Deuteronomy 12:30

30 be careful that you are not ensnared to follow them after they are destroyed from before you, and that you not inquire after their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will 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 you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do that which is good and right in the LORD your God’s eyes.

29 When the LORD your God cuts off the nations from before you where you go in to dispossess them, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land,

30 be careful that you are not ensnared to follow them after they are destroyed from before you, and that you not inquire after their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.”

31 You shall not do so to the LORD your God; for every abomination to the LORD, which he hates, they have done to their gods; for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods.

32 Whatever thing I command you, that you shall observe to do. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.