◄ Deuteronomy 12:31 ►
You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.
Study Bible
You must not worship the LORD your God in this way
This phrase emphasizes the distinctiveness of Israelite worship compared to the pagan practices of surrounding nations. The Israelites were called to worship God according to His commandments, not adopting the idolatrous customs of the Canaanites. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where God's people are set apart (Leviticus 20:26). The command underscores the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth (John 4:24), avoiding syncretism.

because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates
The term "abomination" refers to practices that are detestable to God, often associated with idolatry and immorality. The Canaanite religious practices included rituals that were morally and spiritually corrupt, such as temple prostitution and child sacrifice. These actions violated the moral law given to Israel and were contrary to God's nature, who is holy and just (Isaiah 6:3). The warning serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments (Deuteronomy 28).

They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods
This phrase highlights the extreme depravity of Canaanite worship, specifically the practice of child sacrifice, which was abhorrent to God. Archaeological evidence from sites like Carthage and Gezer supports the historical reality of such practices in the ancient Near East. The prohibition against child sacrifice is reiterated in other parts of the Bible (Leviticus 18:21, Jeremiah 7:31), emphasizing the sanctity of life. This also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself willingly, contrasting with the forced sacrifices of innocent children.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving instructions on how to live and worship in the Promised Land.

3. Canaan
The land the Israelites are entering, inhabited by nations practicing abominable religious rituals.

4. Pagan Nations
The inhabitants of Canaan who worship false gods and engage in detestable practices.

5. God (Yahweh)
The one true God, who commands His people to worship Him in a manner distinct from pagan practices.
Teaching Points
Holiness in Worship
God calls His people to worship Him in a manner that reflects His holiness and distinctiveness from the world.

Rejection of Pagan Practices
Believers must be vigilant in rejecting any practices or influences that contradict God's commands and character.

Value of Human Life
The sanctity of life is paramount in God's eyes, and His people must uphold and protect it.

Obedience to God's Commands
True worship involves obedience to God's instructions, not conforming to the practices of surrounding cultures.

Discernment in Worship
Christians are called to discern and ensure that their worship aligns with biblical principles, avoiding syncretism.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the historical context of Canaanite practices enhance our comprehension of God's command in Deuteronomy 12:31?

2. In what ways can modern Christians ensure their worship remains distinct and holy, as instructed in this passage?

3. How does the prohibition of child sacrifice in Deuteronomy 12:31 reflect God's view on the sanctity of life, and how can this be applied today?

4. What are some contemporary "abominations" that Christians might be tempted to incorporate into their worship, and how can they guard against this?

5. How do the teachings in Romans 12:1-2 complement the instructions in Deuteronomy 12:31 regarding worship and sacrifice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 18:21
This verse also condemns the practice of child sacrifice, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the holiness required in worship.

Jeremiah 7:31
Highlights the abomination of child sacrifice in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, reinforcing God's abhorrence of such practices.

Romans 12:1-2
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, contrasting with the abominable sacrifices of the pagans.
Sermons
The Subtle Ensnarements of IdolatryD. Davies Deuteronomy 12:29-32
Unworthy InquiriesJ. Orr Deuteronomy 12:29-32
People
Levites, Moses
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Jordan River
Topics
Abominable, Abomination, Act, Behave, Burn, Burned, Burning, Burnt, Daughters, Detestable, Disgusting, Fire, Gods, Hated, Hates, Hateth, Hating, Honour, Kinds, Sacrifices, Sons, Thus, Worshiping
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 12:31

     5061   sanctity of life
     5875   hatred
     6103   abomination
     7332   child sacrifice
     7435   sacrifice, in OT

Deuteronomy 12:29-31

     8764   forgetting God

Deuteronomy 12:30-31

     8799   polytheism

Library
The Eating of the Peace-Offering
'But thou must eat them before the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.'--DEUT. xii. 18. There were three bloody sacrifices, the sin-offering, the burnt- offering, and the peace-offering. In all three expiation was the first idea, but in the second of them the act …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Exposition of the Moral Law.
1. The Law was committed to writing, in order that it might teach more fully and perfectly that knowledge, both of God and of ourselves, which the law of nature teaches meagrely and obscurely. Proof of this, from an enumeration of the principal parts of the Moral Law; and also from the dictate of natural law, written on the hearts of all, and, in a manner, effaced by sin. 2. Certain general maxims. 1. From the knowledge of God, furnished by the Law, we learn that God is our Father and Ruler. Righteousness …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The King --Continued.
The second event recorded as important in the bright early years is the great promise of the perpetuity of the kingdom in David's house. As soon as the king was firmly established and free from war, he remembered the ancient word which said, "When He giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety, then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there" (Deut. xii. 10, 11). His own ease rebukes him; he regards his tranquillity …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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