UNDIVIDED WORSHIP
Deuteronomy 12:1–11, 29–32
In Deuteronomy, Moses is preparing Israel for life in the promised land. Chapter 12 is especially important because it lays down regulations for worship. It contrasts Israel’s covenant worship with the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites, highlighting the holiness and exclusivity of Yahweh.
Many times, I have heard people say, “I don’t need to go to church to worship. I can worship God just as well on the beach, in my garden or in the mountains.” Though statements like that contain an element of truth, the experiences aren’t the same.
A worship community enhances spiritual growth through shared understanding of Scripture and prayer, mental and emotional support from a network of believers, increased accountability for living a Christian life, a stronger sense of belonging and purpose, deeper connection to God’s presence and opportunities to serve others within the faith family, all of which strengthen the individual and the collective body of Christ.
You cannot get that just anywhere — and certainly not alone. That is why it is so important to worship collectively.
Verses 1–11 and 29–32 of Deuteronomy 12 teach that worship belongs to God alone, must be done in His appointed way and must be free from compromise with idolatry. God’s people are called to wholehearted devotion, obedience and reverence for His Word.
Remove Idolatry (1–7)
Four times Moses spoke of God’s people obeying His statutes and ordinances. (See Deut. 5:1, 11:32, 12:1 and 26:16.) Together, “statutes” and “ordinances” refer to the whole law.
Moses’ words connected obeying God’s law with living in the promised land. For Israel, the two were indistinguishably linked. God called His people to worship Him in a uniquely different way from how the Canaanites worshipped their gods. There were to be no similarities between idol worship and the worship of the one true God.
Israel is commanded to completely destroy the Canaanite worship sites — the altars, pillars, Asherah poles and images. Nothing was to be left.
This shows the seriousness of idolatry and the danger of compromise. Israel’s worship must not imitate the nations.
Unlike the Canaanites, Israel’s worship would be centralized in the place God chose, which eventually would be Jerusalem. It would be there that their offerings, tithes, vows and sacrifices were to be brought.
Worship God (8–11)
Until this time, Israel had made a habit of worshipping God in their own way. But once they had crossed the Jordan into the promised land, Israel was not to do whatever was “right in his own sight.” Once they receive rest, they are to bring their offerings to God’s chosen dwelling. Worship would not be left open to personal preference but would be directed by God’s command.
Stand Firm (29–32)
God then assures His people by telling them He would join them in the battle and completely eradicate the nations before them. After they possess the land, Israel must not be ensnared by the nations’ practices or inquire, “How did these nations worship their gods?”
God abhorred the Canaanites’ worship practices. Israel’s worship must be holy, life-affirming and rooted in God’s character.
God then warns Israel not to add to or subtract from His commands. God’s Word is always final and complete.
By Darrell Nimmo
Retired Baptist pastor living in Goodlettsville, Tennessee
