The death penalty was applied to false prophets because they led people away from the Lord, which was a direct assault on the covenant and a threat to the spiritual life of the entire nation. In Israel, false prophecy was not merely a personal error; it was a crime of sedition against God’s authority and an act of spiritual treason.
“But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the Lord your God… to entice you from the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk.” (Deuteronomy 13:5)
Even if the false prophet performed signs or wonders, if his message contradicted God’s Word or urged the worship of other gods, he was to be rejected and executed. Signs were not the ultimate test of truth. Faithfulness to God’s commands was the standard.
“You shall not listen to the words of that prophet… for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 13:3)
The severe penalty protected the community from corruption and maintained the purity of doctrine. Allowing false prophets to operate would spread deception, provoke God’s wrath, and destroy the people spiritually. God’s law demanded swift and firm action to guard His truth.
