Deuteronomy 20:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 20:18
18 That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 20 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, holiness, grace. 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
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 20:18
18 That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God.
Analysis
That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God—The reason for herem: preventing idolatrous abominations (תּוֹעֵבוֹת, to'evot, 'detestable practices') from infecting Israel. Canaanite worship included child sacrifice (they burnt their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods, Deuteronomy 12:31), cultic prostitution, and divination. Exposure meant adoption: they teach you (לְמַדְתֶּם, lemadtem, instructing, training).
The warning proved prophetic. Israel learned Canaanite practices: They sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, and shed innocent blood (Psalm 106:37-38). God's preventative judgment (destroy them first) became necessary corrective judgment (exile, 586 BC). The principle stands: Evil company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33, NKJV). Tolerating sin's presence guarantees sin's dominance. Paul commands: Abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Historical Context
Archaeological discoveries at Canaanite sites (Gezer, Megiddo, Hazor) revealed infant remains in foundation walls (sacrifice), cultic prostitution facilities, and brutality confirming biblical descriptions. These weren't innocent cultures but systems of organized evil requiring divine judgment.
Reflection
- What 'abominations' (cultural practices, entertainment, philosophies) are you tolerating that could 'teach' (gradually train) you away from God?
- How did Israel's failure to execute herem result in adopting the very practices God sought to prevent?
- What 'appearances of evil' must you avoid—not because they're inherently sinful but because exposure leads to adoption?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 34:16, Joshua 23:13
- References Lord: 2 Corinthians 6:17
- Sin: Exodus 23:33
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 15:33, Ephesians 5:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:14