Deuteronomy 12

Chap. XII. Ver. 1—32. Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed, &c.—Among these monuments of idolatry no mention is made of temples: and it is probable that the tabernacle in the wilderness was the first building ever formed, as a habitation for the Deity; and that a misunderstanding of its meaning and intention gave rise to the considerable temples in after ages. Before this, men seem to have worshipped in high or in shady places, as favourable to contemplation, or as supposed to be peculiarly sacred to the Deity, which custom was in many countries retained long afterwards. But the Israelites were strictly enjoined to destroy every thing which could keep up the memory, that such and such places had been sacred to any particular idol; and even, as far as possible, to erase from the memory of man the very names of their false gods; that the idolatry itself might sink into oblivion, through all the land of their inheritance.

And especially, they must by no means imitate the Canaanites, by offering sacrifices in such places as they chose for themselves, however suitable they might think them for that purpose. The people had before been directed to bring all their sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle. But at this time the general command was particularly explained, with reference to the promised land; and was expatiated on in a manner which evinced that it was of great importance. Idolatry and superstition would be prevented, and the true Object and prescribed method of worship adhered to, when all the sacrifices were offered at the same place, by the priests appointed for that purpose. Brotherly love and harmony in religion would be promoted, by the people thus constantly meeting together from every part of the land, and joining in sacred ordinances.

And the temple, sacrifices, priests, and especially the ark of the covenant, were typical of Christ, through whom alone God can be acceptably worshipped by sinners. Where the ark, in the most holy place of the sanctuary, was stationed by divine appointment; there the Lord “put his name” as the one living and true God, the God of Israel, “a just God and a Saviour.” There he made known his glorious perfections; and there only in ordinary cases, would he accept the sacrifices of his people; that they might feast before him with holy joy, as peculiarly in all things favoured and blessed by him. Yet prayer and praise might be offered anywhere, with reference to the sacrifices at the altar, and the sprinkling of the blood before the ark.—The place was not at this time appointed; for that was to be done after the people had got possession of the land.

Accordingly, Shiloh was long the appointed place; and after some changes, Jerusalem was chosen for the purpose, and continued to enjoy that distinction till the crucifixion of Christ.— Scott.

Notes on the verses

Chap. XII. Ver. 2. Ye shall utterly destroy.—See (Numbers 33:52). (Deuteronomy 7:1-5). High mountains.—(These were the places where the ancient heathen chose to worship their gods. Lucian says that they worshipped in mountains, because they were then nearer the gods, and so could be more easily heard:—Pliny says, that groves “were the temples of the gods; and even now the simple people, after the ancient rites, dedicate to God such trees as excel the rest. Nor do we more adore the images glittering with gold and ivory, than we do the groves and their solemn silence.”)*—Bagster. Ver. 6. Thither shall ye bring your offerings.—That is, to Jerusalem. (Psalms 78:68-69). Compare (Leviticus 17:4-5).

note, and ver. 11 and 14 of this chapter. Ver. 13. Take heed.—This was directly opposed to the customs of the heathen idolaters, in offering their sacrifices on the tops of hills and mountains, to which we before alluded, (on ver. 2.) Sophocles introduces Hercules asking Hyllus whether he knew Mount Cithaeron, which was sacred to Jupiter? “Yes,” says he, “For I have often sacrificed on its top.” Strabo says of the Persians, “neither statues nor altars are erected, but their princes sacrifice on a high place to celestial Jupiter.” So Appian says, that Mithridates sacrificed to Jupiter, according to the custom of his country, upon a high mountain.—B