Deuteronomy 12

1 in the land. Some of these precepts are connected with the conquest of the land, and the extirpation of all relics of former superstition; others are adaptations of previous laws to the state of the people when settled in Canaan.

2 all the places, etc. The absence of all reference in the subsequent history to idolatrous temples, down to the time of Samson, or perhaps of Eli, leads to the inference that in Canaan, and possibly in Egypt, there had been no building of any kind erected as the supposed dwelling-place of God. The idolatry of Canaan was originally that “nature-worship” which at a very early period superseded the service of the God of nature.

3 groves. Heb., “Asherim” (R.V.). See note ch. vii. 5.—the names. These names were associated with heathen customs, and might, therefore, tend to lead the people to idolatry.

5 the place, etc. When the people were settled in Canaan, the tabernacle appears to have been erected first at Shiloh, and afterwards at Gibeon; but the ark was ultimately fixed at Jerusalem. The observance of this law would prevent the introduction of corrupt customs into their worship, and preserve the union of the tribes.

8 the things that we do here. Many of the prescribed regulations of worship were not observed in the wilderness.

13. Take heed, etc. See note on Lev. xvii. 3.

15 of the roebuck. “The gazelle” (R.V.). These animals, tame and wild, were allowed for eating, but not for sacrifice.

17 the tithe. This seems to refer to the (so-called) second tithe, of which the offerer partook as a sacrificial meal, or to some voluntary offering in fulfilment of a vow, beside what was required for the Levites.

31 they have burnt. See note on Lev. xviii. 21.