Deuteronomy 12:30

30 take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after they are destroyed from before thee, and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, `How did these nations serve their gods? Even so will I do likewise.'

Deuteronomy 12:30 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 12:30

Take heed to thyself, that thou be not snared by following
them
Their examples and customs, and so be drawn into the same idolatrous practices; see ( Psalms 106:35 Psalms 106:36 ) , after that they be destroyed from before thee; for their idolatries and other sins:

and that thou inquire not after their gods;
what they were, their names, forms, and figures:

saying, how did these nations serve their gods?
what was the manner of worship they gave them? what rites, customs, and ceremonies did they use in their adoration of them?

even so will I do likewise;
or however, if this was not determined on when the inquiries were made, there was danger that this would be the result of them, and therefore the caution is given.

Deuteronomy 12:30 In-Context

28 Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.

29 "When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them and dwellest in their land,

30 take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after they are destroyed from before thee, and that thou inquire 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 burned in the fire to their gods.

32 "What thing soever I command you, observe to do it. Thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it.