Deuteronomy 12:29-31

29 "When 1the LORD your God cuts off before * you the nations which you are going in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land,
30 beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before * you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?'
31 "2You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for 3they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

Deuteronomy 12:29-31 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 12

In this chapter orders are given to destroy all altars, pillars, groves, and images, made for the worship of idols in the land of Canaan, De 12:1-3 and to bring all sacrifices and holy things unto the place which the Lord should choose for his habitation, and not do as they then did, not being come to their rest, De 12:4-14, flesh for their common food might be killed and eaten in their own houses, provided they did not eat the blood, but poured it out upon the earth, De 12:15-25, tithes, vows, and freewill offerings, were to be eaten in the holy place, De 12:17-19 and burnt offerings to be offered on the altar of the Lord and the blood of them to be poured out upon the altar, De 12:26-28, all which they were carefully to observe, De 12:29, and they are cautioned against idolatry, and inquiring after the manner of it, as practised by the old inhabitants of the land, and introducing their customs into the service of God, De 12:30-32.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Joshua 23:4
  • 2. Deuteronomy 9:5
  • 3. Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 18:10; Psalms 106:37; Jeremiah 32:35

Footnotes 1

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