Deuteronomy 12:1-31; Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:26; Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6-8; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Deuteronomy 18:9-22; Leviticus 24:10-16; Leviticus 24:23; Deuteronomy 5:11; Exodus 22:29-30; Exodus 23:19; Exodus 34:19-20; Exodus 34:26; Deuteronomy 15:19-23

We will be reading the laws as they are arranged in the outline. Today we read:

I. Religious and Ceremonial Laws
    A. Laws Against Idolatry and Paganism
        2. Laws Regarding Place of Worship
    B. Laws Against False Spiritualists
    C. Laws Regarding Blasphemy
    D. Laws Regarding Dedications

Up to this point, we have been reading about families that lived during what we call the "Patriarchal Age." During this period, each family worshipped God in the way they thought was best. Now, God is telling the people that they will soon stop worshipping this way (Deuteronomy 12:8-9). Once they inhabit the Promised Land, they will begin worshipping God according to His pattern.

Did you notice the punishment God required of those blaspheming His name? Cursing and blaspheming God's name is common practice today. Although our society doesn't punish these people, you can be sure that God views misuse of His name the same as He did in the day of Shelomith and her son that was stoned. This passage should also help you understand why the Jews of the first century felt it necessary to kill Jesus. They didn't believe that He was truly the Son of God, and therefore, everything that he was saying was considered to be blasphemy. According to their law, such a person must be put to death.

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