Deuteronomy 29:16-18

16 (for you know how we lived in the land of Egypt, and how we came through the midst of the nations through which you passed;
17 moreover, you have seen their abominations and their idols of 1wood, stone, silver, and gold, which they had with them);
18 2so that there will not be among you a man or woman, or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of those nations; that there will not be among you 3a root bearing poisonous fruit and wormwood.

Deuteronomy 29:16-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 29

This chapter begins with an intimation of another covenant the Lord was about to make with the people of Israel, De 29:1; and, to prepare their minds to an attention to it, various things which the Lord had done for them are recited, De 29:2-9; the persons are particularly mentioned with whom the covenant would now be made, the substance of which is, that they should be his people, and he their God, De 29:10-15; and since they had seen the idols in Egypt and other countries, with which they might have been ensnared, they are cautioned against idolatry and idolaters, as being most provoking to the Lord, De 29:16-21; which would bring destruction not only on particular persons, but upon their whole land, to the amazement of posterity; who, inquiring the reason of it, will be told, it was because they forsook the covenant of God, and particularly were guilty of idolatry, which, whether privately or openly committed, would be always punished, De 29:22-29.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Exodus 20:23; Deuteronomy 4:28; Deuteronomy 28:36
  • 2. Deuteronomy 13:6
  • 3. Deuteronomy 32:32; Hebrews 12:15
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