“Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is warning the Israelites against adopting the detestable practices of the nations around them and engaging in idolatry.
Idolatry and Its Consequences:The verse emphasises that the Israelites must not imitate the abominable practices of the nations they are displacing. The specific abomination mentioned here is child sacrifice, where the people of those nations would offer their sons and daughters as burnt offerings to their gods. This practice was an extreme form of idolatry, which involved the worship of false gods and the shedding of innocent blood.
Prohibition Against Such Actions:God’s command is clear and unambiguous in this verse: the Israelites were forbidden from engaging in such abhorrent practices. The Israelites were to worship the one true God, Yahweh, and their worship was to be pure and untainted by the rituals and practices of the surrounding nations.
God’s Character:This verse also highlights God’s abhorrence of idolatry and child sacrifice. God is a holy and righteous God, and He detests the worship of false gods and the shedding of innocent blood. The Israelites were to reflect God’s character by staying away from such practices and following His commandments.
Application Today:Whilst the specific practice of child sacrifice may not be prevalent in our modern society, the broader message of this verse remains relevant. It serves as a warning against adopting the sinful practices and customs of the world around us. As Christians, we are called to worship and serve the one true God, avoiding any form of idolatry or compromise with the values and practices that contradict God’s Word.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 12:31 reminds the Israelites, and us today, of the importance of worshipping the true God and avoiding the abominable practices of idolatry. It highlights God’s holiness and His desire for His people to live according to His righteous standards. As believers, we should seek to honour God in our worship and remain steadfast in our commitment to follow His commandments.
