Deuteronomy 12
DOYLYDeuteronomy 12:30
- — enquire not after their gods.] The pretensions of the heathen deities being mutually acknowledged by their distinct and proper followers; and some, by the fortunate circumstances of these followers, being risen into superiour fame; the rites used in their worship were eagerly sought for and imitated. It was likewise a general principle, that the local god was to have a necessary share in the worship of all who settled in the country; and those, who were loth to leave their paternal gods when they sought new settlements, at least held themselves obliged to worship those gods with the rites, and according to the usages, of the country they came to inhabit. Against this more qualified principle of paganism Moses thinks fit to caution his people in this and the subsequent verses. Bp. Warburton.
Deuteronomy 12:31
- Thos shalt not do so &c.] It appears extremely probable, that idolatry in those times led, in all countries, to the vices, of which the Canaanites were guilty: and also that the detestation, threats, and severities, expressed against idolatry in the Old Testament, were not against idolatry simply, or considered as an erroneous religion, but against the abominable crimes which usually accompanied it. I think it quite certain that the case was so in the nations of Canaan. Archdeacon Paley.
— for even their sons &c.] This is the great instance of their abominable wickedness. See Lev. xviii. 21; xx. 2. This was notoriously practised by the Carthaginians, who certainly derived it from the Phoenicians, the ancient inhabitants of this country. Plato says, “The Atheistans have did not permit them to sacrifice men, but among the Carthaginians, it was an holy rite; so that some of them permitted them, so as to be offered to Saturn.” This wicked custom at first overspread all nations, even the Greek themselves. Bp. Patrick.
When men were exalted into gods, every the basest passion and the fondest vice found and example to justify, and a patron to protect it. Gods, whose characters and actions had been impure, revengeful, and cruel, were honoured by adopting, as parts of their worship, impurity, cruelty, and bloodshed. Demons, who were wor-
have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.
Deuteronomy 12:32
- What thing soever I command you, observe &c.] Keep close to the worship and ordinances of the true God. Let no heathenish ceremonies be added to, or mixed with, His service: nor any of their impure rites creep into your worship, by the omission of any thing prescribed to you. Pyle.
By this injunction, there is no doubt but Moses and all Israel were religiously confined to do those things, to which it is annexed: they were not at liberty to vary a little in matter or form from the scheme and plan, which was laid before them. But the passage may be considered likewise as supplying a general and sacred rule to us all, that we receive the word of God as it is, and interpret it according to its genuine sense and meaning, and study to maintain the truth and integrity of it; that it may be to us, as it is designed to be, an everlasting fountain of holiness and purity of living. In this respect the Law of God is perfect: and men must not presume to impair its perfection, by adding to it, or diminishing from it. Reading.
Chap. XIII. ver. 3. — the Lord your God proveth you.] He suffereth the false prophet to give a sign, and by the event to confirm his impious doctrine, to try
Enticers to idolatry to be stoned to death. Before CHRIST 1451. a Chap. 10. 20. spoken recels against the LORD.