Deuteronomy 17:4 - and you are told, and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in Israel,
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What does "Deuteronomy 17:4" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 17:4, is part of a section dealing with serious offenses against God, specifically idolatry. Let's break it down:
"and you are told, and you have heard of it...": This means someone has brought information to the authorities about a suspected act of idolatry. The report has circulated and reached the ears of the community.
"...then you shall inquire diligently...": This is a crucial instruction. The authorities (likely judges or elders) are not to act based on mere rumor or accusation. They must conduct a thorough and careful investigation. This emphasizes the importance of due process and verifying information before taking action.
"Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain...": After the diligent inquiry, the authorities need to determine if the accusation is indeed factual and substantiated. "True" means the accusation has merit, and "certain" means there's enough evidence to support it beyond a reasonable doubt. This requires collecting evidence, questioning witnesses, and assessing the reliability of the information.
"...that such abomination is done in Israel...": This clarifies what is being investigated – a particularly heinous act that is considered an offense against God and the covenant of Israel. In this chapter, it refers to idolatry, but the principle of thorough investigation and the need for concrete evidence could apply to other serious offenses as well.
In essence, the verse emphasizes the importance of:
1. Taking accusations seriously: Not ignoring rumors or reports of serious wrongdoing.
2. Thorough investigation: Conducting a proper inquiry to determine the truth.
3. Evidence-based judgment: Only acting when there is solid and reliable evidence to support the accusation.
4. The seriousness of idolatry: The verse highlights that idolatry is considered a grave offense that warranted careful attention and action.
This verse reflects a commitment to justice, fairness, and the protection of the innocent within the Israelite legal system. It provides a model for how to handle serious accusations and avoid acting rashly or based on incomplete information.
Deuteronomy 17:4 - and you are told, and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in Israel,
What does "Deuteronomy 17:4" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 17:4, is part of a section dealing with serious offenses against God, specifically idolatry. Let's break it down:
"and you are told, and you have heard of it...": This means someone has brought information to the authorities about a suspected act of idolatry. The report has circulated and reached the ears of the community.
"...then you shall inquire diligently...": This is a crucial instruction. The authorities (likely judges or elders) are not to act based on mere rumor or accusation. They must conduct a thorough and careful investigation. This emphasizes the importance of due process and verifying information before taking action.
"Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain...": After the diligent inquiry, the authorities need to determine if the accusation is indeed factual and substantiated. "True" means the accusation has merit, and "certain" means there's enough evidence to support it beyond a reasonable doubt. This requires collecting evidence, questioning witnesses, and assessing the reliability of the information.
"...that such abomination is done in Israel...": This clarifies what is being investigated – a particularly heinous act that is considered an offense against God and the covenant of Israel. In this chapter, it refers to idolatry, but the principle of thorough investigation and the need for concrete evidence could apply to other serious offenses as well.
In essence, the verse emphasizes the importance of:
1. Taking accusations seriously: Not ignoring rumors or reports of serious wrongdoing.
2. Thorough investigation: Conducting a proper inquiry to determine the truth.
3. Evidence-based judgment: Only acting when there is solid and reliable evidence to support the accusation.
4. The seriousness of idolatry: The verse highlights that idolatry is considered a grave offense that warranted careful attention and action.
This verse reflects a commitment to justice, fairness, and the protection of the innocent within the Israelite legal system. It provides a model for how to handle serious accusations and avoid acting rashly or based on incomplete information.