Statutes Dealing With the Second Commandment

Click here to read Deuteronomy 12.

Chapter 12 deals with those particular statutes that relate to the worship of God, those that deal with the second commandment, "You shall not make for yourself any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven or that is in the earth beneath." It was a commandment against idolatry.

This chapter deals with the removing from Canaan that which would lead people into the sin of idolatry. Commanded was the following:

  1. Destroy all heathen altars; leave nothing to remind you of them.
  2. Establish a place of worship where God will show you. You cannot worship God just anywhere. This is what the heathen do.
  3. Remember the Laws go into effect when you cross the Jordan and establish your homes. As of now, it appears that everyone is doing whatever he thinks is right.
  4. None of your burnt offering may be eaten at home. All offerings must be brought to the "central alter" where you and the Levites can eat.
  5. When the Lord enlarges your borders and some of the people may live to far from the central alter for it to be practical to bring their offerings, it will be permissible for them to butcher their offerings on their own farm and eat the meat but not the blood.
  6. Do not be curious about the heathen worship. It will only tempt you to disobey God.


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