Deuteronomy 29:17

KJV

And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which [were] among them:)

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye have seen {H7200} their abominations {H8251}, and their idols {H1544}, wood {H6086} and stone {H68}, silver {H3701} and gold {H2091}, which were among them:)

Complete Jewish Bible

and you saw their detestable things and their idols of wood, stone, silver and gold that they had with them.

Berean Standard Bible

You saw the abominations and idols among them made of wood and stone, of silver and gold.

American Standard Version

and ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:17 delivers a potent warning within Moses' covenant renewal address to Israel on the plains of Moab. It serves as a stark reminder to the new generation that they have personally witnessed the detestable idolatrous practices and lifeless cultic objects of the surrounding pagan nations, particularly during their wilderness journey and encounters with various peoples. This direct exposure renders any future turning to such "abominations" inexcusable, underscoring the severity of spiritual apostasy and the imperative for exclusive devotion to the one true God before their imminent entry into the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29 initiates a crucial section of Moses' final discourse, specifically a renewal of the covenant made at Horeb (Sinai) with the generation poised to enter Canaan. Following the extensive blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"), this chapter emphasizes that the covenant is not merely for the past generation but for "all who are standing here with us today and also with those who are not here with us today" ([Deuteronomy 29:15](/deuteronomy/29-15 "Deuteronomy 29:15 - Covenant for All Generations")). Verse 17, therefore, serves as a direct and pointed justification for the covenant's solemn warnings against apostasy, reminding them of their firsthand experience with paganism. It sets the stage for the subsequent warnings against individual and corporate idolatry and the dire consequences of a "root that produces poisonous and bitter fruit" ([Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - Warning Against Apostasy")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the threshold of Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic worship, fertility cults, and abhorrent practices like child sacrifice. Their forty-year wilderness journey had also exposed them to various pagan peoples, including Egyptians, Midianites, and Amorites. Moses' address recalls their direct observation of these "abominations" and "idols"—tangible objects crafted from "wood and stone, silver and gold"—which represented the gods of these nations. This vivid recollection highlights the pervasive nature of idolatry in the ancient Near East and the constant temptation it posed to Israel. The covenant's renewal was thus a crucial moment for Israel to reaffirm their unique identity as a people set apart for Yahweh, distinct from the surrounding cultures and their defiling practices.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 29:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **exclusive worship** to Yahweh, the one true God, as articulated in the [Shema](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema") and the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Secondly, it highlights the **detestable nature of idolatry**, emphasizing that pagan worship is not merely an alternative path but an "abomination" to God, inherently defiling and morally repugnant. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **accountability based on knowledge**, as Israel had directly witnessed these practices, making their potential turning to them inexcusable. This directly ties into the covenant's emphasis on obedience and the severe consequences of disobedience detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), warning against spiritual syncretism and apostasy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** This term (H8251), often appearing in its plural form _shiqqûwtsîm_ in the Old Testament, refers to something disgusting, filthy, or detestable, particularly in a religious or moral sense. In this context, it specifically denotes idols and the abhorrent rituals associated with their worship. The use of this word underscores God's utter revulsion for these practices, indicating that idolatry is not merely a mistake but an offense that pollutes the land and the people, rendering them impure.
* **Idols (Hebrew, _gillûl'_):** This is a highly pejorative and contemptuous term (H1544) for idols, often translated in a derogatory manner as "dung-pellets" or "worthless things," deriving from a root meaning "to roll" or "a log (as round)." It emphasizes the utter futility, powerlessness, and defiling nature of these man-made objects, contrasting sharply with the living, sovereign God of Israel. Its deliberate use here mocks the very concept of worshipping such inert, contemptible objects.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye have seen their abominations":** This clause emphasizes the direct, personal experience of the Israelites. They were not merely told about pagan practices; they had witnessed firsthand the morally repugnant and spiritually defiling rituals and objects of the surrounding nations. This direct observation removes any excuse for future engagement with such practices, establishing a clear basis for their accountability.
* **"and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold":** This specifies the nature of the "abominations" as tangible, man-made cultic objects. The materials listed—"wood and stone, silver and gold"—highlight their inertness, their lack of life, power, or divine essence. These are mere products of human hands, utterly incapable of hearing, seeing, or saving, a stark contrast to Yahweh, the living God, who is Spirit and transcends all creation.
* **"which [were] among them":** This phrase confirms the proximity and pervasive presence of idolatry. It was not a distant threat but a tangible reality within their immediate environment, whether during their journey through the wilderness or their encounters with the peoples on the borders of Canaan. This constant exposure necessitated a clear and firm warning against assimilation and spiritual compromise.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices to convey its solemn warning. The use of **Enumeration** ("wood and stone, silver and gold") vividly lists the common, mundane materials from which idols are made. This technique emphasizes their man-made, created nature, contrasting them sharply with the transcendent, uncreated God and thereby highlighting their utter worthlessness and powerlessness. Furthermore, the strong, loaded terms "abominations" (_shiqqûwtsîm_) and "idols" (_gillûlîm_) function as **Dysphemisms**. Moses deliberately uses derogatory and contemptuous language to express God's profound disgust for pagan worship. This rhetorical choice serves to underscore the severe moral and spiritual defilement associated with idolatry and to reinforce the imperative for Israel's exclusive and uncompromised devotion to Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:17 serves as a foundational text for understanding the biblical abhorrence of idolatry. It underscores that the worship of anything other than the one true God is not merely a deviation but an "abomination"—something utterly detestable and defiling in God's sight. This is rooted in God's unique nature as the sole Creator and Sustainer, who demands exclusive allegiance from His covenant people. The verse's emphasis on the man-made, lifeless nature of idols highlights their futility and powerlessness, contrasting sharply with the living, active, and sovereign God of Israel. This warning against tangible idols of wood and stone extends to any object, idea, or pursuit that takes God's rightful place in the human heart, making it a timeless principle for spiritual purity and undivided devotion.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "The Futility of Idols")
* [Romans 1:22-23](/romans/1-22-23 "Exchange of God's Glory for Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:17, though addressing ancient Israel's struggle with physical idols, speaks profoundly to the human heart's perennial temptation to worship created things rather than the Creator. While we may not bow before statues of wood and stone, modern idolatry manifests in more subtle, yet equally insidious, forms. Anything that consumes our ultimate loyalty, provides our primary security, dictates our values, or becomes the source of our deepest satisfaction apart from God can become an "idol." This includes the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, comfort, self-image, relationships, or even intellectual achievements. The verse challenges us to a radical self-examination, asking what truly holds the throne of our hearts. It calls for a vigilant spiritual discernment to identify and dismantle these contemporary "abominations" in our lives, ensuring that our devotion, trust, and worship are exclusively directed towards the living God, who alone is worthy of all praise and allegiance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" in my life, though not physical statues, might be competing for my ultimate allegiance and devotion to God?**
* **How does the "worthlessness" of man-made idols in Deuteronomy 29:17 challenge my pursuit of transient worldly things?**
* **In what ways does my culture subtly promote "abominations" that draw me away from biblical truth and God's exclusive claim on my life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of listing specific materials like "wood and stone, silver and gold" for the idols?**

Answer: The listing of "wood and stone, silver and gold" is highly significant because it emphasizes the **material, man-made, and inert nature** of these objects. Unlike the living God of Israel, who is Spirit and transcends all creation, these idols are products of human hands, crafted from common, earthly substances. This detail underscores their utter powerlessness, futility, and lack of divine essence. They cannot see, hear, speak, or save, directly contrasting with Yahweh's omnipotence and active involvement in Israel's history, as seen in the mighty acts of deliverance from Egypt and provision in the wilderness (cf. [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "The Futility of Idols")). This serves as a rhetorical device to mock the absurdity of worshipping such lifeless objects.

**Why does Moses specifically remind them that "ye have seen their abominations"?**

Answer: Moses' emphasis on "ye have seen their abominations" is crucial because it highlights the **direct, personal experience and eyewitness knowledge** of the Israelites. This was not merely a theoretical warning or a distant threat; they had personally witnessed the defiling and detestable practices of pagan nations during their journey and encounters. This direct observation made their potential turning to idolatry all the more inexcusable and underscored their accountability. It served as a powerful reminder of the severity of the covenant warnings and the clear choice before them: to serve the living God exclusively or to fall into the very practices they had seen to be an "abomination" to Him. This personal testimony reinforces the gravity of the call to exclusive worship before entering the Promised Land, a land filled with such pagan practices (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1-5 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Warning Against Idolatry in Canaan")).

**How does this verse relate to the broader covenant renewal in Deuteronomy 29?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 29:17 is integral to the broader covenant renewal because it provides a **concrete justification for the covenant's stringent warnings against apostasy**. Moses is not simply presenting abstract laws; he is reminding the people of the tangible dangers they have already encountered. By recalling their direct exposure to "abominations" and "idols," the verse underscores the very real temptation and the severe consequences of spiritual defection. It serves as a stark reminder of the exclusive nature of their covenant relationship with Yahweh and the absolute necessity of undivided loyalty. This verse sets the stage for the curses for disobedience outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") and the solemn oath taken by all generations to uphold the covenant, warning against any "root that produces poisonous and bitter fruit" ([Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - Warning Against Apostasy")) of idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:17, with its stark warning against the "abominations" and "idols" of wood, stone, silver, and gold, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's condemnation of idolatry points to humanity's fundamental brokenness – our innate tendency to worship created things rather than the Creator. Jesus, as the perfect image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), perfectly embodies the exclusive worship due to God alone. He confronts the idolatry of the human heart, not just the physical idols, revealing that true worship is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ breaks the power of sin, which includes the sin of idolatry, freeing us from the futile worship of anything other than God. He becomes the new and living way to approach the Father, offering a relationship based on grace rather than the endless cycle of seeking satisfaction in lifeless things. Believers are now called to "flee from idolatry" ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")) and to "put to death... 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")), understanding that in Christ, we have found the true object of our worship and the source of all life and satisfaction.

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 28:36

The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.