Deuteronomy 13:17 - Nothing of the devoted thing shall cling to your hand, that Yahweh may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and show you mercy, and have compassion on you, and multiply you, as he has sworn to your fathers;
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What does "Deuteronomy 13:17" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 13:17 essentially describes a consequence and a promise based on obedience to God's commands regarding "devoted things," often referring to spoils of war or items dedicated to destruction. Let's break down the meaning:
"Nothing of the devoted thing shall cling to your hand": This is the core command. "Devoted things" in the context of Deuteronomy (and other Old Testament passages) are objects or spoils that are dedicated to complete destruction, often because they are associated with idolatrous practices. God commands that the Israelites not take any of these things for themselves. It emphasizes a complete separation from anything associated with idolatry or that God has declared forbidden.
"that Yahweh may turn from the fierceness of his anger": This is the reason for the command. By obeying and not taking the "devoted things," the Israelites can appease God's anger. It suggests that disobedience in this area would provoke God's wrath, likely because it would show a lack of commitment to monotheism and a temptation towards idolatry and corruption.
"and show you mercy, and have compassion on you": This is a further consequence of obedience. By obeying, the Israelites can expect God's mercy and compassion. This contrasts with the "fierceness of his anger" and highlights the benefits of obedience, suggesting forgiveness and divine care.
"and multiply you, as he has sworn to your fathers": This is the ultimate promise for faithful obedience. God promises to make the Israelites numerous, fulfilling the covenant he made with their ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). This is a very important promise as it is tied to the continuation of the people of Israel and their destiny.
In summary, the verse means:
If the Israelites completely abstain from taking any spoils of war or other items dedicated to destruction (things deemed "devoted" by God), then God will turn away from his anger, show them mercy and compassion, and make them a numerous and prosperous people, fulfilling the promises he made to their ancestors.
Theological Implications:
Obedience and Blessing: The verse highlights the strong connection between obedience to God's commands and receiving his blessings.
Aversion to Idolatry: It underscores the importance of complete separation from anything associated with idolatry.
Divine Justice and Mercy: The verse reveals the duality of God's character: he is capable of fierce anger against sin, but also merciful and compassionate towards those who obey him.
Covenant Relationship: The promise to "multiply you, as he has sworn to your fathers" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting that God is faithful to his promises.
Deuteronomy 13:17 - Nothing of the devoted thing shall cling to your hand, that Yahweh may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and show you mercy, and have compassion on you, and multiply you, as he has sworn to your fathers;
What does "Deuteronomy 13:17" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 13:17 essentially describes a consequence and a promise based on obedience to God's commands regarding "devoted things," often referring to spoils of war or items dedicated to destruction. Let's break down the meaning:
"Nothing of the devoted thing shall cling to your hand": This is the core command. "Devoted things" in the context of Deuteronomy (and other Old Testament passages) are objects or spoils that are dedicated to complete destruction, often because they are associated with idolatrous practices. God commands that the Israelites not take any of these things for themselves. It emphasizes a complete separation from anything associated with idolatry or that God has declared forbidden.
"that Yahweh may turn from the fierceness of his anger": This is the reason for the command. By obeying and not taking the "devoted things," the Israelites can appease God's anger. It suggests that disobedience in this area would provoke God's wrath, likely because it would show a lack of commitment to monotheism and a temptation towards idolatry and corruption.
"and show you mercy, and have compassion on you": This is a further consequence of obedience. By obeying, the Israelites can expect God's mercy and compassion. This contrasts with the "fierceness of his anger" and highlights the benefits of obedience, suggesting forgiveness and divine care.
"and multiply you, as he has sworn to your fathers": This is the ultimate promise for faithful obedience. God promises to make the Israelites numerous, fulfilling the covenant he made with their ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). This is a very important promise as it is tied to the continuation of the people of Israel and their destiny.
In summary, the verse means:
If the Israelites completely abstain from taking any spoils of war or other items dedicated to destruction (things deemed "devoted" by God), then God will turn away from his anger, show them mercy and compassion, and make them a numerous and prosperous people, fulfilling the promises he made to their ancestors.
Theological Implications:
Obedience and Blessing: The verse highlights the strong connection between obedience to God's commands and receiving his blessings.
Aversion to Idolatry: It underscores the importance of complete separation from anything associated with idolatry.
Divine Justice and Mercy: The verse reveals the duality of God's character: he is capable of fierce anger against sin, but also merciful and compassionate towards those who obey him.
Covenant Relationship: The promise to "multiply you, as he has sworn to your fathers" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting that God is faithful to his promises.