Deuteronomy 12
BSB1 These are the statutes and ordinances you must be careful to follow all the days you live in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess. 2 Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. 3 Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place. 4 You shall not worship the LORD your God in this way. 5 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. 6 To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 7 There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. 8 You are not to do as we are doing here today, where everyone does what seems right in his own eyes. 9 For you have not yet come to the resting place and the inheritance that the LORD your God is giving you. 10 When you cross the Jordan and live in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and He gives you rest from all the enemies around you and you dwell securely, 11 then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name. And there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice offerings you vow to the LORD. 12 And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you. 13 Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see; 14 you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you. 15 But whenever you want, you may slaughter and eat meat within any of your gates, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you. Both the ceremonially clean and unclean may eat it as they would a gazelle or deer, 16 but you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water. 17 Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. 18 Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do, 19 and be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land. 20 When the LORD your God expands your territory as He has promised, and you crave meat and say, “I want to eat meat,” you may eat it whenever you want. 21 If the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His Name is too far from you, then you may slaughter any of the herd or flock He has given you, as I have commanded you, and you may eat it within your gates whenever you want. 22 Indeed, you may eat it as you would eat a gazelle or deer; both the ceremonially unclean and the clean may eat it. 23 Only be sure not to eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the meat. 24 You must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water. 25 Do not eat it, so that it may go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD. 26 But you are to take your holy things and your vow offerings and go to the place the LORD will choose. 27 Present the meat and blood of your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God. The blood of your other sacrifices must be poured out beside the altar of the LORD your God, but you may eat the meat. 28 Be careful to obey all these things I command you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the LORD your God. 29 When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations you are entering to dispossess, and you drive them out and live in their land, 30 be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise." 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. 32 See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 12
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Deuteronomy 12
- Themes from Deuteronomy 12
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 12
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Deuteronomy 12 begins by commanding the Israelites to destroy all the places where the nations they are displacing worship their gods, and to tear down their altars and pillars (Deuteronomy 12:2-3). The Israelites are then instructed to seek out the place where God will choose to establish His name, and to bring their sacrifices and offerings to that place (Deuteronomy 12:5-7). The chapter also warns against sacrificing to God in any way that is not prescribed in the law, and emphasizes the importance of worshiping God with rejoicing and gladness (Deuteronomy 12:12, 18). The Israelites are also commanded not to eat blood, but to pour it out on the ground (Deuteronomy 12:16, 23-25). The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of obeying God's commands and not adding to or subtracting from them (Deuteronomy 12:32).
Context for the Chapter
Deuteronomy 12 is part of the second speech of Moses in the book of Deuteronomy, in which he reviews the law and prepares the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. This chapter fits into the larger narrative of the book by emphasizing the importance of worshiping God in the way He has prescribed, and warning against the dangers of idolatry. The chapter also looks forward to the establishment of the temple in Jerusalem, where God will choose to establish His name.
Heart Application
This chapter applies to our lives today by emphasizing the importance of worshiping God in the way He has prescribed. We must be careful not to add to or subtract from God's commands, but rather to obey Him with rejoicing and gladness. As we seek to worship God, we must be intentional about seeking His presence and prioritizing our relationship with Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about how the Israelites should worship God when they enter the Promised Land. They are to destroy all the places where the other nations worship their gods, and to worship God in the place He chooses. They are to be careful to follow God's instructions for worship, and not to add to or subtract from them. As we read this chapter, we can learn about the importance of worshiping God in the right way, and about the dangers of idolatry. For example, Deuteronomy 12:5 emphasizes the importance of seeking out the place where God has chosen to establish His name.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord our God is a jealous God, and He will not give His glory to another. Let us beware of idolatry in all its forms, and let us worship Him with reverence and awe.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“We must not think that we can worship God in any way that we please, but rather we must seek to worship Him in the way that He has prescribed. This is the only way that we can truly honor Him and please Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Destruction of Idolatrous Places (Deuteronomy 12:1-4) — The Israelites are commanded to destroy all the places where the nations worship their gods, and to tear down their altars and pillars.
- Seeking the Place of Worship (Deuteronomy 12:5-7) — The Israelites are instructed to seek out the place where God will choose to establish His name, and to bring their sacrifices and offerings to that place.
- Warning Against False Worship (Deuteronomy 12:8-12) — The Israelites are warned against sacrificing to God in any way that is not prescribed in the law, and are commanded to worship God with rejoicing and gladness.
- Instructions for Sacrifices and Offerings (Deuteronomy 12:13-28) — The Israelites are given instructions for bringing sacrifices and offerings to the place where God has chosen to establish His name, and are warned against eating blood.
- Conclusion and Warning (Deuteronomy 12:29-32) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of obeying God's commands and not adding to or subtracting from them.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Exclusive Worship
- This chapter teaches that God is a jealous God who demands exclusive worship, and that we must not tolerate any form of idolatry in our lives.
- The Need for Intentional Worship
- The chapter highlights the need for us to be intentional about our worship, seeking out the place where God has chosen to establish His name and prioritizing our relationship with Him.
- The Warning Against Adding to or Subtracting from God's Commands
- The chapter warns against adding to or subtracting from God's commands, emphasizing the importance of obeying God's Word and not modifying it to suit our own desires.
- The Importance of Reverent Worship
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of worshiping God with reverence and awe, and with rejoicing and gladness.
Lessons from Deuteronomy 12
- The Importance of Exclusive Worship — This chapter teaches that God is a jealous God who demands exclusive worship, and that we must not tolerate any form of idolatry in our lives.
- The Need for Intentional Worship — The chapter highlights the need for us to be intentional about our worship, seeking out the place where God has chosen to establish His name and prioritizing our relationship with Him.
- The Warning Against Adding to or Subtracting from God's Commands — The chapter warns against adding to or subtracting from God's commands, emphasizing the importance of obeying God's Word and not modifying it to suit our own desires.
- The Importance of Reverent Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worshiping God with reverence and awe, and with rejoicing and gladness.
- The Need for Obedience — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of obeying God's commands and not adding to or subtracting from them.
Themes from Deuteronomy 12
- Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the way He has prescribed, and warns against the dangers of idolatry.
- Obedience — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of obeying God's commands and not adding to or subtracting from them.
- Reverence — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worshiping God with reverence and awe, and with rejoicing and gladness.
- Intentionality — The chapter highlights the need for us to be intentional about our worship, seeking out the place where God has chosen to establish His name and prioritizing our relationship with Him.
- Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, and emphasizes the importance of destroying all remnants of idolatry from our lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that we can prioritize our worship of God and seek out the place where He has chosen to establish His name?
- How can we avoid the dangers of idolatry in our own lives, and what are some ways that we can be more intentional about our worship?
- What are some ways that we can apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives, and how can we worship God with rejoicing and gladness?
- What are some ways that we can avoid adding to or subtracting from God's commands, and how can we prioritize obeying His Word?
- How can we balance our desire for freedom and spontaneity in worship with the need for reverence and awe in our worship of God?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Destruction of Idolatrous Places (Deuteronomy 12:1-4)
| Deuteronomy 12:1 | The Israelites are commanded to destroy all the places where the nations worship their gods, and to tear down their altars and pillars. |
| Deuteronomy 12:2 | The Israelites are to destroy all the places where the nations worship their gods, and to tear down their altars and pillars. |
| Deuteronomy 12:3 | The Israelites are to destroy all the places where the nations worship their gods, and to tear down their altars and pillars. |
| Deuteronomy 12:4 | The Israelites are not to worship God in the way that the nations worship their gods. |
2. Seeking the Place of Worship (Deuteronomy 12:5-7)
| Deuteronomy 12:5 | The Israelites are instructed to seek out the place where God will choose to establish His name, and to bring their sacrifices and offerings to that place. |
| Deuteronomy 12:6 | The Israelites are to bring their sacrifices and offerings to the place where God has chosen to establish His name. |
| Deuteronomy 12:7 | The Israelites are to worship God with rejoicing and gladness, and to eat and drink before God. |
3. Warning Against False Worship (Deuteronomy 12:8-12)
| Deuteronomy 12:8 | The Israelites are warned against sacrificing to God in any way that is not prescribed in the law. |
| Deuteronomy 12:9 | The Israelites have not yet come to the place where God will choose to establish His name. |
| Deuteronomy 12:10 | The Israelites will cross the Jordan and come to the place where God will choose to establish His name. |
| Deuteronomy 12:11 | The Israelites will bring their sacrifices and offerings to the place where God has chosen to establish His name. |
| Deuteronomy 12:12 | The Israelites are to worship God with rejoicing and gladness, and to eat and drink before God. |
4. Instructions for Sacrifices and Offerings (Deuteronomy 12:13-28)
| Deuteronomy 12:13 | The Israelites are warned against sacrificing to God in any way that is not prescribed in the law. |
| Deuteronomy 12:14 | The Israelites are to sacrifice to God in the place where God has chosen to establish His name. |
| Deuteronomy 12:15 | The Israelites are permitted to slaughter and eat meat in any of their towns, but they are not to eat blood. |
| Deuteronomy 12:16 | The Israelites are not to eat blood, but are to pour it out on the ground. |
| Deuteronomy 12:17 | The Israelites are not to eat their tithe of grain, wine, or oil, or the firstborn of their herds and flocks, in their towns. |
| Deuteronomy 12:18 | The Israelites are to eat their tithe of grain, wine, or oil, and the firstborn of their herds and flocks, before God. |
| Deuteronomy 12:19 | The Israelites are to be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as they live in their land. |
| Deuteronomy 12:20 | When God enlarges their territory, they are to eat meat in any of their towns, but they are not to eat blood. |
| Deuteronomy 12:21 | If the place where God chooses to put His name is too far from them, they are to slaughter from their herds and flocks, which God has given them, as He has commanded them. |
| Deuteronomy 12:22 | The Israelites are to eat it in their towns, just like they eat gazelle or deer. |
| Deuteronomy 12:23 | The Israelites are to be sure not to eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and they are not to eat the life with the meat. |
| Deuteronomy 12:24 | The Israelites are not to eat the blood, but are to pour it out on the ground like water. |
| Deuteronomy 12:25 | The Israelites are not to eat the blood, so that it may go well with them and with their children after them, because they will be doing what is right in God's eyes. |
| Deuteronomy 12:26 | The Israelites are to take their sacred things and their votive offerings to the place God chooses. |
| Deuteronomy 12:27 | The Israelites are to bring their burnt offerings, both the flesh and the blood, to the altar of God. |
| Deuteronomy 12:28 | The Israelites are to obey all these commands, so that it may go well with them and with their children after them, because they will be doing what is good and right in God's eyes. |
5. Conclusion and Warning (Deuteronomy 12:29-32)
| Deuteronomy 12:29 | When God cuts off the nations whose land God is giving them, and when God has destroyed them and they have disappeared, they are not to learn to follow the detestable ways of those nations. |
| Deuteronomy 12:30 | The Israelites are not to inquire about their gods, saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.' |
| Deuteronomy 12:31 | The Israelites are not to worship God in the way that those nations worship their gods, because in worshiping their gods, those nations do all kinds of detestable things God hates. |
| Deuteronomy 12:32 | The Israelites are to be careful to do everything God commands them; do not add to it or take away from it. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Deuteronomy 12?
The main theme of Deuteronomy 12 is the importance of worshiping God in the way He has prescribed, and warning against the dangers of idolatry. As seen in Deuteronomy 12:5, the Israelites are instructed to seek out the place where God will choose to establish His name, and to bring their sacrifices and offerings to that place.
Why is it important to destroy all remnants of idolatry?
It is important to destroy all remnants of idolatry because God is a jealous God who demands exclusive worship, and idolatry is a form of rebellion against Him. As seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3, the Israelites are commanded to destroy all the places where the nations worship their gods, and to tear down their altars and pillars.
How can we apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives?
We can apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives by being intentional about our worship, seeking out the place where God has chosen to establish His name, and prioritizing our relationship with Him. As seen in Deuteronomy 12:5, we are to seek out the place where God has chosen to establish His name, and to bring our sacrifices and offerings to that place.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 12:5 → John 4:23-24 | This verse looks forward to the time when true worshipers will worship God in spirit and truth, rather than in a specific location. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 12:10 → Joshua 1:13-15 | This verse looks forward to the time when the Israelites will cross the Jordan and come to the place where God will choose to establish His name. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 12:12 → Psalm 100:1-5 | This verse emphasizes the importance of worshiping God with rejoicing and gladness, and is reflected in Psalm 100, which calls on all the earth to worship God with joy and gladness. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 12:15 → Leviticus 17:3-4 | This verse permits the Israelites to slaughter and eat meat in any of their towns, but emphasizes the importance of not eating blood, which is also taught in Leviticus 17:3-4. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 12:20 → Genesis 9:4 | This verse emphasizes the importance of not eating blood, which is also taught in Genesis 9:4. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 12:23 → Leviticus 17:11 | This verse emphasizes the importance of not eating blood, because the blood is the life, and is reflected in Leviticus 17:11, which teaches that the life of a creature is in the blood. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 12:25 → Proverbs 21:3 | This verse teaches that doing what is right in God's eyes is more important than sacrificing, which is also reflected in Proverbs 21:3. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 12:29 → 2 Kings 17:7-23 | This verse looks forward to the time when the Israelites will be tempted to follow the detestable ways of the nations, and warns against the dangers of idolatry, which is also seen in 2 Kings 17:7-23. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 12:31 → Leviticus 18:3 | This verse emphasizes the importance of not worshiping God in the way that the nations worship their gods, which is also taught in Leviticus 18:3. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 12:32 → Proverbs 30:6 | This verse teaches that we should not add to or take away from God's commands, which is also reflected in Proverbs 30:6. |
Sermons on Deuteronomy 12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Cost of Discipleship - Part 10 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he realized he was lost and disobedient to his parents. Despite being involved in church activities and memorizing script |
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Ark of the Covenant - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a radical transformation of character through the power of God. He uses the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, who we |
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Dedication Focused by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences and coming to the knowledge of the truth. He refers to the Israelites' 40-year journey in th |
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Bristol Conference 1975-09 Nehemiah - His Problem by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Nehemiah and his problem. Nehemiah is described as a concerned, charitable, cheerful, and courageous man. The speaker sugges |
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Possess Your Possessions by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Joshua, specifically chapter 11. He emphasizes the importance of having the mind and compassion of Christ, as well as the power t |
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Beware of Lawlessness - Part 2 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. warns against the spirit of lawlessness, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's Word and recognizing the subtle ways in which temptation can lead believers |
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Starts Discussion of Second Commandment (Not to Take the Name of the Lord in Vain) by Martin Luther | Martin Luther delves into the importance of honoring God's Name and the Second Commandment, emphasizing that all works must be done in faith to truly honor and magnify God's glory. |
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Obedience Brings Blessing by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that obedience to God's commands leads to blessings for both individuals and their descendants, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 12:28. He clarifies that whil |
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Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Deuteronomy by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby discusses the Book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing its moral warnings and the importance of Israel's obedience to God's commandments as they stand on the brink of Can |
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"neither... nor... but..." by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative nature of worship in his sermon 'neither... nor... but...', highlighting Jesus' declaration that true worship is not confined to spec |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 12
In this chapter, we see the importance of worshiping God in the way He has prescribed, rather than following the practices of the surrounding nations. The Israelites are commanded to destroy all remnants of idolatry and to worship God in the place He chooses. This chapter looks forward to the time when true worshipers will worship God in spirit and truth, rather than in a specific location. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the Lord our God is a jealous God, and He will not give His glory to another.' We must be careful to obey God's commands and not add to or subtract from them, lest we suffer the consequences of our disobedience. This chapter teaches us the importance of exclusive worship, intentional worship, and reverent worship, and warns against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of obeying God's commands. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Exclusive Worship
The chapter emphasizes the importance of worshiping God exclusively, and not tolerating any form of idolatry. This is seen in the command to destroy all the places where the nations worship their gods (Deuteronomy 12:2-3).
The Need for Intentional Worship
The chapter highlights the need for the Israelites to be intentional about their worship, seeking out the place where God has chosen to establish His name (Deuteronomy 12:5).
The Warning Against Adding to or Subtracting from God's Commands
The chapter concludes by warning against adding to or subtracting from God's commands (Deuteronomy 12:32). This emphasizes the importance of obeying God's Word and not modifying it to suit our own desires.