Deuteronomy 12:8

You are not to do as we are doing here today, where everyone does what seems right in his own eyes.

Study Bible

You are not to do as we are doing here today
This phrase marks a pivotal transition for the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "do" (עָשָׂה, asah) implies not just action but the creation or establishment of a practice. At this point in their journey, the Israelites are on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, and Moses is instructing them to abandon the ad-hoc practices of worship they have been following in the wilderness. Historically, this reflects a shift from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled one, where centralized worship becomes possible and necessary. The phrase underscores the importance of obedience and the establishment of a divinely ordained order.

everyone doing what seems right in his own eyes
The phrase "everyone doing what seems right in his own eyes" is a powerful indictment of subjective morality and individualism in worship. The Hebrew word for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) conveys a sense of straightness or correctness, but here it is qualified by personal perspective ("in his own eyes"). This reflects a period of moral and spiritual ambiguity, akin to the time of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). Theologically, this phrase warns against the dangers of relativism and underscores the need for a divinely revealed standard of righteousness. It calls believers to align their actions with God's commandments rather than personal inclinations, emphasizing the importance of communal and covenantal faithfulness over individualistic interpretations of righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being prepared to enter the Promised Land.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. Wilderness
The place where the Israelites wandered for 40 years before entering the Promised Land.

5. Canaan
The land that the Israelites are about to enter, where they are to establish a society based on God's laws.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Law
The Israelites are instructed to follow God's commands rather than their own inclinations. This teaches us the importance of adhering to God's Word as the ultimate authority in our lives.

Avoiding Relativism
The warning against doing what seems right in one's own eyes is a caution against moral relativism. As Christians, we are called to uphold absolute truths found in Scripture.

Community and Order
God's instructions aim to establish a community based on His order and justice. We should strive to build our communities on biblical principles, promoting peace and righteousness.

Personal Accountability
Each individual is responsible for aligning their actions with God's will. This requires regular self-examination and a commitment to spiritual growth.

Preparation for God's Promises
Just as the Israelites were being prepared to enter the Promised Land, we must prepare our hearts and lives to receive God's promises by living according to His Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Deuteronomy 12:8 help us understand the importance of following God's commands rather than our own desires?

2. In what ways can the warning against doing what is right in one's own eyes be applied to modern-day decision-making?

3. How do the themes in Deuteronomy 12:8 relate to the moral and spiritual challenges faced by the Israelites in the Book of Judges?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our actions align with God's will, as encouraged in Romans 12:2?

5. How can we foster a community that reflects the order and justice God desires, as outlined in Deuteronomy 12:8?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 17:6 and 21:25
These verses echo the theme of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes, highlighting the chaos and moral decline that occurs when God's laws are not followed.

Proverbs 14:12
This verse warns that there is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death, emphasizing the danger of relying on human judgment over divine guidance.

Romans 12:2
Encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, aligning their actions with God's will rather than conforming to the world.