The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 12:29-32
The subtle ensnarements of idolatry. A spirit of vain curiosity is to be repressed at its beginning. So weak is human nature, and so subtle is the working of sin, that prying curiosity into evil customs works practical mischief. Human life, to be a success, must be a perpetual battle with moral evil. We cannot afford to parley with the enemy nor give him a single advantage. Incessant watchfulness is our safety. I. IDOLATRY HAS GREAT FASCINATIONS FOR MAN 'S SENSUOUS ... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 12:29-32
Unworthy inquiries. We have here— I. BALEFUL SUPERSTITION . The ground of these inquiries about the gods of the place was a lurking belief in their reality. There was a superstitious feeling that the woods, hills, streams, etc; must have their deities, whom it would be well to propitiate and worship. The country as a whole, and special districts of it, had gods, and, Jehovah notwithstanding, the superstitious part of the community stood in dread of them. Superstitions are hard to... read more