The Place Deuteronomy 12

(Out of sequence)
The Place Deuteronomy 12
Deuteronomy 12:10-11 "But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the Lord your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety: v11 Then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there, thither shall ye bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes and the heave-offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye now unto the Lord:"

In this chapter we learn why Jerusalem is so important to Israel. It is the place designated by the Lord for the burnt offerings and other activities mentioned. They can not just pick another place because they do not have full access to the site of the temple. I know of no scripture that has rescinded this command to offer the burnt offering only in Jerusalem.This chapter does not specify Jerusalem but we now know that was the place chosen by the Lord for that is where Solomon built the temple with the Lord's blessings. We will read later how the glory of God filled the temple.Getting into politics would not be in keeping with this study. It is however unavoidable to discuss the impact of Jerusalem on prophecy both past and future. When Jerusalem was taken from Israel, they could no longer offer up sacrifices for their sin. Since Christ was rejected, there remains no other sacrifice for sin.Israel waits for the Messiah to come and restore the temple. There are many events surrounding the restoration. Christians await this event because it has great affect on our beliefs as well and the event known as the rapture of the church. There are in depth studies of this relationship on other websites and those men are better qualified than I to discuss it. Perhaps by the time we get through the prophecies we will know much more.Back to our chapter. The children of Israel are required to destroy all the graven images and any indications of the false gods that those now living in Canaan worshipped. Then warned not to inquire after them. In other words, destroy them and don't be curious. v2, v3We get further insight as to why the Lord destroyed those already living in Canaan in verse 31"Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods, for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.These were some really bad people and the judgment of God has come upon them. The land given to another. (Often, passages are repeated. This chapter is no exception. Remember Moses is teaching. It is a common practice to repeat when teaching. Modern classes are no exceptions.)Little by little we are learning details which help us understand the balance of the Bible. It takes patience, but I must say, I've studied for years, but this study has really helped me understand some things.

Psalms 123:1 "Unto the lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens."