Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Deuteronomy 13 Devotional

Loyalty Beyond Every Sign

“You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him.”Deuteronomy 13:4 (BSB)

Deuteronomy 13 imagines three kinds of pressure to abandon the LORD: a prophet whose sign actually comes true, a beloved family member or closest friend whispering in secret, and a whole town led astray (13:1-2, 6, 13). In each case the answer is the same. Israel must not listen, and the penalty is death. These are among the severest laws in the book.

The chapter gives its own reason. Each time, the one who entices is turning people away from the LORD who brought them out of Egypt and redeemed them from slavery (13:5, 10). To lead Israel to other gods was treason against their rescuer. A miracle does not settle the matter. God's word does, and the test is whether his people love him with all their heart (13:3). Paul takes up this chapter's refrain about purging evil and applies it to the church, where it means removing from fellowship someone living in open sin (1 Corinthians 5:13). The God who redeemed you is worth more than any voice that would draw you away from him.

To think about: Whose voice, even a close and well-meaning one, most easily pulls your heart away from the God who rescued you?

About Deuteronomy 13: Warnings Against False Prophets

If a prophet, a dreamer, or even a close family member entices Israel to serve other gods, they must not listen, even if a sign comes true, for the Lord is testing them. Such enticers are to be put to death, and a town that turns to idolatry must be devoted to destruction.

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