Deuteronomy 12:13
Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest:
Original Language Analysis
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר
Take heed
H8104
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר
Take heed
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
פֶּֽן
H6435
פֶּֽן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
תַּעֲלֶ֖ה
to thyself that thou offer
H5927
תַּעֲלֶ֖ה
to thyself that thou offer
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
4 of 9
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עֹֽלֹתֶ֑יךָ
not thy burnt offerings
H5930
עֹֽלֹתֶ֑יךָ
not thy burnt offerings
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
5 of 9
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מָק֖וֹם
in every place
H4725
מָק֖וֹם
in every place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
Historical Context
This command was frequently violated. Even faithful kings like Asa and Jehoshaphat failed to remove high places (1 Kings 15:14; 2 Chronicles 20:33). The northern kingdom's rival sanctuaries at Dan and Bethel violated this command (1 Kings 12:26-33), leading to condemnation as 'sin of Jeroboam.' Judah's high places persisted until Hezekiah and Josiah's reforms (2 Kings 18:4; 23:8-20). Unauthorized worship, however sincere, is disobedience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does modern worship prioritize convenience, aesthetics, or preference over biblical regulation?
- What safeguards exist to prevent individual or corporate worship innovation from replacing scriptural patterns?
- How do we discern between cultural adaptation of worship and unauthorized deviation from biblical principles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The warning: 'Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest.' The Hebrew hishamer (הִשָּׁמֶר, 'guard/beware') warns against unauthorized worship. The phrase 'every place that thou seest' describes human assessment—choosing worship locations based on personal preference or visible appeal. But God, not man, chooses worship location. This guards against Canaanite-style worship at aesthetically pleasing high places. Worship regulated by divine revelation, not human aesthetics or convenience, maintains covenant purity.