SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEATH PENALTY IN ISRAEL

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEATH PENALTY IN ISRAEL

Ancient Israel was to reflect the character of YHWH to the world (cf. Gen. 12:3; 22:18; Exod. 19:5-6). When
intentional covenant rebellion distorted this missionary purpose, serious consequences manifested (i.e., death penalty).

The Pentateuch lists several categories:

sins against YHWH
1. Canaanite worship practices – Exod. 22:18; Lev. 20:2-3,27; Deut. 18:10-11
2. idolatry (heavenly hosts) – Exod. 22:20; Deut. 17:2-7
3. blasphemy – Exod. 22:28; Lev. 24:15-16
4. false prophecy – Deut. 13:1-11; 18:20-22
5. Sabbath violations – Exod. 31:14-15; 35:2
sexual sins
1. incest – Lev. 20:11-21
2. fornication – Lev. 19:29; 21:9; Deut. 22:13-21; 23:17-18
3. adultery – Exod. 20:14; Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:23-24
4. sodomy – Lev. 18:22; 20:13
5. bestiality – Exod. 22:19; Lev. 20:15-16
violation of covenant regulations against fellow Israelites
1. murder – Exod. 20:13; 21:12-14; Lev. 24:17; Num. 35:16-21; Deut. 5:17
2. kidnaping (to sell) – Exod. 21:16; Deut. 24:7 and possibly Exod. 20:15; Deut. 5:19
3. rebellion against parents – Deut. 21:18-21
4. false witness
5. taking holy war spoils – Joshua 7

The methods of execution also varied.

stoning – most common
burning – Gen. 38:24; Lev. 20:14; 21:9
hanging/impaling – Deut. 21:22-23
sword – Deut. 13:15

Exceptions for special cases.

cities of refuge and subsequent trial – Joshua 20
stringent investigations of accusations – Deut. 13:14; 17:4; 19:18
need for two witnesses – Num. 35:36; Deut. 17:6; 19:15

The death penalty was to be

a way to cleanse the land – Deut. 13:5; 17:12; 19:13,19; 21:9,21; 22:21,22,24; 24:7
a deterrent to others – Deut. 17:13; 19:20; 21:21
a way of stopping clan violence (i.e., no personal revenge, except regulations set for blood-avenger)

See Ancient Israel, vol. 1, pp. 147-163.