14. If you hear such a rumour, investigate it thoroughly; and if it is true that this evil thing did happen,
15. then kill all the people in that town and all their livestock too. Destroy that town completely.
16. Bring together all the possessions of the people who live there and pile them up in the town square. Then burn the town and everything in it as an offering to the Lord your God. It must be left in ruins for ever and never again be rebuilt.
17. Do not keep for yourselves anything that was condemned to destruction, and then the Lord will turn from his fierce anger and show you mercy. He will be merciful to you and make you a numerous people, as he promised your ancestors,
18. if you obey all his commands that I have given you today, and do what he requires.