Biblical Answer

Israel was avoiding pagan practices that involved the worship of idols, including the sacrifice of children. This is evident in the biblical account of the Israelites' history, where they are repeatedly warned against engaging in such practices (Deut. 18:10-14). The Israelites were expected to occupy the land of Canaan, destroying the previous inhabitants and their religious items, and to worship only the one true God. If they chose to worship pagan gods, they would receive the same judgment as the pagans (Lev. 18:24-30).

The Israelites were also expected to avoid pagan customs and practices that were associated with idol worship. This included the observance of special religious calendars, the circumcision of male children, and the dietary stipulations of the law. The Israelites were to be a separated people, set apart from the surrounding nations and their pagan practices. They were to take their place as the chosen people of God, with a unique identity and purpose.

The pagan practices that Israel was avoiding were characterized by the worship of demons, including child sacrifice and other forms of idolatry. The Israelites were to be holy, separate from the world and its sinful practices. They were to worship only the one true God, and to reject the false gods and idols of the surrounding nations. This is evident in the biblical account of the Israelites' history, where they are repeatedly warned against engaging in pagan practices and are encouraged to worship the one true God. The Israelites were to be a people set apart, with a unique identity and purpose, and were to avoid the pagan practices that characterized the surrounding nations.