Deuteronomy 21:22

"All the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall remove the evil from among you. All Israel shall hear, and fear."

Key Reflection

This passage underscores the communal responsibility in maintaining justice and purity within the Israelite community. By stoning the wicked to death, the people are not just executing judgment but also purifying the community from evil influences, sending a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated, instilling fear of divine retribution among all.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

There were four methods of execution in use among the ancient Jews; stoning (Exodus 17:4;Deuteronomy 13:10, etc.), burningLeviticus 20:14;Leviticus 21:9, the swordExodus 32:27, and strangulation. The latter, though not named in Scripture, is regarded by the rabbis as the most common, and the proper one to be adopted when no other is expressly enjoined by the Law. Suspension, whether from cross, stake, or gallows, was not used as a mode of taking life, but was sometimes added after death as an enhancement of punishment.

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