Deuteronomy 17: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 17 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Sacrifices to Yahweh must be without defect, as anything evil is an abomination to Him (v. 1). If a man or woman commits evil by serving other gods, they must be stoned to death after diligent inquiry and the testimony of two or three witnesses (vv.

Key verse

“At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death. At the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.”
Deuteronomy 17:6 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 17:1 Requirements for Sacrifice
Deuteronomy 17:2–7 Dealing with Idolatry
Deuteronomy 17:8–11 Judicial Authority
Deuteronomy 17:12–13 Consequences of Disobedience
Deuteronomy 17:14–20 Establishing a King

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the text say is an 'abomination' to Yahweh?
What does it mean in v5 to 'bring out that man or that woman'?
In vv. 14-15, what does it suggest about Israel's desire for a king?
In v19, why is it important for the king to read from the law all his life?
When have you felt pressured to conform to the ways of those around you, as in v14?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 17: Joshua 1, Deuteronomy 19, Deuteronomy 13.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 18.