Deuteronomy 24:7

If a man is caught kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers, whether he treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Study Bible

If a man is caught kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers
This phrase addresses the crime of kidnapping within the community of Israel. The term "Israelite brothers" emphasizes the familial and covenantal relationship among the people of Israel, highlighting the severity of the crime as it disrupts the unity and trust within the community. Kidnapping is seen as a violation of the commandment to love one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) and is contrary to the principles of justice and righteousness that God established for His people. The act of kidnapping is not only a personal offense but also a communal one, as it threatens the social fabric of the nation.

whether he treats him as a slave or sells him
This clause indicates the potential outcomes of kidnapping, either forcing the victim into slavery or selling them. Both actions are considered grave offenses, as they dehumanize the individual and violate the God-given dignity of every person. The reference to slavery connects to the broader biblical narrative of the Israelites' own experience of slavery in Egypt, which God delivered them from (Exodus 20:2). This historical context underscores the importance of justice and freedom within the Israelite community. The prohibition against such actions reflects God's desire for His people to live in a society marked by justice and compassion.

the kidnapper must die
The prescribed punishment for kidnapping is the death penalty, reflecting the seriousness of the crime. This severe consequence serves as a deterrent and underscores the value of human life and freedom. The death penalty for kidnapping aligns with other capital offenses in the Mosaic Law, such as murder (Exodus 21:12) and adultery (Leviticus 20:10), which also threaten the moral and social order of the community. The emphasis on justice in this commandment points to God's holiness and His requirement for His people to uphold His standards.

So you must purge the evil from among you
This phrase highlights the communal responsibility to maintain purity and righteousness within the nation. The concept of purging evil is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 13:5, 17:7), emphasizing the need to remove sin and its influence to preserve the holiness of the community. This directive reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to His laws is essential for His continued blessing and presence among them. The call to purge evil also foreshadows the ultimate purification from sin through Jesus Christ, who came to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are receiving the laws and commandments through Moses.

2. Kidnapper
An individual who unlawfully seizes and carries away a person by force or fraud, particularly for the purpose of enslavement or sale.

3. Moses
The prophet and leader who delivered God's laws to the Israelites, including the laws in Deuteronomy.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, where the Israelites are to live according to God's laws.

5. Covenant Community
The collective body of Israelites bound by the covenant with God, emphasizing communal responsibility and holiness.

Teaching Points

Sanctity of Human Life and Freedom
This law underscores the value God places on human life and personal freedom. Kidnapping and enslavement are grave offenses because they violate the inherent dignity given by God to every person.

Community Responsibility
The command to "purge the evil from among you" highlights the collective responsibility of the community to uphold justice and righteousness. It is a call for active participation in maintaining a holy and just society.

Justice and Deterrence
The prescribed death penalty serves as a deterrent against such heinous crimes, reflecting the seriousness with which God views the protection of His people.

Moral Continuity
The principles found in this law are consistent with the broader biblical account that condemns exploitation and promotes love and respect for one's neighbor.

Holiness and Purity
The command to remove evil from the community is a call to holiness, reminding believers that they are set apart for God and must live according to His standards.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Deuteronomy 24:7 reflect God's view on the sanctity of human life and personal freedom?

2. In what ways can the principle of community responsibility be applied in today's church or society?

3. How does the severity of the punishment for kidnapping in Deuteronomy 24:7 serve as a deterrent, and what does this teach us about God's justice?

4. How can we apply the principle of "purging evil" from our own lives and communities in a modern context?

5. What connections can you draw between the moral teachings in Deuteronomy 24:7 and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 21:16
This verse also addresses the crime of kidnapping, emphasizing the severity of the offense and the requirement of the death penalty, reinforcing the sanctity of human life and freedom.

1 Timothy 1:9-10
The New Testament lists kidnappers among those who act contrary to sound doctrine, highlighting the continuity of moral law across both Testaments.

Genesis 37:28
The account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers serves as a historical example of the sin of selling a brother, which Deuteronomy 24:7 seeks to prevent.

Matthew 7:12
The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," underscores the ethical treatment of others, opposing actions like kidnapping and enslavement.