Definition: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 13:9. It's a pretty serious verse that deals with how we should handle someone who is considered a threat or enemy. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.” Let's unpack it: “But thou shalt surely kill him…” : This is a direct command – you are required to kill this person. It’s not up for debate. “…thy hand shall be first upon him to put him to death…” : This means you must act before you take action to execute the death sentence. You have to be the one to initiate the killing process. “and afterwards the hand of all the people.” : This is a crucial part. After you’ve taken the initial step, you must also let everyone else – your community, your nation, even the entire world – take over the responsibility of carrying out the death sentence. It means the rest of us must follow your lead in enacting justice. What it's about: This verse is a part of the Old Testament Law, specifically concerning the Israelites’ relationship with their enemies. It’s rooted in a time when the Israelites were surrounded by foreign nations and needed to establish clear rules for dealing with those who threatened them. It emphasizes responsibility: It highlights that you are accountable for your actions and that you must take decisive action. It speaks of justice and righteousness: The verse underscores the idea that justice isn't just about punishing a single person, but about ensuring fairness and upholding God’s will through a process involving everyone involved. Important Note: This verse is often misinterpreted. It doesn’t mean everyone should kill someone. It means that you , as the leader, have the authority to take action to protect the people and ensure justice is served. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain its context within the Old Testament? Discuss why it’s considered a challenging verse? Talk about how it relates to concepts like takhum (the law of the land)?