But you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.
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George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Presently put him to death. Not by killing him by private authority, but by informing the magistrate, and proceeding by order of justice. (Challoner) (Worthington)
Philo seems to assert the contrary. But he perhaps speaks of those who publicly endeavoured to lead the people astray. Presently is not in Hebrew. Other criminals were allowed twenty-four hours after condemnation. No delay was granted to false prophets. No excuse was admitted. If he had even been once acquitted, he might be examined again.
Thy hand. The accuser or witness first threw a stone, after the wretch had been conducted out of the city, chap. xvii. 4., and Acts vii. 58.
Do you see then that this was not said about penitents but about those who not only themselves persevere in wickedness but also do not cease to put obstacles in our way? It is these very ones, however dear they may be, that must be relinquished. However useful they seem, they must be abandoned.
