For the Sake of Community

If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him . . . Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid. Deuteronomy 21:18, 21

I thought this chapter was about protecting those who were hurting or helpless. Now the village elders are called to kill those sons who dishonor their parents in disobedience. Perhaps this is to protect people. God says they are to “purge the evil.” The danger of disrespect and disobedience is so great to the society that God made such crime a capital offense. One can look at the world today and realize God knows what he is talking about. Give yourself to living an honorable life.