and going to worship other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven--which I have forbidden-- going to serve other godsThe phrase "going to serve other gods" is a direct reference to the act of idolatry, which is strictly prohibited in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Hebrew root for "serve" is עָבַד (avad), which implies not just worship but also labor and allegiance. In the ancient Near Eastern context, serving other gods often meant adopting the practices and moral codes associated with those deities, which were contrary to the covenantal relationship Israel had with Yahweh. This phrase underscores the seriousness of idolatry as a betrayal of the exclusive worship due to the one true God. and worshiping them
The Hebrew word for "worshiping" is שָׁחָה (shachah), which means to bow down or prostrate oneself. This act of worship is not merely a physical gesture but a demonstration of reverence and submission. In the ancient world, worship was a comprehensive act involving rituals, sacrifices, and a lifestyle that reflected the values of the deity being worshiped. The emphasis here is on the totality of devotion that should be reserved for Yahweh alone. whether the sun or moon
The mention of the "sun or moon" highlights specific celestial bodies that were commonly deified in ancient cultures surrounding Israel, such as in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The sun and moon were often seen as powerful deities controlling time, seasons, and agricultural cycles. By specifying these, the text warns against the allure of worshiping creation rather than the Creator. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all creation, as seen in Genesis 1, where God is the one who created the sun and moon. or any of the host of heaven
The "host of heaven" refers to the stars and other celestial bodies, which were often personified and worshiped as gods in ancient Near Eastern religions. The Hebrew word צָבָא (tsaba) can mean army or host, indicating the vastness and organized nature of the celestial bodies. This phrase serves as a reminder of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive worship of Yahweh, who is above all heavenly hosts. which I have forbidden
The prohibition against idolatry is a recurring theme in the Torah, reflecting God's desire for a pure and undivided relationship with His people. The Hebrew word for "forbidden" is צִוָּה (tzivah), meaning commanded or ordered. This underscores the authoritative nature of God's commandments, which are not mere suggestions but divine mandates. The prohibition is rooted in the covenant relationship established at Sinai, where Israel was called to be a holy nation set apart for God. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, receiving the laws and commandments as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 3. CanaanThe land the Israelites are about to enter, where the worship of celestial bodies was common among the inhabitants. 4. Other godsRefers to the deities worshiped by surrounding nations, including celestial bodies like the sun and moon. 5. Host of heavenA term used to describe celestial bodies, which were often deified in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is a serious offense against God, as it replaces the worship of the Creator with the creation. Believers must guard their hearts against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or celebrity worship. Exclusive Worship of GodGod demands exclusive worship. The Israelites were to be distinct from surrounding nations by their devotion to Yahweh alone. Christians today are called to be set apart in their worship and allegiance to God. Cultural Influence and CompromiseThe Israelites were warned against adopting the practices of the Canaanites. Similarly, Christians must be vigilant against cultural influences that lead to compromise in their faith and values. The Role of Leadership in Upholding God's StandardsLeaders in the faith community have a responsibility to teach and uphold God's standards, as Moses did. This includes addressing and correcting idolatrous practices within the community. The Consequences of DisobedienceDisobedience to God's commands, particularly in worship, leads to severe consequences. Believers are reminded of the importance of obedience and the blessings that come with it. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern forms of idolatry that Christians might face today, and how can we guard against them? 2. How does the command to worship God exclusively challenge the cultural norms of our society? 3. In what ways can Christian leaders today emulate Moses in teaching and upholding God's standards? 4. How do the warnings against idolatry in Deuteronomy 17:3 relate to the New Testament teachings on worship and idolatry? 5. Reflect on a time when cultural influences challenged your faith. How did you respond, and what biblical principles helped you navigate that situation? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The first and second commandments prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols, reinforcing the exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh. 2 Kings 23:5King Josiah's reforms included the removal of priests who burned incense to the sun, moon, and stars, illustrating the ongoing struggle against idolatry. Jeremiah 8:2Describes the judgment on those who worship the sun, moon, and stars, emphasizing the consequences of idolatry. Romans 1:25Paul speaks of exchanging the truth of God for a lie and worshiping created things rather than the Creator, echoing the warnings against idolatry. People Levites, MosesPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Army, Becoming, Bow, Boweth, Bowing, Command, Commanded, Either, Forbidden, Gods, Heaven, Heavenly, Heavens, Host, Moon, Orders, Servant, Serve, Served, Serveth, Sky, Stars, Worshiped, Worshipped, WorshippingDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 17:3 4251 moon
4281 stars
8769 idolatry, in OT Deuteronomy 17:2-5 1461 truth, nature of Deuteronomy 17:2-7 5201 accusation Library Bethphage
There is very frequent mention of this place in the Talmudists: and, certainly, a more careful comparison of the maps with those things which are said by them of the situation of this place is worthy to be made; when they place it in mount Olivet, these make it contiguous to the buildings of Jerusalem. I. In the place cited in the margin, the case "of a stubborn judge" (or elder) is handling. For when, by the prescript of the law, difficult matters, and such things as concerning which the lower councils …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaThe Reign of Saul.
I Sam. 8-31; I Chron. 10 The Demand for a King. The last period saw one tribe after another come to the front and assert itself through some leading man as an emergency arose, but now the tribes are to be united into a monarchy and this, too, at their own request made in the form of a desire for a king. Several things no doubt influenced them to make this request. (1) From the days of Joshua there had been no strong national bond. They were only held together by the law of Moses and the annual assemblages …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period 'Make us a King'
'Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel, onto Ramah, 5. And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. 7. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Adonijah
BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B. It is notorious that the sons of devout men sometimes prove a curse to their parents, and bring dishonour on the cause of God. When Eve rejoiced over her first-born, she little suspected that passions were sleeping within him which would impel him to slay his own brother; and the experience of the first mother has been repeated, though in different forms, in all lands and in all ages. Isaac's heart was rent by the deceit of Jacob, and by the self-will of Esau. …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Jehoiada and Joash
'And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. 2. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. 3. And he was with her hid in the house of the Lord six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. 4. And the seventh year Jehoiada …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Bible in the Days of Jesus Christ
[Illustration: (drop cap S) Reading from a Roll--old Roman Painting] Slowly but surely, as time went on, God was adding to His Book, until about four hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ the Old Testament Scriptures, in their present shape, were completed. Many questions have been asked as to how the canon of the Old Testament was formed--that is, how and when did the Jews first begin to understand that the Books of the Old Testament were inspired by God. About the first five Books--the …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The Story of the Adulteress.
(Jerusalem.) ^D John VII. 53-VIII. 11. [This section is wanting in nearly all older manuscripts, but Jerome (a.d. 346-420) says that in his time it was contained in "many Greek and Latin manuscripts," and these must have been as good or better than the best manuscripts we now possess. But whether we regard it as part of John's narrative or not, scholars very generally accept it as a genuine piece of history.] ^d 53 And they went every man unto his own house [confused by the question of Nicodemus, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was Ready to Die. He Attempts to Kill Himself. He Commands Antipater to be Slain.
1. Now Herod's distemper became more and more severe to him, and this because these his disorders fell upon him in his old age, and when he was in a melancholy condition; for he was already seventy years of age, and had been brought by the calamities that happened to him about his children, whereby he had no pleasure in life, even when he was in health; the grief also that Antipater was still alive aggravated his disease, whom he resolved to put to death now not at random, but as soon as he should …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3. Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
(Palace of Caiaphas. Friday.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 57, 59-68; ^B Mark XIV. 53, 55-65; ^C Luke XXII. 54, 63-65; ^D John XVIII. 24. ^d 24 Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. [Foiled in his attempted examination of Jesus, Annas sends him to trial.] ^b and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. ^a 57 And they that had taken Jesus led him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, ^c and brought him into the high priest's house. ^a where …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Easter Tuesday
Second Sermon. Same Text. Acts 13, 26-39. THE WORD AND THE RESURRECTION.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon appeared first in the Church Postil, the Explanation of the Epistle and Gospel Texts from Easter to Advent. Printed by Hans Lufft, Wittenberg, 1559.] 1. This sermon was preached by Paul in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, where were gathered with the Jews some Greek converts. Wherever in a city Jews were to be found, there also were their synagogues in which they taught and preached; and many …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 17:3 NIVDeuteronomy 17:3 NLTDeuteronomy 17:3 ESVDeuteronomy 17:3 NASBDeuteronomy 17:3 KJV
Deuteronomy 17:3 Commentaries
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