Idolaters were to be stoned on the testimony of two or three witnesses because idolatry was a capital offense in Israel, and the community was commanded to uphold God’s holiness with absolute justice. However, to prevent false accusations and personal vengeance, the law required multiple reliable witnesses before such a severe punishment could be carried out.
“Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness.” (Deuteronomy 17:6)
The requirement of two or three witnesses ensured due process. It protected individuals from being condemned by slander or rumor. God’s justice was never reckless or impulsive. The seriousness of the crime demanded accuracy, and the process was to be deliberate and lawful.
“The hands of the witnesses shall be the first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people.” (Deuteronomy 17:7)
Having the witnesses cast the first stones reinforced the gravity of their testimony. It also served as a deterrent… false witnesses risked their own judgment. The public nature of the execution served to purge evil from the community and reaffirm the nation’s covenant loyalty to God.
