Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Deuteronomy Ch.12 / 34 Ch.s
DE:12
* Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed. (1-4) The place of
God's service to be kept. (5-32)
#1-4 Moses comes to the statutes he had to give in charge to
Israel; and begins with such as relate to the worship of God.
The Israelites are charged not to bring the rites and usages of
idolaters into the worship of God; not under colour of making it
better. We cannot serve God and mammon; nor worship the true God
and idols; nor depend upon Christ Jesus and upon superstitious
or self-righteous confidences.
#5-32 The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the
tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised
land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and
worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place
which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would
put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of
Israel, he would be found by all who reverently sought him. Now,
under the gospel, we have no temple or altar that sanctifies the
gift but Christ only: and as to the places of worship, the
prophets foretold that in every place the spiritual incense
should be offered, #Mal 1:11|. Our Saviour declared, that those
are accepted as true worshippers, who worship God in sincerity
and truth, without regard either to this mountain or Jerusalem,
#Joh 4:21|. And a devout Israelite might honour God, keep up
communion with him, and obtain mercy from him, though he had no
opportunity of bringing a sacrifice to his altar. Work for God
should be done with holy joy and cheerfulness. Even children and
servants must rejoice before God; the services of religion are
to be a pleasure, and not a task or drudgery. It is the duty of
people to be kind to their ministers, who teach them well, and
set them good examples. As long as we live, we need their
assistance, till we come to that world where ordinances will not
be needed. Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we are
commanded to do all to the glory of God. And we must do all in
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to the Father
through him. They must not even inquire into the modes and forms
of idolatrous worship. What good would it do them to know those
depths of Satan? And our inward satisfaction will be more and
more, as we abound in love and good works, which spring from
faith and the in-dwelling Spirit of Christ.