Table of Contents
The Mosaic Law, as presented in the first five books of the Old Testament, includes various regulations that governed the life of the ancient Israelites. One of the more controversial aspects of these laws is the provision for the stoning of a rebellious son. This specific regulation is found in Deuteronomy 21:18-21 (NKJV):
“If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and who, when they have chastened him, will not heed them, then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, to the gate of his city. And they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear.”
Context and Purpose of the Law – Stoning a Rebellious Son
To understand why such a severe punishment was prescribed, it is essential to consider the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel:
- Preservation of Community Order: In ancient Israel, the family unit was the foundational building block of society. The stability of the community depended heavily on the integrity and authority of the family. Rebellion against parental authority was seen as a threat to social order and cohesion. By allowing severe punishment for a persistently rebellious son, the Law aimed to deter such behavior and maintain societal stability.
- Respect for Authority: The Mosaic Law emphasizes respect for authority, particularly parental authority, which is seen as a reflection of respect for God. This is evident in the commandment to honor one’s father and mother (Exodus 20:12, NKJV): “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Disobedience and rebellion against parents were thus viewed not only as social offenses but as offenses against God’s order.
- Deterrence of Wickedness: The Law sought to “put away the evil” from among the people (Deuteronomy 21:21). The public nature of the punishment served as a strong deterrent against rebellion and wickedness. The goal was to instill a sense of fear and respect for the law, thereby preventing similar behaviors.
The Severity of Rebellion
This passage of stoning is speaking of a rebellious son that has no more redeeming qualities left in him. His parents have exhausted every possible method to help him reform but he is “stubborn,” “rebellious,” “resentful,” and “disobedient.” In addition to all that, the text describes the son deserving of stoning to be a glutton which means, “wastrel,” “riotous eater.” This word implies the idea of being unreasonably lavish, of squandering one’s health and wealth.
Although the parents were allowed to discipline their son (Proverbs 19:18), they were not allowed to carry out of the death penalty of stoning. To protect the son from any misjudgment or mistreatment, the Lord instructed that the carrying out of such a severe penalty was not left to the father’s judgment; but it was the solemn responsibility of the elders of the city after a hearing and trial.
God is love (1 John 4:8), but He is also just (Isaiah 61:8). God loves us very much to the point of sacrificing Himself to save us, but He also cares about keeping us pure to obtain eternal salvation. Disobeying parents is a very serious crime, it is breaking the fifth commandment of the Ten Commandments written by God’s own finger (Exodus 20:12).
The strict punishment for sin during the time of Moses helped discourage people from adopting the impure practices of their pagan neighbors, which would have led them to ruin. When cancer plagues the body, the affected area has to be cut off otherwise the sickness will spread and destroy the whole body.
The Legal Process
The process prescribed for dealing with a rebellious son also highlights the seriousness and careful consideration involved:
- Parental Responsibility: The responsibility lies with both the father and the mother to bring the case before the elders, indicating the importance of a united parental front and the necessity of communal involvement in severe cases.
- Community Involvement: The matter is brought before the elders at the city gate, the place of legal and judicial proceedings. This ensures that the decision is not made in isolation but involves the community’s leaders, providing a level of accountability and oversight.
- Public Declaration: The public nature of the accusation and punishment serves not only as a deterrent but also as a means of communal purification, removing the corrupting influence from among the people.
Theological Implications
Theologically, the severity of the punishment can be understood within the broader framework of the Old Testament’s view of sin and holiness:
- Holiness of the Community: Israel was called to be a holy nation, set apart for God (Leviticus 19:2, NKJV): “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.'” Tolerating persistent rebellion and wickedness would undermine the community’s holiness and its relationship with God.
- Reflection of Divine Justice: The Mosaic Law reflects the justice and holiness of God. Severe penalties for severe offenses underscore the seriousness with which God views sin and rebellion. This principle is evident throughout the Law, where various offenses, particularly those threatening communal integrity and holiness, are met with stringent punishments.
- Foreshadowing New Testament Fulfillment: The strictness of the Old Testament Law also serves to highlight humanity’s need for divine power to overcome sin. While the Law reveals the severity of sin and the high standards of God’s holiness, it also points to the ultimate solution in Christ, who empowers His children to live godly lives (Philippians 4:13).
New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, the approach to discipline and community purity takes on a different form for Israel was no longer under God’s direct rule. Civil laws were carried out by the governments. While the Old Testament Law prescribed severe penalties to maintain order and holiness, the New Testament focuses on character transformation through God’s power and grace:
- Parental Discipline: The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of parental authority and discipline (Ephesians 6:4, NKJV): “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
- Church Discipline: The New Testament church is instructed to practice discipline within the community (Matthew 18:15-17, NKJV). Paul also addresses the need for church discipline to maintain purity and order (1 Corinthians 5:1-5, NKJV).
- Jesus’ Teachings: Jesus emphasized transformation of the heart (John 8:3-11, NKJV). This shift highlights the New Covenant’s focus on God’s promise to write the law in the hearts of His people (Hebrews 10:16).
Conclusion
The allowance for the stoning of a rebellious son in the Mosaic Law must be understood within the historical, cultural, and theological context of ancient Israel. This law served to preserve community order, uphold respect for authority, and deter wickedness, reflecting the severity with which God views sin and rebellion. The legal process ensured communal accountability and highlighted the seriousness of persistent rebellion.
In the broader biblical narrative, these stringent laws underscore humanity’s need for redemption and character change offered through Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Law reveals the high standards of God’s holiness and justice, the New Testament reveals God’s power to change the evil heart. Thus, the seemingly harsh measures of the Old Testament point forward to the ultimate solution of sin – a new transformed life – through Christ.
Check out the Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team