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 18:9 delivers a foundational command to the Israelites on the precipice of entering the Promised Land, unequivocally prohibiting them from adopting or imitating the detestable religious and moral practices of the Canaanite nations they were about to dispossess. This verse establishes a critical principle of divine separation, calling God's chosen people to maintain their distinct identity and purity of worship, thereby safeguarding their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh from the corrupting influences of idolatry, occultism, and moral depravity prevalent in the surrounding cultures.
Context
Literary Context
This pivotal verse is strategically placed within Moses' final, comprehensive discourses to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepared to cross the Jordan into Canaan. Deuteronomy 18 specifically delineates the proper channels of divine communication and sternly warns against the dangers of illicit spiritual practices. Following detailed instructions regarding the support and duties of the Levites and priests (Deuteronomy 18:1-8), Deuteronomy 18:9 serves as a stark, overarching prohibition. It sets the thematic stage for the subsequent, explicit enumeration of "abominations" in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, which include horrific practices like child sacrifice, various forms of divination, and necromancy. The passage then transitions to the promise of a true prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-18), directly contrasting God's pure, authoritative revelation with the deceptive, defiling, and forbidden practices of the pagan nations. This deliberate juxtaposition powerfully underscores the absolute necessity of relying solely on God's appointed means of communication and vehemently rejecting all forms of spiritual syncretism.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites stood on the threshold of Canaan, a land inhabited by diverse peoples—Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—whose religious and social structures were fundamentally antithetical to the covenant stipulations and holy character of Yahweh. Canaanite religion was notoriously characterized by polytheism, often centered on fertility cults involving ritual prostitution, and, most appallingly, the widespread practice of child sacrifice, frequently associated with deities such as Molech and Baal. Furthermore, divination, sorcery, and consulting the dead were common, desperate attempts to manipulate divine forces or gain forbidden knowledge outside of God's will. The command in Deuteronomy 18:9 was not merely a theological abstract but an urgent, practical imperative for Israel's spiritual survival and integrity. Assimilation into these abhorrent practices would inevitably violate God's holiness, lead to the moral decay and spiritual apostasy of the Israelite nation, and ultimately result in divine judgment, as tragically evidenced by later historical accounts in books like Judges and 1 Kings.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 18:9 contributes profoundly to several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. A primary theme is Divine Separation and Holiness, emphasizing God's unwavering call for His people to be distinct and set apart from the surrounding nations. Israel's unique identity was to be rooted exclusively in their covenant relationship with Yahweh, rather than in the imitation of pagan cultures. This echoes the repeated command for holiness found throughout the Mosaic Law, notably in Leviticus 11:44 and Leviticus 19:2. Another crucial theme is Purity of Worship, demanding exclusive and unadulterated devotion to Yahweh alone. The "abominations" specifically refer to idolatrous rituals and occult practices, which were a direct affront to God's sovereignty, holiness, and exclusive claim on His people's worship. This aligns perfectly with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3, which strictly forbids having any other gods before Him. Finally, the verse highlights the Warning Against Assimilation, a recurring concern throughout Israel's history. The danger was not just passive exposure to these practices but actively adopting and integrating them into their own lives and culture, a struggle that would plague Israel for centuries, leading to cycles of apostasy and divine judgment as recorded in the historical books.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew verb lâmad (H3925) means "to teach," "to learn," or "to be taught." In this context, the Niphal stem (passive or reflexive) combined with the infinitive "to do" implies a deliberate and active process of internalizing, observing, and then imitating the forbidden practices. It's not merely about being exposed to these abominations but about actively allowing oneself to be instructed in them, to become accustomed to them, and ultimately, to adopt them as one's own. This emphasizes the insidious nature of cultural assimilation and the proactive vigilance required to resist it.
The Hebrew noun tôwʻêbah (H8441) signifies something utterly detestable, abhorrent, or an anathema, particularly in a religious or moral sense. While tôwʻêbah can describe various actions abhorrent to God (e.g., dishonest weights in Proverbs 11:1), in Deuteronomy 18:9 and the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), it specifically refers to the cultic, magical, and occult practices of the Canaanites. These included child sacrifice, various forms of divination, sorcery, charming, consulting mediums, and necromancy. Such practices were considered a direct affront to God's holiness, a grievous violation of His covenant, and a defilement of the land He was giving to Israel.
Verse Breakdown
"When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee,"
This opening clause establishes the precise context and timing of the command, grounding the prohibition in the divine gift of the Promised Land. It implies that with this gracious provision comes a sacred responsibility: the land is not merely a geographical space but a sphere of God's covenant presence, which must be kept pure from defiling practices. The phrase "the LORD thy God giveth thee" (using Yᵉhôvâh H3068 and ʼĕlôhîym H430, and nâthan H5414 for "giveth") underscores God's absolute sovereignty and gracious provision, making the subsequent command a matter of covenant loyalty, gratitude, and a response to His faithfulness.
"thou shalt not learn to do after"
This is the core prohibition, delivered as a strong negative command. The phrase "learn to do after" (from the Hebrew lâmad, H3925, and ʻâsâh, H6213, for "to do") is crucial, indicating a proactive and intentional avoidance of adopting foreign ways. It goes beyond merely refraining from participation; it demands rejecting the very process of cultural and spiritual assimilation. This implies a profound need for spiritual discernment, constant vigilance, and active resistance against the allure and subtle infiltration of pagan practices, preventing them from taking root and corrupting Israelite society and worship.
"the abominations of those nations."
This clause specifies the forbidden practices. "Those nations" refers explicitly to the Canaanite inhabitants of the land (gôwy, H1471). The term "abominations" (tôwʻêbah, H8441) denotes practices that are utterly detestable to Yahweh, particularly their religious and magical rites. These practices—which included the horrific act of child sacrifice, various forms of divination, and communication with the dead—were not merely culturally different but fundamentally evil, antithetical to the nature and will of God, and posed an existential threat to Israel's spiritual integrity and their covenant relationship with God.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 18:9 skillfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent and weighty message. Most prominent is Prohibition, expressed through the direct and emphatic negative command "thou shalt not learn to do after," which immediately establishes a clear, non-negotiable boundary for the Israelites. There is also a powerful implicit Antithesis at play, starkly contrasting the pure, holy worship demanded by Yahweh with the defiling "abominations" of the pagan nations. This highlights the absolute choice before Israel: unwavering fidelity to God or assimilation into corruption. The verse also functions as Foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the future struggles Israel would inevitably face with idolatry and syncretism, as vividly and tragically recounted in the historical books of Judges and Kings. This command, though given before their entry into the land, anticipates the very challenges that would repeatedly lead to Israel's apostasy and downfall. Furthermore, the phrase "the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" employs rich Covenant Language, serving as a potent reminder to Israel of their unique, gracious relationship with God and the profound responsibilities that accompany His divine provision, thereby reinforcing the theological weight and spiritual imperative of the prohibition.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 18:9 is a foundational text for understanding God's unwavering demand for holiness and His call for His people to be distinctly separate from the world. It underscores the profound principle that God's chosen people are to be set apart, reflecting His character in their worship, moral conduct, and daily lives. The "abominations" are not merely cultural differences but practices that are a direct affront to God's nature, sovereignty, and moral order, demonstrating the inherent, irreconcilable conflict between divine truth and pagan falsehood. This verse teaches that true worship requires exclusive and unadulterated devotion to Yahweh, free from any syncretistic blend with practices that dishonor Him. It also profoundly reveals God's protective love for His people, shielding them from spiritual dangers that would inevitably lead to their moral and spiritual ruin. The command is a call to radical obedience, prioritizing God's ways and His revealed will above all cultural pressures, temptations, and the allure of forbidden knowledge or power.
Reflection and Application
While believers today are not entering a literal promised land to dispossess pagan nations, the profound spiritual principle embedded in Deuteronomy 18:9 remains critically relevant for the church. We are called to be a distinct people, a holy nation, set apart for God in a world that increasingly promotes values, philosophies, and practices antithetical to His kingdom and character. This verse challenges us to cultivate profound spiritual discernment, vigilantly guarding our hearts and minds against the "abominations" of our contemporary culture. These can manifest in myriad forms: pervasive materialism, secular humanism, moral relativism, the subtle allure of the occult (including New Age spirituality or even certain forms of entertainment that normalize dark themes), or seemingly innocuous cultural trends that subtly promote ungodly worldviews. We must actively resist the temptation to "learn to do after" the patterns of this world, instead seeking to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, as powerfully exhorted in Romans 12:2. Our identity as followers of Christ demands a proactive commitment to spiritual purity, an unwavering devotion to God alone, and a conscious effort to ensure that our worship, our ethics, and our entire lives reflect His holiness, even when it means being counter-cultural and standing apart from the mainstream.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What exactly are the "abominations" referred to in Deuteronomy 18:9?
In the immediate context of Deuteronomy 18:9-12, the "abominations" (tôwʻêbah, H8441) primarily refer to a specific list of cultic and occult practices prevalent among the Canaanite nations. These included the horrific act of making one's son or daughter "pass through the fire" (child sacrifice), various forms of divination (such as consulting soothsayers, fortune-tellers, or omens), sorcery, charming, consulting mediums or spirits, and necromancy (seeking answers from the dead). These practices were considered utterly detestable to God because they involved illicit attempts to gain divine knowledge or power outside of God's revealed will, often leading to horrific moral corruption, a rejection of Yahweh's exclusive authority, and a defilement of human life.
Why was this command so critically important for the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land?
This command was vitally important for several profound reasons. Firstly, it was essential for preserving Israel's unique identity as God's covenant people. Their distinctiveness was rooted in their exclusive worship of Yahweh and their adherence to His holy laws, which fundamentally set them apart from the pagan nations. Secondly, it served as a crucial spiritual safeguard. The "abominations" of the Canaanites were spiritually defiling and morally corrupting; adopting them would inevitably lead Israel into idolatry, ethical decay, and ultimately, God's severe judgment, as tragically seen throughout the book of Judges and the subsequent historical narratives. Thirdly, it maintained the holiness of the land itself. The land was a sacred gift from God, intended to be a place where His presence could dwell among a holy people, not a place defiled by pagan rituals and human sacrifice. The command underscored that the land's continued blessing and Israel's secure tenure within it were contingent upon their obedience and spiritual purity.
Does the principle of Deuteronomy 18:9 apply to Christians today, and if so, how?
Yes, the underlying principle of Deuteronomy 18:9 is profoundly applicable to Christians today, though the specific cultural context differs. While we are not literally entering a promised land or confronting the same ancient pagan cults, the call to spiritual separation and purity of worship remains a core biblical mandate. We are called to be "in the world but not of the world," as Jesus prayed in John 17:14-16. For believers today, the "abominations" can be understood as any practices, philosophies, or worldviews that are contrary to God's Word and character, drawing our hearts away from Him or compromising our commitment to His truth. This includes things like rampant materialism, secularism, moral relativism, occult practices (even in subtle forms like New Age spirituality or certain forms of entertainment), and any cultural trends that promote ungodly values or normalize sin. The command to "not learn to do after" them means actively discerning, resisting, and rejecting cultural influences that contradict biblical truth, maintaining our distinct identity as followers of Christ, and ensuring our worship and lives are devoted exclusively to God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 18:9, with its stern warning against the "abominations" of the nations, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very reason for this stringent prohibition was Israel's inherent inability to perfectly separate themselves and maintain their purity, as they consistently fell into the very practices warned against. Jesus, however, perfectly embodies the holiness and radical separation demanded by God's law. He is the one who truly fulfills the promise of a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-18), through whom God speaks with ultimate, final authority, rendering all forms of illicit divination, occult practices, and human attempts to manipulate the divine utterly obsolete. In Christ, believers are not only commanded but also divinely empowered to live out the spirit of this command. His perfect sacrifice on the cross cleanses us from all "abominations"—that is, from all sin and defilement that separates us from God, purifying our conscience to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are given the supernatural power to "not learn to do after" the ways of the world, but rather to be continually transformed by the renewal of our minds, actively discerning and approving what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). We, the church, are now the "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" (1 Peter 2:9), called to live distinctly in a fallen world, reflecting Christ's purity and light, and avoiding any "unequal yoking" with darkness or compromise with ungodliness (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Thus, what Israel struggled to achieve through strict adherence to the Law, believers are enabled to live out by grace through faith in the perfect, purifying, and empowering work of Christ.