Deuteronomy 12: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 12 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands the people to destroy the places of false worship in the land (vv. 1-4). They must not follow the practices of the nations they dispossess. Instead, they are to worship Yahweh only at the place he chooses (vv. 5-10). All their offerings, including burnt offerings and tithes, must be brought to this chosen place (vv. 11-19). They are allowed to eat meat anywhere, but only the blood must be poured out on the ground (vv. 20-25). Holy offerings and vows must also go to the chosen place for worship (vv. 26-32). Yahweh warns them not to be led astray by the practices of the nations they conquer. Whatever he commands, they must obey without adding or taking away anything (vv. 32).

Key verse

“You shall not do so to Yahweh your God.”
Deuteronomy 12:4 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 12:1–4 Commandments for Worship
Deuteronomy 12:5–10 Centralized Worship Location
Deuteronomy 12:11–19 Offering Instructions
Deuteronomy 12:20–25 Meat Consumption Guidelines
Deuteronomy 12:26–32 Adherence to God's Commands

Discussion questions

In v6, what kinds of offerings are to be brought to the place Yahweh will choose?
In v24, why are the people instructed not to eat the blood?
The command to 'destroy their name out of that place' in v3: how does this shape Israel's identity among the nations?
In v30, what does it mean to be 'ensnared' by the practices of the nations?
When have you been tempted to follow a practice that feels familiar, like the 'gods' mentioned in v30?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 12: Deuteronomy 4, Deuteronomy 14, Leviticus 17.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 13.