Deuteronomy 21:20 - They shall tell the elders of his city, “This our son is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”
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What does "Deuteronomy 21:20" mean?
Deuteronomy 21:20 describes a specific legal provision within the ancient Israelite legal code. It outlines the procedure for dealing with a particularly unruly son. Let's break down the meaning:
"They shall tell the elders of his city..." This indicates that the parents (both mother and father, implied) were to bring their son before the local community leaders (elders) to address the issue. This was not a private family matter but a community concern.
"...“This our son is stubborn and rebellious..." The parents are stating that their son is consistently disobedient and resistant to their authority. The term "stubborn and rebellious" suggests a pattern of behavior, not just isolated incidents.
"...He will not obey our voice..." This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the disobedience. He refuses to listen to or follow their instructions. Parental authority was highly valued in this culture, and this behavior was seen as a serious breach of societal norms.
"...He is a glutton and a drunkard.” This describes the specific behaviors that are considered particularly egregious. "Glutton" means excessive eating, and "drunkard" means habitual drinking to the point of intoxication. These behaviors would have been seen as a sign of lack of self-control, disrespect for resources, and potential for disruptive behavior within the community.
In essence, the verse describes a situation where parents have lost control over their son and present him to the community elders as incorrigible. The accusation is that the son is not only disobedient but also engages in behaviors that are socially unacceptable and harmful.
Interpretation and Context:
Rare and Extreme Circumstances: It's important to note that this law likely applied only in very rare and extreme cases. The process of bringing a son before the elders was a serious step.
Preservation of Social Order: The law's purpose was to protect the social fabric. Uncontrolled behavior, especially public drunkenness and gluttony, could be seen as a threat to the community's well-being.
Deterrent: The law may have also served as a deterrent to other young people who might be tempted to engage in similar behavior.
Parental Responsibility: It also highlights the importance placed on parental responsibility for raising children to be obedient and respectful members of society.
Capital Punishment: The verses that follow (Deuteronomy 21:21) prescribe that the elders, if they found the accusations to be true, would have the son stoned to death. This harsh penalty underscores the seriousness with which such behavior was regarded.
Ethical Considerations:
This passage raises significant ethical concerns in modern times, particularly the idea of executing someone for being disobedient and engaging in excessive eating and drinking. Most modern legal systems would find such a punishment barbaric and disproportionate. The verse highlights the vast differences between ancient legal codes and modern understandings of justice, child development, and appropriate punishment. It's crucial to interpret this passage within its historical and cultural context and not as a guide for modern behavior.
Deuteronomy 21:20 - They shall tell the elders of his city, “This our son is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”
What does "Deuteronomy 21:20" mean?
Deuteronomy 21:20 describes a specific legal provision within the ancient Israelite legal code. It outlines the procedure for dealing with a particularly unruly son. Let's break down the meaning:
"They shall tell the elders of his city..." This indicates that the parents (both mother and father, implied) were to bring their son before the local community leaders (elders) to address the issue. This was not a private family matter but a community concern.
"...“This our son is stubborn and rebellious..." The parents are stating that their son is consistently disobedient and resistant to their authority. The term "stubborn and rebellious" suggests a pattern of behavior, not just isolated incidents.
"...He will not obey our voice..." This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the disobedience. He refuses to listen to or follow their instructions. Parental authority was highly valued in this culture, and this behavior was seen as a serious breach of societal norms.
"...He is a glutton and a drunkard.” This describes the specific behaviors that are considered particularly egregious. "Glutton" means excessive eating, and "drunkard" means habitual drinking to the point of intoxication. These behaviors would have been seen as a sign of lack of self-control, disrespect for resources, and potential for disruptive behavior within the community.
In essence, the verse describes a situation where parents have lost control over their son and present him to the community elders as incorrigible. The accusation is that the son is not only disobedient but also engages in behaviors that are socially unacceptable and harmful.
Interpretation and Context:
Rare and Extreme Circumstances: It's important to note that this law likely applied only in very rare and extreme cases. The process of bringing a son before the elders was a serious step.
Preservation of Social Order: The law's purpose was to protect the social fabric. Uncontrolled behavior, especially public drunkenness and gluttony, could be seen as a threat to the community's well-being.
Deterrent: The law may have also served as a deterrent to other young people who might be tempted to engage in similar behavior.
Parental Responsibility: It also highlights the importance placed on parental responsibility for raising children to be obedient and respectful members of society.
Capital Punishment: The verses that follow (Deuteronomy 21:21) prescribe that the elders, if they found the accusations to be true, would have the son stoned to death. This harsh penalty underscores the seriousness with which such behavior was regarded.
Ethical Considerations:
This passage raises significant ethical concerns in modern times, particularly the idea of executing someone for being disobedient and engaging in excessive eating and drinking. Most modern legal systems would find such a punishment barbaric and disproportionate. The verse highlights the vast differences between ancient legal codes and modern understandings of justice, child development, and appropriate punishment. It's crucial to interpret this passage within its historical and cultural context and not as a guide for modern behavior.