Deuteronomy Chapter 18 · Verse 12
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹ֣ת
of these abominations
H8441
הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹ֣ת
of these abominations
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֹ֣שֵׂה
For all that do
H6213
עֹ֣שֵׂה
For all that do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וּבִגְלַל֙
and because
H1558
וּבִגְלַל֙
and because
Strong's:
H1558
Word #:
7 of 14
a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of
הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹ֣ת
of these abominations
H8441
הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹ֣ת
of these abominations
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מוֹרִ֥ישׁ
doth drive them out
H3423
מוֹרִ֥ישׁ
doth drive them out
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
12 of 14
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
Cross References
Leviticus 18:24Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:Deuteronomy 9:4Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee.Leviticus 18:27(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)
Historical Context
Moses delivered this warning circa 1406 BC on the plains of Moab, preparing Israel for entry into Canaan where occult practices were deeply embedded in religious culture. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread divination, necromancy, and child sacrifice among Canaanite peoples. The Molech cult (child sacrifice) is attested in Phoenician inscriptions and excavations at Carthage. Israel's temptation would be to syncretize these practices with YHWH worship—precisely what later occurred and provoked prophetic condemnation (2 Kings 21:6; Jeremiah 7:31).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's unchanging holiness demand separation from occult practices in contemporary culture (horoscopes, mediums, spiritualism)?
- What does the severity of God's judgment on Canaanite occultism teach about the spiritual danger of dabbling in 'harmless' supernatural practices?
Analysis & Commentary
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD—The Hebrew to'evah (abomination) denotes something utterly detestable and morally repugnant to God's holy nature. This term appears throughout the Mosaic law for practices that fundamentally violate covenant relationship with YHWH. The phrase all that do these things refers back to the catalogue of occult practices in verses 10-11: child sacrifice, divination, soothsaying, enchantment, witchcraft, charming, consulting spirits, wizardry, and necromancy.
Because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee—The Canaanite nations' expulsion was divine judgment for their occult practices. God's holiness demands separation from such practices; Israel's conquest of Canaan was not arbitrary imperialism but theocratic judgment. This establishes a crucial principle: God judges nations for moral corruption, and His people must remain distinct. The verse connects cultic purity with covenant blessing—compromising with occultism forfeits God's protection and presence.