Pagan gods 12:29-31 - Expository Notes on the Bible (Constable)

Resource > Expository Notes on the Bible (Constable) > Deuteronomy > Exposition > IV. MOSES' SECOND MAJOR ADDRESS: AN EXPOSITION OF THE LAW chs. 5--26 > B. An exposition of selected covenant laws 12-25 > 1. Laws arising from the first commandment 12:1-31 > Pagan gods 12:29-31

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The Israelites were not to investigate the pagan religious practices of the Canaanites with a view to worshipping their gods or following their example in the worship of Yahweh (v. 30; cf. Rom. 16:19; Eph. 5:12). Moses developed this idea further in the next chapter. This pericope is transitional moving from the worship of Yahweh (ch. 12) to the worship of idols (ch. 13). Chapter 12 opens and closes with warnings against pagan religion.

How does God want His people to worship Him? His people should worship Him exclusively and only as He has instructed us (cf. John 4:20-23).