Why Are People Put To Death So Often In The Old Testament?

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Main Question for today...

Why are people put to death so often in the Old Testament?

 

This conversation is not meant to answer the debate on the death penalty today. This conversation is strictly within the context of Torah observance and the ancient Israelite world. 

 

Intro questions

Why do you think the Bible sentences people to death when they break Torah?

Why not offer up some other form of punishment?

What kinds of punishments could be an alternative to death during the ancient times?

 

 

Consider this...

Check out these passages of Scripture and read through each of them to get an understanding of how Torah understands the importance of following God's laws.

Deut. 4:1-9

Deut. 6:20-25

Deut. 28:1-6

Deut. 30:11-16

 

Based upon these passages, is God asking the people of Israel to do some impossible task? Or is God providing a way of living that is better off than all of the other nations around them? Why?

 

According to these passages, why does God command Israel to listen to and obey the commands He has given them? 

 

What are some of the negative side effects of Israel acted in the same way as all of the other nations around them?

How would that impact their witness as being a "light to the nations?"

 

 

Read Deut. 17:2-7 and Deut. 13:12-18

What kinds of safeguards do you notice that prevents corruption? 

Why is it important that safeguards exist within the context of disobedience to the law and punishments?

 

 

So why kill? Why put people to death?

Think about it this way... What were the alternatives to putting people to death in the ancient world?

Answers may include:

- Fines and Fees

- Prison

- Torture/shame/public marking

- Community Service/slavery

- Rehabilitation

- Exile

 

Think of all of the ways these punishments can be manipulated by those with wealth, power, and status.

Think about ways these may be disproportionately harmful to those who are poor or on the fringes or lower end of society?

How does putting people to death level the playing field when it comes to avoiding punishment for corruption within the context of Israel's witness to the nations?

 

Take Away

How does this change your perspective on why people were put to death in the Bible for breaking Torah

Given the safeguards given in the texts above, is this still to unreasonable to receive the punishment that is clearly set out in the law?

How will you go forward with this new understanding?