Deuteronomy 18:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 18:9
9 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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 18 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, salvation, worship. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 18:9
9 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.
Analysis
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 (כִּי אַתָּה בָּא אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ לֹא־תִלְמַד לַעֲשׂוֹת כְּתוֹעֲבֹת הַגּוֹיִם הָהֵם)—the verb talmad (learn, teach yourself) implies deliberate adoption, not accidental exposure. Israel would encounter Canaanite practices; God forbids studying them for imitation.
Abominations (to'evot) denotes what is detestable, ritually abhorrent, morally repulsive—particularly idolatrous practices. The phrase of those nations (hagoyim hahem) refers specifically to Canaan's seven nations (Deuteronomy 7:1): Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites. Their religious practices included child sacrifice, ritual prostitution, divination, and necromancy.
This transitions Deuteronomy 18 from priestly provisions (vv. 1-8) to prophetic revelation (vv. 9-22). The contrast is stark: Israel must support God's authorized ministers (priests, Levites) and reject false spiritual intermediaries (diviners, mediums, necromancers). The occult practices listed in verses 10-11 represent satanic counterfeits to legitimate prophetic revelation, which God will provide through true prophets (vv. 15-19).
Historical Context
Canaanite religion (circa 1400 BC) included worship of Baal, Asherah, Molech, and other deities through practices Israel found in the land. Archaeological discoveries at Ugarit (modern Syria) reveal liturgical texts describing fertility rites, sacred prostitution, and child sacrifice. These 'abominations' caused God to expel Canaan's inhabitants (Leviticus 18:24-28). Tragically, Israel later adopted these very practices, provoking the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 16:3, 21:6, Jeremiah 32:35).
Reflection
- What modern 'abominations of the nations'—cultural practices contrary to God's word—are believers tempted to 'learn' and adopt?
- How can Christians live in a pagan culture without being shaped by its spiritual assumptions and practices?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Leviticus 18:30