TRV
Study This Verse
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 18:13 issues a profound divine command to ancient Israel, urging them to live in complete and unwavering devotion to Yahweh, their God. This injunction to be "perfect" (Hebrew: tāmîm) signifies a call to integrity, wholeness, and unblemished loyalty, setting Israel distinctly apart from the pagan nations and their abominable practices of divination and sorcery. It underscores the unique covenant relationship between God and His people, demanding exclusive trust and sincerity in their walk with Him.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 18:13 stands as the culmination of a significant prohibition against various forms of pagan divination and occult practices, detailed in Deuteronomy 18:9-12. Moses explicitly warns Israel against adopting the "abominable practices of those nations" they are about to dispossess, including child sacrifice, divination, sorcery, charming, consulting mediums or spiritists, and necromancy. The command to be "perfect with the LORD thy God" serves as a direct antithesis to these forbidden activities, presenting Yahweh as the sole and sufficient source of guidance and power. Immediately following this verse, Moses promises that God will raise up a "prophet like me" from among their brothers (Deuteronomy 18:15), further emphasizing God's chosen means of revelation and guidance for His people, in contrast to the illicit methods of the Canaanites.
Historical & Cultural Context
This passage is delivered by Moses to the generation poised to enter the Promised Land, just before their conquest of Canaan. The indigenous Canaanite cultures were deeply entrenched in polytheism, fertility cults, and various forms of occultism, believing they could manipulate divine forces or gain secret knowledge through these practices. Such activities were not merely religious rituals but were integral to their societal structure, governance, and daily decision-making. The command in Deuteronomy 18:13 was therefore a radical call for Israel to establish a fundamentally different societal and spiritual identity. It mandated a complete break from the spiritual landscape of their neighbors, demanding exclusive allegiance to Yahweh and a rejection of all forms of syncretism that might dilute their unique covenant relationship.
Key Themes
The verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it champions undivided devotion to Yahweh, reinforcing the monotheistic principle central to Israel's identity, as articulated in the Shema. Secondly, it highlights the theme of holiness and separation, calling Israel to be a distinct people, set apart from the nations by their ethical and spiritual conduct, as commanded in Leviticus 19:2. Thirdly, it emphasizes trust in God's revelation, contrasting the unreliable and illicit methods of pagan divination with God's direct communication through His prophets and His Law. Finally, the concept of "perfection" or "wholeness" introduces the theme of integrity and blamelessness in one's walk with God, a consistent expectation for those in covenant with Him, as seen in God's command to Abraham in Genesis 17:1.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root tāmam, this word (H8549) means "entire," "complete," "full," "sound," "without blemish," "undefiled," or "upright." It signifies a state of moral and spiritual integrity, wholeness, and undivided loyalty in one's relationship with God. It does not denote sinless perfection in an absolute sense, but rather a heart fully devoted, sincere, and free from hypocrisy or competing allegiances. This term is often used for sacrificial animals that are without defect, signifying an offering that is whole and acceptable to God. Applied to human character, it speaks of a life lived consistently and sincerely before God, reflecting a desire to walk in His ways with a pure heart.
This is the Tetragrammaton, YHWH (H3068), the proper, personal, and covenantal name of God, derived from a root meaning "to be" or "to exist." It signifies "the self-Existent" or "the Eternal." This name emphasizes God's unchanging nature, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His absolute sovereignty. The use of "LORD" here underscores that the demand for perfection is not generic but is specifically in relation to the God who has revealed Himself personally to Israel and entered into a unique covenant with them.
This plural noun (H430) is commonly used to refer to God, specifically the supreme God, though it can also refer to gods in a general sense, magistrates, or even be used as a superlative. In the context of "the LORD thy God," it functions as a majestic plural, emphasizing the supreme power, authority, and divine nature of Yahweh. It highlights God's transcendence and His unique position as the one true deity, distinct from the false gods of the surrounding nations. The combination with YHWH reinforces the singular, sovereign, and personal nature of Israel's God.
Verse Breakdown
"Thou shalt be perfect"
This is a direct, imperative command, indicating a non-negotiable expectation for every Israelite. The use of "thou shalt be" emphasizes a future state and ongoing commitment, not a one-time act. It is a call to cultivate a character marked by integrity, sincerity, and wholeness, particularly in light of the preceding prohibitions against pagan practices. It implies an active pursuit of blamelessness and an earnest desire to live in alignment with God's will, free from spiritual compromise.
"with the LORD thy God"
This phrase highlights the relational and covenantal context of the command. The "perfection" is not an abstract moral ideal but is specifically "with the LORD," Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It underscores the exclusive nature of their relationship: their loyalty and integrity are owed solely to Him. The possessive "thy God" reinforces the intimate and personal bond, reminding Israel of their unique identity as God's chosen people, distinct from all other nations. This phrase also implies that the standard of perfection is defined by God Himself and is to be lived out in His presence and under His watchful eye.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is Contrast, as the command to be "perfect with the LORD thy God" stands in stark opposition to the "abominable practices" of the Canaanites detailed in the preceding verses. This juxtaposition highlights the radical distinctiveness God demands of His people. The verse also utilizes Imperative Mood, as "Thou shalt be perfect" is a direct command, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of God's expectation for wholehearted devotion. Furthermore, there is an underlying use of Covenant Language, as the phrase "the LORD thy God" is foundational to the covenant relationship established at Sinai, reminding Israel of their unique identity and obligations under God's gracious agreement. This language reinforces that the call to perfection is not merely a moral guideline but a fundamental aspect of their covenant fidelity.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 18:13 is a foundational statement on the nature of true worship and covenant faithfulness. It teaches that God demands not just outward obedience but an inner disposition of complete sincerity and undivided loyalty. This "perfection" is a holistic concept, encompassing integrity in thought, word, and deed, flowing from a heart fully committed to Yahweh. It underscores the principle that God is the sole legitimate source of truth, guidance, and power, rejecting all forms of spiritual syncretism or reliance on human or demonic means. This call to wholeness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's desire for His people to mirror His own holy character and to walk blamelessly before Him in every aspect of life.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 18:13 remains a powerful and timeless call for believers today to pursue a life of genuine integrity and undivided devotion to God. In a world saturated with competing loyalties, spiritual alternatives, and the allure of quick fixes or hidden knowledge, this verse challenges us to maintain an unblemished commitment to the Lord alone. It means cultivating a heart that is whole and sincere in its pursuit of Christ, ensuring that our private lives align with our public profession of faith. We are called to rely solely on God's Word and the Holy Spirit for guidance, rather than turning to worldly wisdom, superstitions, or practices that contradict biblical truth. This "perfection" is a lifelong journey of sanctification, striving for spiritual maturity and wholeness in every aspect of our lives, constantly seeking to honor God with an undivided heart, knowing that our ultimate sufficiency and guidance come from Him alone.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "perfect" in Deuteronomy 18:13 mean sinless perfection, which seems impossible for humans?
No, the Hebrew word tāmîm (תָּמִים) translated as "perfect" does not imply sinless perfection in an absolute sense. Instead, it conveys the idea of completeness, wholeness, soundness, sincerity, or blamelessness. It refers to an integrity of character and an undivided heart in one's relationship with God. Just as an animal for sacrifice had to be "unblemished" or "perfect" (Leviticus 22:21), so too God desires His people to be wholehearted and sincere in their devotion to Him, without hypocrisy or spiritual compromise. It's about a consistent, genuine walk with God, rather than an unattainable state of absolute moral flawlessness.
How does this command apply to believers today, especially concerning modern forms of divination or occult practices?
The command in Deuteronomy 18:13 is profoundly relevant today. It calls believers to exclusive loyalty to God and a complete rejection of all practices that seek supernatural guidance or power outside of Him. This includes overt occult practices like fortune-telling, astrology, necromancy, or magic. However, it also extends to more subtle forms of seeking guidance from sources other than God, such as relying on superstitions, New Age practices, or even placing ultimate trust in human wisdom, technology, or self-help philosophies above God's Word. The principle remains: our trust and source of truth must be solely in the Lord, and our hearts must be undivided in our devotion to Him, as highlighted in passages like Colossians 3:17.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 18:13 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel was commanded to be "perfect with the LORD their God," they consistently fell short, demonstrating their inability to maintain such integrity and undivided devotion due to their sinful nature. Jesus, however, is the only one who perfectly fulfilled this command. He lived a life of absolute and unblemished obedience, completely "whole" and "perfect" in His relationship with the Father, without any blemish or sin (Hebrews 4:15). He is the "prophet like Moses" promised in Deuteronomy 18:15, through whom God speaks His final and complete revelation to humanity (Hebrews 1:1-2). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only covers our imperfections but also imputes His perfect righteousness to those who believe (2 Corinthians 5:21). Furthermore, by the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are progressively conformed to His image, being sanctified and enabled to pursue the very wholeness and undivided devotion that Deuteronomy 18:13 demands, for we are called to be "perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48), a perfection made possible and empowered by our union with Christ.