In the modern world it is certainly a hard thing for us to accept that freedom of religion would be so severely forbidden in ancient Israel; yet such was the case. If you hear that someone has served or worshiped other gods, and if “you make a thorough inquiry, and the charge is proved true that such an abhorrent thing has occurred in Israel, then you shall bring out to your gates that man or that woman who has committed this crime and you shall stone the man or woman to death” (Deuteronomy 17:4-5).

Living as we do within a pluralistic western world culture – as opposed to the theocratic nation of ancient Israel – it is hard for us to accept that alternate religious viewpoints – which the Bible calls idolatry – should be condemned as a capital crime. We might see part of the rationale when we consider the relationship between idolatry and child sacrifice: in order to please Molech and other gods of the Canaanites, children from the community would be required to be burned alive, “passing through fire” as they went from this life to become a servant of that god (18:10). In our modern world we might want to make all due allowance for pluralism, yet should we consider it a matter of personal religious choice when someone decides to offer a child as a sacrifice by fire?

We should note as well several other factors concerning such cases. First, thorough inquiry would be necessary (17:4); mere rumor or accusation would not be sufficient. Second, the death sentence could not be imposed based on the testimony of just one witness; two or three would be required (17:6). Third, the accusers would need to cast the first stone: they could not stand back and let others execute the sentence (17:7). These three requirements would tend to prevent false or frivolous accusations.

But even granting these mitigating factors, it remains true that worshiping other gods was utterly forbidden. Such a crime would be punished by public community execution, because idolatry violated the covenant that Yahweh had established (17:2-3). As Americans living under a constitutional requirement of no established religion, we cannot expect governmental preference of one religion over another. Yet as believers we still need to let this story urge us toward the biblical conviction that we must offer our hearts’ deep devotion to the Lord our God alone.

* * * * *

Ah Lord God! Our culture is so laissez-faire about religion, and so indifferent to the variety of religious perspectives, as though they are equally valid – or equally invalid. Yet you call us to give our worship exclusively to you. Exclusively. To. You. We are so terribly far from that. Help us, O God: convict us of the truth of your word, and change our hearts!

If you find these studies helpful, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share. Thanks!