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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 18:9–14. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
One would not think there had been so much need as it seems there was to arm the people of Israel against the infection of the idolatrous customs of the Canaanites. Was it possible that a people so blessed with divine institutions should ever admit the brutish and barbarous inventions of men and devils? Were they in any danger of making those their tutors and directors in religion whom God had made their captives and tributaries? It seems they were in danger, and therefore, after many similar cautions, they are here charged not to do after the abominations of those nations, Deu 18:9.
I.Some particulars are specified; as,
1.The consecrating of their children to Moloch, an idol that represented the sun, by making them to pass through the fire, and sometimes consuming them as sacrifices in the fire, Deu 18:10. See the law against this before, Lev 18:21.
2.Using arts of divination, to get the unnecessary knowledge of things to come, enchantments, witchcrafts, charms, etc., by which the power and knowledge peculiar to God were attributed to the devil, to the great reproach both of God's counsels and of his providence, Deu 18:10, Deu 18:11. one would wonder that such arts and works of darkness, so senseless and absurd, so impious and profane, could be found in a country where divine revelation shone so clearly; yet we find remains of them even where Christ's holy religion is known and professed; such are the powers and policies of the rulers of the darkness of this world. But let those give heed to fortune-tellers, or go to wizards for the discovery of things secret, that use spells for the cure of diseases, are in any league or acquaintance with familiar spirits, or form a confederacy with those that are - let them know that they can have no fellowship with God while thus they have fellowship with devils. It is amazing to think that there should by any pretenders of this kind in such a land and day of light as we live in.
II.Some reasons are given against their conformity to the customs of the Gentiles.
1.Because it would make them abominable to God. The things themselves being hateful to him, those that do them are an abomination; and miserable is that creature that has become odious to its Creator, Deu 18:12. See the malignity and mischievousness of sin; that must needs be an evil thing indeed which provokes the God of mercy to detest the work of his own hands.
2.Because these abominable practices had been the ruin of the Canaanites, of which ruin they were not only the witnesses but the instruments. It would be the most inexcusable folly, as well as the most unpardonable impiety, for them to practise themselves those very things for which they had been employed so severely to chastise others. Did the land spue out the abominations of the Canaanites, and shall Israel lick up the vomit?
3.Because they were better taught, Deu 18:13, Deu 18:14. It is an argument like that of the apostle against Christians walking as the Gentiles walked (Eph 4:17, Eph 4:18, Eph 4:20): You have not so learned Christ. "It is true these nations, whom God gave up to their own hearts' lusts, and suffered to walk in their own ways (Act 14:16), did thus corrupt themselves; but thou art not thus abandoned by the grace of God: the Lord thy God had not suffered thee to do so; thou art instructed in divine things, and hast fair warning given thee of the evil of those practices; and therefore, whatever others do, it is expected that thou shouldest be perfect with the Lord thy God," that is, "that thou shouldest give divine honours to him, to him only, and to no other, and not mix any of the superstitious customs of the heathen with his institutions." One of the Chaldee paraphrasts here takes notice of God's furnishing them with the oracle of urim and thummim, as a preservative from all unlawful arts of divination. Those were fools indeed who would go to consult the father of lies when they had such a ready way of consulting the God of truth.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 18:12 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute holiness and His unyielding opposition to all forms of occultism and pagan practices. It forcefully condemns the various divination, sorcery, and necromancy detailed in the preceding verses as an "abomination" to the LORD, revealing the severe spiritual defilement inherent in such acts. Crucially, the verse provides the divine rationale for the dispossession of the Canaanite nations from the Promised Land, asserting that their persistent engagement in these detestable practices provoked God's righteous judgment. This serves as a foundational principle for Israel, underscoring the imperative for the covenant people to remain distinct, pure, and wholly devoted to Yahweh, lest they incur similar divine retribution.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the powerful concluding judgment on the comprehensive list of forbidden spiritual practices detailed in Deuteronomy 18:9-11. Moses, addressing the new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land, meticulously lays out the divine statutes that will govern their lives. The preceding verses specifically enumerate various forms of divination, sorcery, charming, consulting mediums, and even child sacrifice—practices deeply embedded in the religious landscape of the Canaanite inhabitants. Deuteronomy 18:12 acts as a summary statement, declaring God's absolute detestation of these acts and providing the theological justification for the impending conquest and displacement of the Canaanites. It then seamlessly transitions to the promise of a true prophet in Deuteronomy 18:15, presenting God's chosen, pure alternative to pagan spiritual guidance.
Historical & Cultural Context
As Israel stood on the threshold of Canaan, they were entering a land saturated with cultures deeply entrenched in polytheism and ritualistic practices utterly antithetical to the LORD. The Canaanites engaged in a wide array of spiritualistic activities, including consulting the dead, interpreting omens, and tragically, offering their children as burnt offerings to deities like Molech. These practices were not merely superstitious beliefs but were often integrated into the very fabric of their social, economic, and religious life, believed to secure prosperity, protection, or knowledge of the future. Deuteronomy 18:12 directly confronts this pervasive cultural milieu, emphasizing the radical distinctiveness God demanded from His covenant people. Israel was to be a nation set apart, whose spiritual guidance came directly from the LORD, not from the dark arts of their neighbors. This divine command was crucial for maintaining their unique identity, preventing spiritual contamination, and avoiding the moral decay that had characterized the Canaanites.
Key Themes
The central theme underscored by Deuteronomy 18:12 is the absolute holiness of God and His demand for purity from His people. Practices involving occultism, idolatry, and human sacrifice are fundamentally antithetical to God's nature, described here as an "abomination" (Hebrew: to'evah). This term signifies something utterly detestable and morally repugnant to the divine character. Furthermore, the verse highlights the severe consequences of sin, explicitly stating that the Canaanites' engagement in these abominations was the direct cause of their dispossession from the land. This serves as a potent warning to Israel, echoing principles found in passages like Leviticus 18:24-28 where the land itself is described as defiled by such practices. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of covenant loyalty and distinction, calling Israel to maintain their unique relationship with the LORD by rejecting all forms of pagan worship and spiritual inquiry, instead looking to God for all their needs, as further elaborated by the promise of a true prophet in Deuteronomy 18:15.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root (H6213) is incredibly broad, meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it signifies active engagement and participation in the forbidden practices listed in the preceding verses. It implies not just passive exposure but the deliberate performance and perpetuation of these acts, highlighting the intentionality behind the "abominations" that provoke God's judgment.
This powerful feminine active participle (H8441) denotes "something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol." Appearing over 100 times in the Old Testament, its use here underscores the profound spiritual defilement and moral repugnance of the occult practices to the holy character of Yahweh. It signifies a deep violation of God's covenant standards, warranting severe divine judgment.
This is the Jewish national name of God (H3068), derived from the root meaning "to be," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." The use of this covenant name emphasizes that it is the personal, relational God of Israel who finds these practices utterly detestable. It underscores His unique authority, His holiness, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, demanding exclusive worship and purity from them.
This primitive root (H3423) means "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin." In this context, it signifies God's active, forceful expulsion and dispossession of the Canaanites. This action is presented not as arbitrary but as a direct, just consequence of their abominable practices, demonstrating God's sovereign authority over the land and its inhabitants, and His commitment to establishing a holy nation within it.
Verse Breakdown
"For all that do these things"
This clause serves as a direct and universal reference to the comprehensive list of forbidden practices enumerated in Deuteronomy 18:9-11. It encompasses various forms of divination (e.g., enchanters, augurs, observers of times), sorcery, charming, consulting with familiar spirits or mediums, wizardry, and necromancy (consulting the dead). The phrase "all that do these things" emphasizes that any engagement with these practices, regardless of degree or intent, falls under divine condemnation, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's prohibition.
"[are] an abomination unto the LORD"
This declares God's absolute, unequivocal, and profound detestation of the aforementioned practices. The term "abomination" (Hebrew: to'evah) signifies something utterly repugnant, morally offensive, and spiritually defiling to the holy character of Yahweh. It emphasizes that these acts are not merely cultural differences or minor transgressions but direct affronts to God's nature, violating the very essence of His covenant relationship with Israel and His moral law. This divine judgment is rooted in His perfect holiness and His demand for exclusive worship.
"and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee"
This pivotal clause provides the explicit divine rationale for the dispossession of the Canaanite nations. Their persistent engagement in these detestable practices—which defiled both the people and the land—provoked God's righteous judgment. The act of "driving them out" is presented as a just and necessary consequence, demonstrating God's sovereignty over the land and His unwavering commitment to establishing a holy nation within it, free from the corrupting influence of paganism. It also serves as a potent warning to Israel that similar disobedience and spiritual compromise would inevitably lead to similar consequences.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 18:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The most prominent is Cause and Effect, clearly linking the "abominations" of the Canaanites as the direct "cause" for God's action to "drive them out" as the "effect." This establishes a clear moral universe where actions have divine consequences, underscoring God's justice. The repetition of the term "abomination" (Hebrew: to'evah), echoing its use in Deuteronomy 18:9, serves as a powerful leitmotif, emphasizing the severity and detestability of the forbidden practices, etching their repugnance into the listener's mind. Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise yet powerful Summary Statement, encapsulating the divine judgment against the specific list of offenses detailed in the preceding verses. There is also a clear element of Foreshadowing, as the judgment pronounced upon the Canaanites implicitly warns Israel that similar behavior on their part would lead to similar divine retribution, a theme tragically realized in later biblical history. The use of strong, decisive language reinforces the absolute nature of God's command and His unwavering commitment to holiness.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 18:12 is foundational for understanding God's absolute holiness and His fierce intolerance for spiritual impurity. It reveals that the divine judgment against the Canaanites was not arbitrary but a righteous response to their profound moral and spiritual corruption, particularly their engagement with practices that defiled both the people and the land. This principle of divine judgment against sin, especially idolatry and occultism, is a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His demand for exclusive worship. The verse also implicitly highlights the need for a legitimate, divine source of guidance, contrasting the abhorrent practices of the Canaanites with God's gracious provision for His people through true prophets.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 18:12 transcends its ancient context to offer timeless spiritual truths for believers today. While the specific forms of occultism may have evolved, the underlying temptation to seek knowledge, power, or comfort from sources other than God remains a persistent challenge. This verse challenges us to examine our lives for any subtle or overt "abominations"—practices, attitudes, or dependencies that subtly or overtly draw us away from exclusive devotion to the LORD. It calls us to cultivate a radical spiritual purity, recognizing that God's holiness demands our entire allegiance and that true wisdom and guidance come solely from Him. In a world saturated with alternative spiritualities, superstitions, and even subtle forms of divination (e.g., obsessive reliance on horoscopes, fortune-telling, or unbiblical spiritual practices), this passage serves as a potent warning to guard our hearts and minds, ensuring our trust is solely in the living God and His revealed Word. Our spiritual flourishing, like Israel's physical dwelling in the land, depends on our obedience and fidelity to His commands and our rejection of all that is an abomination to Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What specific practices are considered "abominations" in Deuteronomy 18:12?
Deuteronomy 18:12 condemns a comprehensive list of pagan and occult practices detailed in the preceding verses, Deuteronomy 18:9-11. These include making one's children pass through fire (likely child sacrifice), various forms of divination such as enchanters, augurs, and observers of times, sorcery, charming, consulting with familiar spirits or mediums, wizardry, and necromancy (consulting the dead). Essentially, any attempt to gain supernatural knowledge or power, or to manipulate spiritual forces outside of God's revealed will, is considered an abomination because it bypasses God's authority and seeks illicit spiritual access.
Why are these practices so offensive to God?
These practices are deeply offensive to God primarily because they represent a rejection of His unique sovereignty and authority as the sole source of truth, power, and guidance. Engaging in them is a form of spiritual adultery, seeking counsel or power from demonic entities or human manipulation rather than from the Creator. They often involve idolatry, human sacrifice, and a perversion of divine order, directly contradicting God's holiness, justice, and love. Furthermore, they open individuals and communities to dangerous spiritual deception and bondage, which is antithetical to the freedom and life God desires for His people. God's prohibition is an act of protective love, safeguarding His people from spiritual harm and maintaining the purity of their relationship with Him, as seen in His desire for Israel to be a holy nation set apart for Him (Exodus 19:6).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 18:12, in condemning the abominations of the Canaanites and foreshadowing their dispossession, points forward to the ultimate purification and establishment of God's kingdom through Jesus Christ. The promise of a "prophet like Moses" in Deuteronomy 18:15 is supremely fulfilled in Jesus, who is the perfect revelation of God, the one true Prophet, Priest, and King. Unlike the false prophets and occultists who dealt in deception and defilement, Jesus came to expose and destroy the "works of the devil" (1 John 3:8) and to purify a people for Himself. His sacrifice on the cross atones for all "abominations" and sins, cleansing us from defilement and enabling a new covenant relationship where we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in purity (Titus 2:14). Through Christ, believers are "driven out" from the dominion of darkness and brought into His marvelous light (Colossians 1:13), inheriting a spiritual land of promise and becoming part of God's holy temple (Ephesians 2:19-22). He is the ultimate answer to humanity's yearning for truth and guidance, rendering all forms of occultism and spiritual compromise obsolete for those who truly follow Him, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3).