Reward for Obedience

26 “‘Do not make idols^(A) or set up an image^(B) or a sacred stone^(C) for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone^(D) in your land to bow down before it. I am the Lord your God.

²³ Do not make any gods to be alongside me;^(A) do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.^(B)

¹⁷ “Do not make any idols.^(A)

² If a man or woman living among you in one of the towns the Lord gives you is found doing evil in the eyes of the Lord your God in violation of his covenant,^{(A) 3} and contrary to my command^(B) has worshiped other gods,^(C) bowing down to them or to the sun^(D) or the moon or the stars in the sky,^{(E) 4} and this has been brought to your attention, then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true^(F) and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,^{(G) 5} take the man or woman who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death.^{(H) 6} On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.^{(I) 7} The hands of the witnesses must be the first in putting that person to death,^(J) and then the hands of all the people.^(K) You must purge the evil^(L) from among you.