Deuteronomy 13:7

7 They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth.

Deuteronomy 13:7 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 13:7

Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you,
&c.] As of the Edomites, Moabites, Ammonites, and Phoenicians:

nigh unto thee;
as the above were, being on the borders of their land: the Targum of Jonathan interprets this of the idols of the seven nations, that is, of the land of Canaan: or

far off from thee;
as the Babylonians, Persians, and others:

from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth;
which includes all the idols in the world, worshipped by whatsoever nation, and which were forbidden; and which shows the universality of idolatry in those times, and that that is an insufficient argument in its favour. Jarchi interprets this of the sun and moon, and the host of heaven, who go from one end of the world to the other; and this seems to have been the first and most common idolatry of the Gentile world, and which were worshipped in the several deities they set up.

Deuteronomy 13:7 In-Context

5 The false prophets or visionaries who try to lead you astray must be put to death, for they encourage rebellion against the LORD your God, who redeemed you from slavery and brought you out of the land of Egypt. Since they try to lead you astray from the way the LORD your God commanded you to live, you must put them to death. In this way you will purge the evil from among you.

6 “Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known.

7 They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth.

8 But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them.

9 You must put them to death! Strike the first blow yourself, and then all the people must join in.