Deuteronomy 17:3 - and has gone and served other gods, and worshiped them, or the sun, or the moon, or any of the stars of the sky, which I have not commanded;
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What does "Deuteronomy 17:3" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 17:3, is part of a larger section (Deuteronomy 17:2-7) that deals with the prohibition against idolatry and the establishment of a legal process for dealing with those accused of such crimes. Let's break down what the verse means:
"and has gone and served other gods, and worshiped them": This refers to the act of abandoning the worship of the one true God (Yahweh) and instead devoting oneself to the service and worship of other deities. "Served" implies actively performing rituals, offering sacrifices, and generally obeying the commands of these false gods. "Worshiped" reinforces the act of giving adoration, honor, and reverence to these deities.
"or the sun, or the moon, or any of the stars of the sky": This specifies particular examples of things that the Israelites are forbidden to worship. In the ancient Near East, celestial bodies were often viewed as gods or associated with deities. The Israelites are being warned against falling into these common idolatrous practices.
"which I have not commanded": This is the core of the prohibition. God is emphasizing that He has not instructed His people to worship these other gods or celestial objects. Worship is reserved for Him alone, and any other form of worship is disobedience. This stresses the exclusive nature of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. He has commanded them to worship him and only him.
In summary, Deuteronomy 17:3 warns against abandoning the exclusive worship of Yahweh in favor of other gods or celestial bodies, which God has explicitly forbidden. This verse highlights the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant and rejecting idolatry in all its forms.
Deuteronomy 17:3 - and has gone and served other gods, and worshiped them, or the sun, or the moon, or any of the stars of the sky, which I have not commanded;
What does "Deuteronomy 17:3" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 17:3, is part of a larger section (Deuteronomy 17:2-7) that deals with the prohibition against idolatry and the establishment of a legal process for dealing with those accused of such crimes. Let's break down what the verse means:
"and has gone and served other gods, and worshiped them": This refers to the act of abandoning the worship of the one true God (Yahweh) and instead devoting oneself to the service and worship of other deities. "Served" implies actively performing rituals, offering sacrifices, and generally obeying the commands of these false gods. "Worshiped" reinforces the act of giving adoration, honor, and reverence to these deities.
"or the sun, or the moon, or any of the stars of the sky": This specifies particular examples of things that the Israelites are forbidden to worship. In the ancient Near East, celestial bodies were often viewed as gods or associated with deities. The Israelites are being warned against falling into these common idolatrous practices.
"which I have not commanded": This is the core of the prohibition. God is emphasizing that He has not instructed His people to worship these other gods or celestial objects. Worship is reserved for Him alone, and any other form of worship is disobedience. This stresses the exclusive nature of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. He has commanded them to worship him and only him.
In summary, Deuteronomy 17:3 warns against abandoning the exclusive worship of Yahweh in favor of other gods or celestial bodies, which God has explicitly forbidden. This verse highlights the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant and rejecting idolatry in all its forms.