Deuteronomy 17 3

Deuteronomy 17:3 kjv

And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;

Deuteronomy 17:3 nkjv

who has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, either the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded,

Deuteronomy 17:3 niv

and contrary to my command has worshiped other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or the moon or the stars in the sky,

Deuteronomy 17:3 esv

and has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have forbidden,

Deuteronomy 17:3 nlt

For instance, they might serve other gods or worship the sun, the moon, or any of the stars ? the forces of heaven ? which I have strictly forbidden.

Deuteronomy 17 verses

Deuteronomy 17 3 Meaning

Deuteronomy 17:3 precisely defines a severe offense against God's covenant: the act of departing from the Lord to serve and worship other deities. This verse specifically targets common ancient Near Eastern pagan practices, identifying the worship of the sun, moon, or any part of the celestial bodies (the host of heaven). It highlights that such worship is explicitly uncommanded by God, therefore an act of rebellion and betrayal against the exclusive relationship between Yahweh and His people, shifting allegiance from the Creator to the creation.

Deuteronomy 17 3 Context

Deuteronomy 17 is part of the extensive legal sections of Moses' second major discourse to Israel on the plains of Moab, just before they enter Canaan. This chapter details various ordinances related to governance and justice, including the establishment of judges and the selection of a king. Verses 2-7 specifically address the severe crime of idolatry, laying out the legal procedure for capital punishment against those found guilty. The immediate historical context is Israel on the brink of entering the Promised Land, which was permeated by diverse polytheistic cultures. This passage serves as a critical directive to maintain the absolute purity of their monotheistic worship of Yahweh, emphasizing that abandoning Him for false gods, particularly the celestial deities popular in surrounding nations, is an intolerable affront to their covenant.

Deuteronomy 17 3 Word analysis

• "and has gone": Implies a conscious, deliberate movement away from fidelity to the Lord. It signifies a personal initiative or turning away from the path God has set for His people, rather than an accidental straying.
• "and served" (Hebrew: עָבַד, 'avad): This verb means "to work," "to labor," or "to serve." In a religious context, it signifies rendering dutiful homage or giving one's life in devotion to an entity. It highlights active engagement and allegiance, not merely passive belief, but actual worship and obedience directed toward the "other gods."
• "other gods" (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, elohim acherim): Literally "other mighty ones" or "foreign gods." This recurring Deuteronomic phrase denotes any deities external to Yahweh, implicitly emphasizing that they are not truly divine or possess inherent power, despite being venerated by other nations. The very phrase implies a clear distinction and rejection of their legitimacy.
• "and worshiped them" (Hebrew: שָׁחָה, shachah): Means "to bow down" or "to prostrate oneself." This denotes a physical act of reverence and submission, expressing adoration and total obeisance. It is the outward demonstration of inward allegiance and loyalty, confirming dedication to these false deities.
• "either the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven" (Hebrew: שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh; יָרֵחַ, yareach; צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם, ts'va hashshamayim): These terms specifically identify prevalent forms of astral idolatry common throughout the ancient Near East, where celestial bodies were often deified or seen as residences of gods. The "host of heaven" refers to stars, constellations, and other heavenly bodies, believed to exert influence or destiny. The mention underscores the precise cultural idolatries Israel would face and be tempted by.
• "which I have not commanded" (Hebrew: צָוָה, tzavah): This concluding phrase is central to God's authority and unique relationship with Israel. It asserts that legitimate worship is defined solely by divine revelation and command. Any form of worship not prescribed by God is forbidden, making such actions a direct transgression against His sovereignty and a rejection of His unique covenant instructions. It implies that true religion does not arise from human invention but from God's explicit instruction.

Deuteronomy 17 3 Bonus section

The strict prohibition against worshiping the "host of heaven" in Deut 17:3 also served a significant polemical function in the ancient world. It starkly differentiated Yahweh from the often-capricious and localized deities of other nations. Unlike their gods, Yahweh was not confined to a particular star or constellation but was the omnipotent Creator and Sustainer of the entire cosmos. This specific decree prevented Israel from engaging in widespread religious practices that diminished God's glory by equating His creation with the Creator. Moreover, the clause "which I have not commanded" establishes a fundamental principle: religious practice derives its legitimacy from divine institution alone. This highlights a boundary; silence in Scripture regarding a practice, particularly concerning worship, implies it is unauthorized. This commitment to only worshiping as God commands was critical for Israel's unique spiritual identity and their continued distinctness among the nations. The subsequent history of Israel (e.g., in the time of King Manasseh) tragically shows repeated falling into this specific sin of astral worship, underscoring its allure and the constant need for the Deuteronomic warning.

Deuteronomy 17 3 Commentary

Deuteronomy 17:3 underscores the severe gravity of idolatry within the Mosaic covenant, defining it as a capital offense against the very core of Israel's existence. By specifically naming the sun, moon, and celestial host, the verse directly confronts the pervasive astral cults of the surrounding Canaanite and Mesopotamian cultures. This was not merely about foreign customs; it represented a radical deviation from the exclusive worship of Yahweh, Israel's unique Creator and Redeemer. The meticulous emphasis on "serving" and "worshiping" highlights the active allegiance transferred from God to His creation. The ultimate validation of God's condemnation lies in the declaration "which I have not commanded," asserting that all true worship must stem from divine command, not human imagination or foreign practices. This verse forcefully establishes the theological principle of exclusive monotheism and the sovereignty of God over His entire creation, contrasting Him as the rightful Commander against anything within the created order. It warns against any spiritual syncretism, demanding unadulterated devotion.

• Practical Examples:
  • Prioritizing personal ambition or financial gain above seeking God's will.
  • Seeking guidance from astrology or horoscopes instead of God's Word.
  • Worshiping a philosophy or an idea about the natural world that replaces or diminishes the Creator.