In the biblical context, the administration of justice and the infliction of punishments were often carried out by the community or its representatives. This practice reflects the communal nature of ancient Israelite society, where the people collectively upheld the laws given by God. The following are key instances and principles regarding punishments inflicted by the people as recorded in the Scriptures.

Stoning as a Community Act

Stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Israel, often carried out by the community. This method emphasized the collective responsibility of the people to purge evil from among them. In Deuteronomy 17:7, the law states, "The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil from among you." This directive ensured that those who testified against the accused were directly involved in the execution, reinforcing the seriousness of bearing witness.

Examples of Community-Inflicted Punishments

1. Achan's Sin: In Joshua 7, Achan's transgression of taking devoted items led to Israel's defeat at Ai. Upon discovery, Joshua and all Israel took Achan, along with his family and possessions, to the Valley of Achor. There, the community stoned them and burned their remains, as recorded in Joshua 7:25: "And all Israel stoned them with stones. And after they had stoned the rest, they burned them."

2. Blasphemy and Idolatry: The community was also responsible for executing those guilty of blasphemy or idolatry. Leviticus 24:14 commands, "Take the blasphemer outside the camp. All those who heard him are to lay their hands on his head, and the entire congregation is to stone him."

3. Adultery: In cases of adultery, both parties involved were subject to death by stoning, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:24: "you shall take both of them to the gate of that city and stone them to death—the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he has violated his neighbor’s wife. You must purge the evil from among you."

Role of the Congregation in Judgment

The congregation played a significant role in the judicial process, often serving as the body that confirmed and executed judgments. In Numbers 15:35-36, when a man was found gathering sticks on the Sabbath, the LORD commanded Moses, "The man must surely be put to death. The whole congregation is to stone him outside the camp." The people acted in obedience to God's command, highlighting their role in maintaining the sanctity of the law.

Community Discipline and Restoration

While severe punishments were sometimes necessary, the community also played a role in discipline and restoration. In the New Testament, the principle of communal correction is evident in Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus instructs believers on how to address sin within the church. The process involves private correction, followed by bringing the matter before witnesses, and finally, if necessary, before the church. This reflects a continuity of the communal responsibility to uphold righteousness and restore the sinner.

Conclusion

The practice of punishments inflicted by the people underscores the communal nature of justice in biblical times. It reflects a society deeply committed to upholding divine law and maintaining purity within the community. Through these actions, the people of Israel demonstrated their collective responsibility to enforce God's commandments and preserve the holiness of their nation.Numbers 15:35,36
And the LORD said to Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 13:9
But you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ii.htm

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/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether gluttony is the greatest.htm

Catholic Missions
... Punishments of the most awful kind were inflicted on those who would not abjure
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/.../chapter v catholic missions.htm

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/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether schism is a graver.htm

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