Deuteronomy 12:8

8 You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit,

Deuteronomy 12:8 in Other Translations

KJV
8 Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.
ESV
8 "You shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes,
NLT
8 “Your pattern of worship will change. Today all of you are doing as you please,
MSG
8 Don't continue doing things the way we're doing them at present, each of us doing as we wish.
CSB
8 "You are not to do as we are doing here today; everyone [is doing] whatever seems right in his own eyes.

Deuteronomy 12:8 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 12:8

Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here
In the wilderness, where they had no abiding, but were continually removing from place to place, and could not always observe punctually and precisely the exact order and time of their sacrifices and other things, nor offer them at any certain place, and many were doubtless neglected by them; see ( Amos 5:25 )

every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes;
that did he, brought the above things when and where he pleased; not that there was no regard had to the laws and rules given, as if there was no priest in Israel; but they were not so exactly in all circumstances conformed to as they would be obliged to when they came into the land of Canaan, and had a certain place to bring their offerings to; so some in Aben Ezra observe, that one would give the firstling, another not, because it depended on the land, or was what they were obliged to only when they came into the land of Canaan; see ( Exodus 13:11 ) but he thinks the sense is, that they did not all fear God, and so did not do their duty.

Deuteronomy 12:8 In-Context

6 there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.
7 There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
8 You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit,
9 since you have not yet reached the resting place and the inheritance the LORD your God is giving you.
10 But you will cross the Jordan and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all your enemies around you so that you will live in safety.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Judges 17:6; Judges 21:25
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