136. False Witnesses, Passing Travelers

Avodas Kochavim 4:8

If the witnesses who testified that a city had turned to idolatry were later found to be lying, then whoever took property from the city has acquired it and may benefit from it. This is because the judgment that prohibited the property has been nullified. The new owners acquire the property because the residents of the city gave up possession when judgment was rendered.

A condemned city may never be rebuilt. If one rebuilds it, he is liable to the penalty of lashes as per Deuteronomy 13:17, “never to be rebuilt.” This only prohibits rebuilding it as a city; it may be used for gardens and orchards.

Avodas Kochavim 4:9

If a traveling caravan passes through city that is being led astray and they are led astray along with the city’s inhabitants, then if they remain in the city for 30 days, they are executed by decapitation and their property is condemned. If they were there for a shorter period of time, they are executed by stoning and their property is turned over to their heirs.