Deuteronomy 16:22
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and do not set up for yourselves a sacred pillar, which the LORD your God hates.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
They were also to abstain from setting up any mazzebah, i.e., any memorial stone, or stone pillar dedicated to Baal (see at Exo 23:24).
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. A repetition of the laws concerning the three yearly feasts; in particular, that of the passover (Deu 16:1-8). That of pentecost (Deu 16:9-12). That of tabernacles (Deu 16:13-15). And the general law concerning the people's attendance on them (Deu 16:16, Deu 16:17). II. The institution of an inferior magistracy, and general rules of justice given to those that were called into office (Deu 16:18-20). III. A caveat against groves and images (Deu 16:21, Deu 16:22).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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“You must not make idols for yourselves or set up a carved image or sacred pillar; you must not place a sculpted stone in your land to bow down to it. For I am the LORD your God.
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.
Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets again and again, saying: ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate.’
In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD.
You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.