Deuteronomy 12:2

KJV

Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall utterly {H6} destroy {H6} all the places {H4725}, wherein the nations {H1471} which {H834} ye shall possess {H3423} served {H5647} their gods {H430}, upon the high {H7311} mountains {H2022}, and upon the hills {H1389}, and under every green {H7488} tree {H6086}:

Complete Jewish Bible

You must destroy all the places where the nations you are dispossessing served their gods, whether on high mountains, on hills, or under some leafy tree.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Ye shall surely destroy all the places wherein the nations that ye shall dispossess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 12:2 delivers a foundational divine command to the Israelites as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land: they are to completely eradicate all existing sites of pagan worship belonging to the nations they will dispossess. This mandate specifically targets cultic locations found on prominent natural features such as high mountains, hills, and beneath every green tree, which were commonly associated with idolatrous fertility cults and nature worship. The directive underscores God's demand for exclusive worship and aims to prevent spiritual defilement and syncretism within the covenant community, ensuring the purity of the land and the people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a pivotal section within Moses' final discourse, specifically outlining the laws concerning worship in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws Concerning Worship"). Following the reaffirmation of the Ten Commandments and the foundational call to love God with all one's being in [Deuteronomy 6](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy 6 - The Shema and Love for God"), chapter 12 details the practical implications of exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The command to destroy pagan altars is a necessary prerequisite for the establishment of a single, centralized place of worship for Israel, a theme repeatedly emphasized throughout the chapter, particularly in [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Lord's Chosen Dwelling Place") and [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "Deuteronomy 12:11 - The Place the Lord Will Choose"). This radical centralization of worship stands in stark contrast to the decentralized, localized pagan practices of the Canaanites, thereby establishing a clear distinction between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatry of the surrounding nations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the plains of Moab, on the brink of crossing the Jordan River into Canaan. The land they were about to inherit was permeated with the religious practices of various Canaanite peoples, including the worship of deities such as Baal, Asherah, and Molech. These religions were characterized by polytheism, fertility cults, cultic prostitution, and even child sacrifice, often conducted at "high places" (Hebrew: _bamot_) or sacred groves. These sites, frequently located on elevated ground or under prominent trees, were believed to be conduits to the divine or places where the gods resided. God's command to utterly destroy these sites was not merely a territorial conquest but a spiritual cleansing, designed to safeguard Israel from the corrupting influence of these abhorrent practices and to establish a distinct, holy nation dedicated solely to Yahweh. The pervasive nature of these cultic sites necessitated a comprehensive and uncompromising eradication.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 12:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the **exclusivity of God's worship**, echoing the [First Commandment in Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me"). There was to be no syncretism or blending of Yahweh worship with pagan rituals; Israel's allegiance must be absolute and undivided. Secondly, the command emphasizes the **eradication of idolatry**, signifying a decisive and thorough removal of anything that would compete with God's supreme authority. This act was crucial for the **holiness and purity of the land**, which God was giving to Israel as a dwelling place for His covenant people, aligning with Israel's calling to be a [holy nation in Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Holy Nation"). Finally, it serves as a **prevention of spiritual corruption**, as God, in His foresight, knew the powerful allure and destructive nature of Canaanite religious practices, a danger that tragically materialized when Israel failed to fully obey this command, as tragically illustrated in [Judges 2:2-3](/judges/2-2 "Judges 2:2-3 - Consequences of Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **utterly destroy (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_ H6):** This primitive root signifies to wander away, lose oneself, and by implication, to perish or cause to perish. When used in a causative sense, as here, it means to destroy completely, to bring to ruin, or to cause to be void. The repetition in the KJV "utterly destroy" (using the same root `ʼâbad`) emphasizes the absolute and uncompromising nature of the command, denoting a thorough eradication that leaves no remnant, ensuring no possibility of re-establishment of idolatry.
* **places (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_ H4725):** This term refers to a specific, tangible locality or spot. Its use highlights that the divine mandate is not merely against abstract ideas of idolatry, but against the physical sites—the altars, shrines, and cultic centers—where pagan worship was actively practiced. These were real, identifiable locations that required physical demolition to ensure spiritual cleansing.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_ H1471):** This word denotes a foreign nation, often used in the plural to refer to the Gentile peoples. In this context, it specifically refers to the Canaanite inhabitants whom Israel was to dispossess. The command to destroy their worship sites is directly linked to these nations, underscoring that the spiritual cleansing of the land is inextricably tied to the removal of the idolatrous practices of its previous inhabitants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall utterly destroy":** This opening imperative establishes the non-negotiable and absolute nature of the command. It is a divine mandate for complete and irreversible demolition, reflecting God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and His zero-tolerance policy towards anything that competes with Him. The thoroughness implied by "utterly destroy" means leaving no vestige of idolatrous practice behind.
* **"all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods":** This clause specifies the comprehensive scope of the destruction. The target is every single location where the existing inhabitants of Canaan worshipped their various deities. This emphasizes that the cleansing must be universal throughout the land Israel is to inherit, ensuring no corner is left untouched by the eradication of idolatry, and that the spiritual contamination of the previous occupants is thoroughly removed.
* **"upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree":** This descriptive phrase details the typical geographical and natural settings of these pagan worship sites. "High mountains" and "hills" refer to the "high places" (_bamot_), elevated locations often chosen for their perceived sanctity or proximity to the heavens. "Under every green tree" refers to sacred groves or individual prominent trees, which were central to fertility cults and nature worship. This comprehensive listing acts as a merism, signifying that the command applies to all possible locations of pagan worship, from the highest peaks to the most verdant groves, encompassing the totality of Canaanite idolatrous infrastructure.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 12:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey the urgency and totality of its command. The use of **hyperbole** or strong, emphatic language in "utterly destroy" underscores the divine imperative for complete and uncompromising eradication of idolatry. This is not a suggestion but a forceful declaration of God's will, emphasizing the absolute nature of His demand for exclusive worship. Furthermore, the phrase "upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree" functions as a **merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent a whole. By listing these distinct locations, the text implies "everywhere"—from the highest peaks to the lowest valleys and every natural setting in between—signifying the comprehensive nature of the required destruction. This also employs vivid **imagery**, painting a clear picture of the pervasive pagan presence that needed to be purged. The "green tree" itself is a powerful **symbolism**, often associated with life and fertility, yet here it is ironically linked to the spiritual barrenness and corruption of idolatrous practices, highlighting the perversion of creation for unholy purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 12:2 is profoundly theological, articulating God's absolute holiness and His demand for exclusive worship from His covenant people. This command is not merely about physical destruction but about a spiritual cleansing, establishing a pure environment for God's dwelling among Israel. It underscores the severity of idolatry, which is a direct affront to God's sovereignty and a violation of the covenant. The eradication of these pagan sites was essential to prevent Israel from falling into syncretism and spiritual apostasy, ensuring their unique identity as the people of Yahweh. It teaches that true worship allows for no rivals, no compromise with false gods, and no blending of sacred and profane practices. God's glory cannot be shared, and His people must reflect His purity.

* [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Destroying Idols")
* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Shared")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today are not called to literally destroy physical altars or sacred groves, the spiritual principle of Deuteronomy 12:2 remains profoundly relevant and challenging. This verse calls us to a radical examination of our own hearts and lives, identifying and "utterly destroying" anything that competes for God's supreme place. Modern "high places" and "green trees" might manifest as materialism, ambition, self-reliance, comfort, relationships, or even good causes that subtly displace God as our ultimate devotion. The command urges us to pursue spiritual purity with unwavering resolve, actively dismantling any spiritual idols or influences that draw us away from the one true God. This involves a continuous process of repentance, confession, and turning away from anything that defiles our relationship with Christ. Our worship and allegiance must be solely to the Lord, recognizing that compromise with worldly values or false spiritualities is a grave danger to our faith and spiritual vitality. It is a call to exclusive devotion, ensuring that our lives are a holy dwelling place for God's Spirit, reflecting His holiness in every sphere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high places" or "green trees" of idolatry, whether overt or subtle, might exist in my own life or in the cultural landscape around me today?**
* **How can I practically "utterly destroy" these spiritual idols and ensure that my devotion and allegiance are solely to God?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart of exclusive worship and maintain spiritual purity in a world filled with competing allegiances?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command such extreme destruction of worship sites? Wasn't it excessive?**

Answer: God's command for "utter destruction" was not excessive but a necessary and decisive measure to protect Israel's spiritual integrity and preserve their unique covenant relationship with Him. The Canaanite religious practices were not merely different; they were deeply corrupting, involving abhorrent acts like child sacrifice ([Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominable Practices")) and cultic prostitution, which posed an existential threat to Israel's moral and spiritual fabric. These sites were focal points for practices that were an abomination to the Lord, leading to the defilement of the land itself. The command was a spiritual surgery, a radical removal of a spiritual cancer, to prevent Israel from succumbing to the same wickedness that led to the Canaanites' judgment ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")). It underscored God's holiness and His demand for exclusive worship, ensuring that Israel would remain distinct as His chosen people, untainted by the surrounding paganism.

**What is the significance of "high mountains, hills, and green trees" as worship locations?**

Answer: These locations were typical "high places" (Hebrew: _bamot_) and sacred groves commonly used by the Canaanites for their idolatrous worship. "High mountains and hills" were often chosen because elevated ground was perceived to be closer to the heavens, making them suitable for communicating with deities or for observing celestial phenomena. "Under every green tree" refers to sacred trees or groves, which were central to fertility cults, particularly those dedicated to Baal and Asherah. These trees were seen as symbols of life and fertility, and rituals performed beneath them often involved cultic prostitution to invoke agricultural abundance. By commanding the destruction of these specific locations, God targeted the very heart of Canaanite religious practice, ensuring that every vestige of their idolatry, from prominent altars to seemingly innocuous natural sites, was purged from the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 12:2, with its command to utterly destroy pagan worship sites, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, not through literal physical destruction, but through spiritual transformation and the establishment of a new covenant reality. The Old Testament command foreshadows the radical cleansing that Christ accomplishes in the hearts of believers. Jesus Himself declares that true worship is no longer confined to physical locations like mountains or temples, but is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the ultimate "place" where God is rightly worshipped, the true temple of God ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ cleanses us from the idolatry inherent in our fallen nature, enabling us to become new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The "high places" and "green trees" of our own hearts—our idols of self, materialism, pride, and anything that competes with God for ultimate devotion—are to be "utterly destroyed" through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to "put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry" ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Nature")). This spiritual eradication of idols allows us to offer exclusive, pure worship to God through Christ, living lives of undivided allegiance to Him who alone is worthy of all glory ([1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 7:5

But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.

Deuteronomy 7:25

The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold [that is] on them, nor take [it] unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it [is] an abomination to the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 7:26

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.

Numbers 33:51

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan;

Numbers 33:52

Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:

2 Kings 16:4

And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

Exodus 34:12

Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: