Deuteronomy 12:29-31

Deuteronomy 12:29-31

[29] When the LORD  thy God  shall cut off  the nations  from before  thee, whither thou goest  to possess  them, and dwellest  in their land;  [30] Take heed  to thyself that thou be not snared  by following  that they be destroyed  from before  thee; and that thou enquire  not after their gods,  saying,  How did these nations  serve  their gods?  even so will I do  likewise.  [31] Thou shalt not do  so unto the LORD  thy God:  for every abomination  to the LORD,  which he hateth,  have they done  unto their gods;  for even their sons  and their daughters  they have burnt  in the fire  to their gods. 

What does Deuteronomy 12:29-31 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The Israelites were not to investigate the pagan religious practices of the Canaanites with a view to worshipping their gods or following their example in the worship of Yahweh ( Deuteronomy 12:30; cf. Romans 16:19; Ephesians 5:12). Moses developed this idea further in the next chapter. This pericope is transitional, moving from the worship of Yahweh (ch12) to the worship of idols (ch13). Chapter12opens and closes with warnings against pagan religion.
How does God want His people to worship Him? His people should worship Him exclusively and only as He has instructed us (cf. Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 22:19; John 4:20-23).