The penalty for a false witness was that the accuser would receive the punishment intended for the accused. This strict measure upheld justice, deterred deceit, and protected the innocent from malicious prosecution. False testimony was not treated lightly because it had the power to destroy lives and pervert justice.
“If a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing… then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you.” (Deuteronomy 19:16, 19)
God’s justice required not only punishing the guilty but also safeguarding the innocent. False witnesses were a direct threat to justice and were considered evil. This law maintained the integrity of the judicial system by making the consequences of lying severe.
“And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you.” (Deuteronomy 19:20)
The goal was not only retribution but also deterrence. By ensuring that liars received what they intended for others, it instilled a fear of God and respect for truth among the people.
This law reflected God’s nature as a God of truth, who hates lying lips and demands honest judgment.
