⁵ So Moses said to Israel’s judges, “Each of you must put to death^(A) those of your people who have yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor.”^(B)

⁴⁰ Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley^(A) and slaughtered^(B) there.

²¹ But select capable men^(A) from all the people—men who fear^(B) God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain^(C)—and appoint them as officials^(D) over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.

³ and contrary to my command^(A) has worshiped other gods,^(B) bowing down to them or to the sun^(C) or the moon or the stars in the sky,^{(D) 4} and this has been brought to your attention, then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true^(E) and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,^{(F) 5} take the man or woman who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death.^(G)

¹⁵ you must certainly put to the sword all who live in that town. You must destroy it completely,^[a](A) both its people and its livestock.^(B)

¹³ that troublemakers^(A) have arisen among you and have led the people of their town astray, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods you have not known),

⁹ You must certainly put them to death.^(A) Your hand^(B) must be the first in putting them to death, and then the hands of all the people.

⁶ If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices^(A) you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods”^(B) (gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known,

²⁷ Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.’”^{(A) 28} The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died.