² For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished.

⁵³ You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.”

¹⁹ Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people.

⁵ So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus^[a] first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful.

²⁸ For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

²⁶ ‘Cursed is anyone who does not affirm and obey the terms of these instructions.’

And all the people will reply, ‘Amen.’

²⁶ He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.

³⁵ So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!

¹² Anyone arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge or of the priest who represents the Lord your God must die. In this way you will purge the evil from Israel.

⁵ then the man or woman who has committed such an evil act must be taken to the gates of the town and stoned to death.