Biblical Answer

Pagan Practices Israel Avoided

Israel was commanded by God to avoid several pagan practices that were prevalent in the surrounding nations. One of these practices was the worship of idols and the offering of lewd sacrifices, including child sacrifice. The Israelites were forbidden from participating in these practices, as they were seen as an abomination to God (Lev. 18:24-30, Deut. 18:9-12). Instead, they were instructed to offer sacrifices to God alone, and to follow the dietary laws and other commands that were unique to the Israelites.

Israel also avoided the practice of engaging in pagan customs and rituals, such as those found in the temples of the surrounding nations. These temples often featured idol worship, prostitution, and other forms of immorality. The Israelites were forbidden from participating in these practices, and were instead instructed to follow the laws and commands that were given to them by God. This included the prohibition on eating meat offered to idols, as well as the command to observe a special religious calendar and to circumcise their male children.

The Israelites were also forbidden from engaging in the practice of fortune-telling and divination, which was a common feature of pagan worship in the surrounding nations. This included practices such as astrology, sorcery, and magic, which were seen as an affront to God's sovereignty and authority. Instead, the Israelites were instructed to trust in God's sovereignty and to follow His commands, rather than seeking guidance from false and idolatrous sources. By avoiding these pagan practices, the Israelites were able to maintain their spiritual purity and to remain faithful to God's commands.