convicting such a city, including the need for thorough investigation and warning. Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 4:6) notes that these laws highlight the severity of leading others to sin, as it corrupts the entire community.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

  • The Torah underscores the danger of internal corruption—these individuals arose "from among you," teaching that spiritual threats often emerge from within (Sforno).
  • The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 4:3) warns that even seemingly minor deviations from Torah can lead to complete apostasy if not addressed.
  • The verse serves as a call for vigilance in maintaining communal purity and resisting negative influences (Kli Yakar).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 43a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the laws concerning the rebellious city (ir hanidachat), where the Talmud examines the biblical source for the punishment of a city led astray to idolatry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 13:14 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 13:14 warns about wicked individuals who try to lead others astray by convincing them to worship false gods. The Torah emphasizes the seriousness of this sin, as it undermines the foundation of Jewish belief in Hashem. Rashi explains that these people are called 'bnei beliya'al' (wicked persons) because they rebel against Hashem and try to corrupt others.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it teaches us about the dangers of idolatry and the influence of negative leaders. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah) discusses how the Torah takes idolatry very seriously, as it contradicts the first of the Ten Commandments. The verse also highlights the responsibility to resist those who try to lead communities away from Torah values.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 13:14 today?
A: We learn the importance of staying true to Torah values and being cautious of influences that may lead us away from Hashem. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a) discusses how even seemingly small deviations from Torah can lead to bigger problems. Today, this reminds us to choose our influences wisely and stay connected to authentic Jewish teachings.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern Jewish life?
A: This verse reminds us to be vigilant about influences that contradict Torah values, whether from individuals, media, or ideologies. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that one must be strong in faith and not be swayed by those who promote false beliefs. In modern times, this means staying grounded in Torah learning and surrounding ourselves with positive Jewish influences.
Q: What is the punishment for those who lead others to idolatry according to Jewish law?
A: According to Jewish law (based on Deuteronomy 13 and Talmud Sanhedrin), those who actively lead others to idolatry are subject to severe consequences. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 5:1-2) explains that such individuals are considered a grave threat to the community and are dealt with strictly to protect Jewish faith. However, these laws are applied only under very specific conditions by a proper Jewish court (Sanhedrin).