Deuteronomy 17:2-7 – The importance of integrity

In Deuteronomy 16:18-20, we learned that God’s instruction was for appointed judges to be fair. They were told not to distort justice. They must be impartial and must not take bribes. And in dealing with the waywardness of His people, God’s primary concern was their tendency to emulate the pagans. Knowing the potential for His people to be easily influenced, He forbade them from copying the pagans. They were disallowed to build shrines at the place where they would worship God. Then in Deuteronomy 17:1, they were told to only offer God unblemished worship. Here in Deuteronomy 17:2-7, God continued in His instructions to the appointed judges on how to deal with people who had violated the commandments to be faithful to Him by loving, honoring, and serving Him only.

As God’s covenant people, to deflect to worship other gods or the sun, moon or stars would be gross misconduct. To do so would transgress the covenant and commit a grievous evil in the sight of God. It would constitute spiritual treason against God, the highest authority. Death would be the only appropriate punishment for one caught in such an evil act. However, before a person who had been accused of such an act was sentenced to death, the appointed judge must ascertain that the evil had indeed been committed. Any accusation of such an act must be thoroughly investigated. And the execution should only be carried out when this “spiritual treason” was confirmed by two or three witnesses. No one must be put to death on the evidence of only one witness.  To further ensure that the crime had indeed been committed, the informant would be the one to cast the first stone after the crime had been ascertained.  

Two reasons why such sin had to be dealt with so seriously. Firstly, it was an assault on God. Such an act would constitute a violation of one’s covenant with God. It would destroy the call to purity and faithfulness of worship. Idolatry would destroy the witness of the community. Secondly, it would be a corrupting influence on the moral fabric of the whole community. The moral sensibility of the community would be diminished by such an act.

What principle can we glean from these verses? God views relationships with Him seriously. Any act of unfaithfulness to God should not be tolerated. It must be dealt with so that the fellowship would not be negatively influenced. When dealing with an issue, hearsay is not enough. A thorough investigation must be carried out. A person should only be confirmed guilty at the substantiations of two or three witnesses. Only when the offense can be proven beyond doubt that the accused will be punished. Reliability is important to God. Hence, we must be people of integrity because we are the people of a faithful God.