Deuteronomy 13: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 13 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among the Israelites and performs a sign or wonder, they must not follow him if he leads them to worship other gods (vv. 1-2). This false prophet is a test from Yahweh to discern true devotion (v.

Key verse

“That prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he has spoken rebellion against Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to draw you aside out of the way which Yahweh your God commanded you to walk in. So you shall remove the evil from among you.”
Deuteronomy 13:5 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 13:1–5 Warning Against False Prophets
Deuteronomy 13:6–10 Consequences for Family Betrayal
Deuteronomy 13:11 Purpose of Public Punishment
Deuteronomy 13:12–15 Addressing City-wide Idolatry
Deuteronomy 13:16–18 Destruction of Idolatrous Cities

Discussion questions

In v3, what does Yahweh your God test you on when a prophet arises?
What word describes the type of prophet or dreamer in vv. 1-2?
The command regarding a 'brother' in v6: how does this relationship affect the response to idolatry?
In v15, why is the action against the city described as 'utterly' destroying it?
When have you felt the pressure to follow someone who promotes 'other gods'?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 13: 1 Samuel 7, Deuteronomy 17, Matthew 7.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 14.