Biblical Answer

Pagan Practices Israel Was Avoiding

Israel was avoiding several pagan practices in their worship and daily life. One of these practices was the worship of idols, which involved offering sacrifices to false gods and engaging in lewd and immoral behavior. Child sacrifice was also a practice that Israel was avoiding, as it was a common pagan practice in the surrounding nations. The Israelites were also avoiding the practice of consuming food that had been offered to idols, which was a common practice in pagan temples. Instead, they were eating the leftovers of their own sacrifices, which were offered to the true God.

Israel was also avoiding pagan customs and rituals that were associated with idol worship. For example, they were not participating in pagan ritual feasts and orgies, which were often accompanied by demonic activity. The Israelites were also avoiding the practice of embracing pagan customs and traditions, which would have led to spiritual compromise and a loss of their unique identity as God's chosen people. By avoiding these pagan practices, Israel was able to maintain their distinctiveness and remain faithful to their covenant with God.

In addition to avoiding pagan worship and customs, Israel was also avoiding the influence of pagan nations and their demonic activities. The Israelites were aware of the spiritual battles they were fighting against the pagan nations, and they knew that their salvation was not just from physical enemies, but also from spiritual enemies. By avoiding pagan practices and maintaining their faithfulness to God, Israel was able to stay true to their election and remain holy, just as God had called them to be. This was a crucial aspect of their spiritual redemption, as they were in need of a creation narrative to remind them of their relationship with God and their responsibility to live according to His laws.