After Moses’ opening call to faithfulness (Deut. 1-11), he turns now to focus on the Lord’s commandments beginning with worship (Deut. 12-16).

In entering the Promised Land, the people needed to be careful in destroying all the places of idol worship (v1-4). This would be something the people would fail to do and these places of false worship would be a snare to them for centuries. What in your life competes for your affections other than the Lord? What holds you back from worshipping the Lord wholeheartedly?

The people are told of a special place of worship which would come one day for them to join together at and offer sacrifices (v5-14). This points forward to Jerusalem and the temple that would be built there. This would be the ultimate place of worship as Christ offers Himself at the cross.

The people are challenged to worship not according to what is right n their own eyes (v8). Our worship always must be Biblical, following the teaching and commands revealed in God’s word.

It is interesting how the Lord makes provision for their food in their own villages (v15-16), but that worship and particularly the giving of sacrifices, were to be done together and centrally (v17f). This was to protect worship and promote unity. We’re not to be isolated worshippers but part of the fellowship of God’s people, to worship and learn together.