Deuteronomy 16:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 16:21
21 Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 16 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, faith, prayer. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 16:21
21 Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.
Analysis
Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee—The asherah (אֲשֵׁרָה, sacred pole or tree) was a Canaanite goddess symbol, often wooden posts near Baal altars. Planting trees (especially evergreens) near YHWH's altar syncretized pagan worship with true worship—mixing light with darkness.
Paul echoes this: What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?...Come out from among them, and be ye separate (2 Corinthians 6:14, 17). The warning applies today: combining Christian faith with New Age spirituality, prosperity gospel materialism, or therapeutic deism creates hybrid religion—aesthetically appealing but spiritually toxic. No man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Worship must remain pure, undiluted by cultural idolatries.
Historical Context
Canaanite high places featured groves (sacred trees) where fertility rituals and cultic prostitution occurred. By forbidding trees near YHWH's altar, God distinguished His worship from sexualized pagan practices. Reformer kings like Hezekiah and Josiah cut down Asherah poles (2 Kings 18:4, 23:6, 14).
Reflection
- What modern 'Asherah poles' (worldly values, cultural idols, secular philosophies) are you tempted to 'plant near' your worship of God?
- How does syncretism (mixing Christian faith with other worldviews) create spiritually toxic 'hybrid religion'?
- What specific compromises must you 'cut down' to maintain worship purity?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Judges 3:7, 1 Kings 16:33, 2 Kings 17:16
- References Lord: 1 Kings 14:15
- Sacrifice: Exodus 34:13, 2 Kings 21:3, 2 Chronicles 33:3