John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 12:4

"Ye shall not do so unto Jehovah your God." — Deuteronomy 12:4 (ASV)

You shall not do so to the Lord your God. The principal distinction, concerning the external exercises of devotion, is laid down here between the legitimate worship of God and all the fictitious rites which the Gentiles have invented: namely, that God would have only one sanctuary and one altar, which would be a symbol of the difference between Himself and all idols; and thus that true religion would have no affinity with superstitions. To this refers the prohibition that the Israelites should not conduct themselves towards God as the Gentiles did towards their idols; instead, a barrier should be raised which would separate¹⁰³ them from the whole world.

The whole external profession of God’s worship is fittingly connected to the Second Commandment, because it depends on that commandment and has no other object than its proper observance. But when I begin to speak of the tabernacle, the priesthood, and the sacrifices, I am entering a deep and vast ocean, in which many interpreters, while indulging their curiosity, have pursued a wild and wandering course. Warned, therefore, by their example, I will take in my sails, and only touch upon a few points which tend to edification in the faith.

But my readers must now be requested not only to pardon me for abstaining from subtle speculations, but also to willingly keep themselves within the bounds of simplicity. Many have itching ears; and in our natural vanity, most people are more delighted by foolish allegories than by solid erudition. But let those who desire to profit in God’s school learn to restrain this perverse desire of knowing more than is good for them, although it may tickle their minds.

Now let us consider the words of Moses.

¹⁰³ Fr. “l’Eglise."."