Deuteronomy 19:19

you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Study Bible

You must do to him
This phrase underscores the principle of justice and retribution that is central to the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew root here is "עָשָׂה" (asah), meaning "to do" or "to make." It implies an active response to wrongdoing, emphasizing that justice is not passive but requires deliberate action. In the historical context of ancient Israel, this directive served to maintain social order and deter false accusations by ensuring that the punishment fit the crime.

as he intended to do
The word "intended" comes from the Hebrew root "זָמַם" (zamam), which means "to plan" or "to devise." This highlights the premeditated nature of the wrongdoing. The law here is concerned not just with actions but with intentions, reflecting a deeper moral and ethical standard. It serves as a reminder that God judges the heart and intentions, not just outward actions, aligning with the broader biblical theme that God desires truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6).

to his brother
The term "brother" in Hebrew is "אָח" (ach), which can refer to a literal sibling or more broadly to a fellow member of the community. This reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where individuals were seen as part of a larger family under God. The use of "brother" emphasizes the relational aspect of the law, reminding the Israelites of their covenantal responsibilities to one another and the importance of maintaining harmony and justice within the community.

You must purge the evil
"Purge" comes from the Hebrew root "בָּעַר" (ba'ar), meaning "to burn" or "to remove." This strong language indicates the seriousness with which God views sin and injustice. The command to purge evil reflects the holiness of God and His desire for His people to be set apart, free from corruption. It is a call to action for the community to actively remove sin from their midst, ensuring that justice prevails and that the community remains pure and devoted to God.

from among you
This phrase emphasizes the collective responsibility of the community to uphold God's standards. The Hebrew preposition "מִן" (min) indicates separation or removal, underscoring the need for the community to distance itself from sin. In the historical context, this was crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship with God, as sin within the community could lead to divine judgment. It serves as a reminder that the actions of individuals can impact the entire community, highlighting the interconnectedness of God's people and their shared responsibility to uphold righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the laws as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. False Witness
The individual who bears false testimony against another, central to the context of this verse.

4. Judges
Appointed leaders responsible for ensuring justice and applying God's laws.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter, where these laws will be applied.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Justice
God's law emphasizes justice and fairness, ensuring that falsehood is not tolerated within the community.

Purging Evil
The directive to purge evil underscores the need for a community to maintain holiness and integrity.

Consequences of Falsehood
Bearing false witness has serious repercussions, reflecting the biblical principle that actions have consequences.

Community Responsibility
The community is responsible for upholding justice and ensuring that evil is addressed and removed.

Reflecting God's Character
By adhering to these laws, the Israelites reflect God's character of truth and justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the principle of "doing to him as he intended to do to his brother" reflect the broader biblical theme of justice?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of purging evil from among us in our modern-day communities and churches?

3. How does the command against bearing false witness in Exodus 20:16 relate to the instructions in Deuteronomy 19:19?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are not bearing false witness in our daily lives?

5. How can the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7, be applied to our understanding of justice in Deuteronomy 19:19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:16
This verse connects to the commandment against bearing false witness, highlighting the importance of truthfulness.

Proverbs 19:5
This proverb warns that a false witness will not go unpunished, reinforcing the principle of justice.

Matthew 7:12
Known as the Golden Rule, it relates to treating others as one would like to be treated, which underpins the justice in Deuteronomy 19:19.

Galatians 6:7
This verse speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping, which is evident in the consequences for false witnesses.

Romans 12:19
This passage discusses leaving vengeance to God, which complements the idea of purging evil through just means.