Deuteronomy 18:9

KJV

¶ When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou art come {H935} into the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee, thou shalt not learn {H3925} to do {H6213} after the abominations {H8441} of those nations {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When you enter the land ADONAI your God is giving you, you are not to learn how to follow the abominable practices of those nations.

Berean Standard Bible

When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.

American Standard Version

When thou art come into the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 18:9 delivers a crucial warning to the Israelites on the threshold of the Promised Land, commanding them not to adopt or imitate the detestable religious and moral practices of the Canaanite nations they were about to dispossess. This verse establishes a fundamental principle of divine separation, calling God's people to maintain their distinct identity and purity of worship, thereby safeguarding their covenant relationship with Yahweh from the corrupting influences of idolatry and occultism prevalent in the surrounding cultures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' final discourses to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into Canaan. Deuteronomy 18 specifically addresses the proper channels of divine communication and the dangers of illicit spiritual practices. Following instructions for the Levites and priests (Deuteronomy 18:1-8), verse 9 serves as a stark prohibition, setting the stage for the detailed list of "abominations" in verses 10-12, such as child sacrifice, divination, and necromancy. The passage then transitions to the promise of a true prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-18), contrasting God's pure revelation with the deceptive and defiling practices of the pagan nations. This juxtaposition highlights the necessity of relying solely on God's appointed means of communication and avoiding all forms of spiritual syncretism.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were poised to enter the land of Canaan, a region inhabited by various peoples (Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites) whose religious and social structures were deeply antithetical to the covenant stipulations of Yahweh. Canaanite religion was characterized by polytheism, fertility cults, ritual prostitution, and, most horrifyingly, child sacrifice, often associated with deities like Molech. Divination, sorcery, and consulting the dead were common attempts to manipulate divine forces or gain forbidden knowledge. The command in Deuteronomy 18:9 was not merely a theological abstract but a practical imperative for survival and spiritual integrity. Assimilation into these practices would not only violate God's holiness but also lead to the moral decay and eventual destruction of the Israelite nation, as evidenced by later historical accounts in books like [Judges](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Israel's Failure to Drive Out the Inhabitants") and [1 Kings](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Idolatry and Its Consequences").
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 18:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Divine Separation and Holiness**, emphasizing God's call for His people to be distinct and set apart from the surrounding nations. Israel's identity was to be rooted exclusively in their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, not in imitation of pagan cultures. This echoes the repeated command for holiness found in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy") and [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy"). Another crucial theme is **Purity of Worship**, demanding exclusive and unadulterated devotion to Yahweh. The "abominations" specifically refer to idolatrous rituals and occult practices, which were an affront to God's sovereignty and holiness. This aligns with the [First Commandment in Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me"), which strictly forbids having any other gods. Finally, the verse highlights the **Warning Against Assimilation**, a recurring concern throughout Israel's history. The danger was not just 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 judgment as recorded in the historical books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"learn to do after" (Hebrew, _lamad_):** The Hebrew verb "lamad" (לָמַד) means "to learn," "to teach," or "to be taught." In this context, it implies a deliberate process of observation, imitation, and active adoption. It's not merely about being exposed to these practices but about internalizing them and making them one's own. This emphasizes the proactive nature of the prohibition: Israel must not merely avoid participating in these abominations but must also guard against the very process of learning or being taught to engage in them, highlighting the insidious nature of cultural assimilation.
* **"abominations" (Hebrew, _to'evah_):** The Hebrew noun "to'evah" (תּוֹעֵבָה) signifies something utterly detestable, abhorrent, or an anathema, particularly in a religious or moral sense. While "to'evah" can describe various actions abhorrent to God (e.g., dishonest weights in [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination")), in Deuteronomy 18:9 and the subsequent verses, it specifically refers to the cultic and occult practices of the Canaanites. These include child sacrifice, divination, sorcery, charming, consulting mediums, and necromancy (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). These practices were considered a direct affront to God's holiness, a violation of His covenant, and a defilement of the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee,"**: This opening clause establishes the specific context and timing of the command. It grounds the prohibition in the divine gift of the Promised Land, implying that with this gift 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" underscores God's sovereignty and gracious provision, making the subsequent command a matter of covenant loyalty and gratitude.
* **"thou shalt not learn to do after"**: This is the core prohibition, a strong negative command. The phrase "learn to do after" (from the Hebrew _lamad_) is crucial, indicating a proactive and intentional avoidance of adopting foreign ways. It's not just about refraining from participation, but about rejecting the very process of cultural and spiritual assimilation. This implies a need for discernment, vigilance, and active resistance against the allure of pagan practices, preventing them from taking root in Israelite society.
* **"the abominations of those nations."**: This specifies the forbidden practices. "Those nations" refers to the Canaanite inhabitants of the land. The term "abominations" (_to'evah_) denotes practices that are utterly detestable to Yahweh, particularly their religious and magical rites. These practices—which included child sacrifice, various forms of divination, and communication with the dead—were not merely different but fundamentally evil and antithetical to the nature and will of God, posing an existential threat to Israel's spiritual integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 18:9 employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Prohibition**, expressed through the direct negative command "thou shalt not learn to do after," which immediately establishes a clear boundary for the Israelites. There is also an implicit **Antithesis** at play, contrasting the pure, holy worship of Yahweh with the defiling "abominations" of the pagan nations. This highlights the stark choice before Israel: fidelity to God or assimilation into corruption. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future struggles Israel would face with idolatry and syncretism, as vividly recounted in the books of Judges and Kings. This command, though given before their entry, anticipates the very challenges that would repeatedly lead to Israel's downfall. Furthermore, the phrase "the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" employs **Covenant Language**, reminding Israel of their unique relationship with God and the responsibilities that accompany His gracious provision, thus reinforcing the theological weight of the prohibition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 18:9 is a foundational text for understanding God's demand for holiness and separation from the world. It underscores the principle that God's people are called to be distinct, reflecting His character in their worship and daily lives. The "abominations" are not merely cultural differences but practices that are an affront to God's nature and sovereignty, demonstrating the inherent conflict between divine truth and pagan falsehood. This verse teaches that true worship requires exclusive devotion, free from any syncretistic blend with practices that dishonor God. It also reveals God's protective love for His people, shielding them from spiritual dangers that would lead to their moral and spiritual ruin. The command is a call to radical obedience, prioritizing God's ways above all cultural pressures and temptations.

* [Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Do Not Follow the Customs of Egypt or Canaan")
* [Psalm 106:35-39](/psalms/106-35 "Psalm 106:35-39 - Israel's Idolatry and Child Sacrifice")
* [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry and Its Consequences")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today are not entering a literal promised land to dispossess pagan nations, the profound spiritual principle of Deuteronomy 18:9 remains critically relevant. We are called to be a distinct people, set apart for God in a world that often promotes values and practices antithetical to His kingdom. This verse challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, vigilantly guarding our hearts and minds against the "abominations" of our contemporary culture. These can manifest as materialism, secular humanism, moral relativism, the occult, or even seemingly innocuous forms of entertainment that normalize sin or 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 exhorted in [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed, Not Conformed"). Our identity as followers of Christ demands a proactive commitment to spiritual purity and an unwavering devotion to God, ensuring that our worship remains unadulterated and our lives reflect His holiness, even when it means being counter-cultural.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some modern "abominations" or cultural practices that Christians might be subtly "learning to do after" without realizing their spiritual danger?**
* **How can we actively cultivate a distinct Christian identity in a society that often pressures conformity, and what practical steps can we take to guard against spiritual assimilation?**
* **In what areas of my life (e.g., media consumption, relationships, career choices) do I need to exercise greater discernment to ensure I am not adopting practices that are detestable to God?**

### FAQ

**What exactly are the "abominations" referred to in Deuteronomy 18:9?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Deuteronomy 18:9-12, the "abominations" primarily refer to a specific list of cultic and occult practices prevalent among the Canaanite nations. These included child sacrifice (making one's son or daughter pass through the fire), 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 and a rejection of Yahweh's exclusive authority.

**Why was this command so critically important for the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land?**

Answer: This command was vital for several 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 set them apart from the pagan nations. Secondly, it was a spiritual safeguard. The "abominations" of the Canaanites were spiritually defiling and morally corrupting; adopting them would lead Israel into idolatry, ethical decay, and ultimately, God's judgment, as seen throughout the book of [Judges](/judges/2 "Judges 2 - Israel's Disobedience and Cycles of Apostasy"). Thirdly, it maintained the holiness of the land itself. The land was a gift from God, intended to be a place where His presence could dwell among a holy people, not a place defiled by pagan rituals. The command underscored that the land's continued blessing was contingent upon Israel's obedience and purity.

**Does the principle of Deuteronomy 18:9 apply to Christians today, and if so, how?**

Answer: Yes, the underlying principle of Deuteronomy 18:9 is profoundly applicable to Christians today, though the specific cultural context differs. While we are not entering a literal promised land or confronting the same pagan cults, the call to spiritual separation and purity of worship remains. We are called to be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:14-16](/john/17-14 "John 17:14-16 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples' Protection")). The "abominations" for believers today 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 materialism, secularism, moral relativism, occult practices (even in subtle forms like New Age spirituality), and entertainment that promotes ungodly values. The command to "not learn to do after" them means actively discerning and resisting 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 Jesus Christ. The very reason for the prohibition was Israel's inability to perfectly separate themselves and maintain their purity, constantly falling into the very practices warned against. Jesus, however, perfectly embodies the holiness and 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 authority, rendering all forms of illicit divination and occult practices obsolete. In Christ, believers are empowered to live out the spirit of this command. His sacrifice on the cross cleanses us from all "abominations"—that is, from all sin and defilement that separates us from God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Our Conscience")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are given the power to "not learn to do after" the ways of the world, but rather to be transformed by the renewal of our minds ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed, Not Conformed")). We, the church, are now the "holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, A Royal Priesthood")), called to live distinctly in a fallen world, reflecting Christ's purity and light, and avoiding any "unequal yoking" with darkness ([2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")). Thus, what Israel struggled to achieve through law, believers are enabled to live out by grace through faith in the perfect and purifying work of Christ.

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 12:29

When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land;

Deuteronomy 12:31

Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

Leviticus 18:26

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit [any] of these abominations; [neither] any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:

Leviticus 18:27

(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which [were] before you, and the land is defiled;)

Leviticus 18:30

Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that [ye] commit not [any one] of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I [am] the LORD your God.