“Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament, attributed to Moses, and it contains his speeches to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is reminding the people of Israel not to follow the practices of the nations they would dispossess.
Rejecting Self-Righteousness: The verse begins with the admonition, “Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day.” Moses is cautioning the Israelites against adopting the customs, religious practices, or idolatry of the nations surrounding them. Instead, they are to adhere to the commandments and statutes God has given them.
Objective Standards: Moses emphasizes that the people should not do “every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.” This statement underscores the importance of God’s authority and the need for objective standards of righteousness. It warns against relying on subjective opinions or personal preferences in matters of faith and worship.
God’s Commandments: Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, Moses stresses the significance of following God’s commandments and laws. The people are instructed to obey and keep the statutes given to them by God, as these commandments are meant to guide them in righteous living and foster a unique relationship with the Lord.
Application to Our Lives: While this verse was specifically addressed to the Israelites, it contains timeless principles that are applicable today. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s standards of righteousness rather than following our own subjective opinions. As Christians, we can draw from this verse by recognizing the need to align our lives with the teachings of Jesus and the principles found in the Bible. It encourages us to submit to God’s authority and rely on His wisdom rather than being swayed by the prevailing cultural or moral norms.
In summary, Deuteronomy 12:8 emphasizes the rejection of self-righteousness and the importance of following God’s commandments instead of doing what seems right in our own eyes. It serves as a reminder to seek and abide by God’s objective standards of righteousness and to rely on His wisdom rather than our own understanding.
