The Abominations of the Canaanites
Text: Deuteronomy 18:9–14

Introduction:
An abomination is something vile, detestable, and morally revolting. God used this strong word to describe the Canaanite practices that polluted their land. These heathen rituals sought to uncover hidden knowledge through witchcraft and divination. Israel was commanded to shun every such practice and instead trust wholly in the word of the Lord.

The Abominations of the Canaanites
God warned Israel not to imitate the abominable practices of the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 18:9–14). Their rituals were meant to uncover secrets of the future, but they were inspired by darkness, not by divine wisdom. God demanded purity and faith, not superstition and sorcery. The land itself was defiled by their sins, and He would remove them from it.

The phrase “pass through the fire” (Deuteronomy 12:29–31; Leviticus 18:21) refers to the horrifying sacrifice of children to Molech. These people believed the gods would bless them for such cruelty. Divination, witchcraft, and interpreting omens involved reading animal entrails, stars, or strange signs—practices condemned by Jehovah (Ezekiel 21:21). Today, similar sins exist in palm reading, tarot cards, astrology, and other occult practices. These are spiritual deceptions that lead people away from God’s truth.

A sorcerer was one who used charms or potions to control others. Those claiming to speak with the dead—called mediums or spiritists—pretended to contact spirits for knowledge. Yet Scripture declares such things are lies. Even today, psychics and spiritualists deceive many with the same false hope. All of these were and remain abominable to Jehovah.

What God Did About It
God promised to drive out the nations of Canaan because of their wickedness (Genesis 15:15–16, 18–21; Deuteronomy 7:1–5; 9:4–5). His patience had lasted for generations, but their sin had reached its limit. In Abraham’s time, mercy delayed judgment, but in Moses’ time, justice demanded it. The destruction of these nations was not cruelty but divine cleansing. God was preserving truth, righteousness, and holiness in the world. Their removal was an act of mercy for all who would come after.

Jehovah’s justice is always fair and measured. When sin becomes so deeply rooted that it destroys both soul and society, God acts to stop its spread. His dealings with Canaan teach that persistent wickedness brings certain judgment. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

The Prophet God Would Raise Up
In place of false prophets and occult deceivers, God promised to raise up a true Prophet from among His people (Deuteronomy 18:15). That Prophet is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. John 6:14 records that the people recognized Jesus as “the Prophet who is to come into the world.” On the Mount of Transfiguration, the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son... hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5).

Peter confirmed this in Acts 3:20–24, showing that Moses’ prophecy pointed directly to Christ. Stephen likewise proclaimed this truth before his accusers (Acts 7:37, 52). Jesus is not one among many voices—He is God’s final spokesman. Through Him alone we hear the words of eternal life (Hebrews 1:1–2).

Conclusion:
The Canaanites sought wisdom through idols and sorcery, but God revealed truth through His Son. Jesus Christ is the Prophet greater than Moses, the light shining into every darkened heart. We must listen to Him, obey Him, and reject every modern form of idolatry and false religion. “We must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1–3).

The Abominations of the Canaanites Sermon Outline:

• Text: Deuteronomy 18:9–14

• Theme: God condemns pagan practices and reveals His will through Jesus Christ.

• I. The Abominations of the Canaanites

  • Pagan practices forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:9–14).

  • Passing through fire—child sacrifice to Molech (Leviticus 18:21).

  • Divination and witchcraft condemned (Ezekiel 21:21).

  • Modern parallels: astrology, psychic readings, and occult practices.

   

• II. God’s Judgment Against Canaan

  • God’s justice after long patience (Genesis 15:15–16).

  • Destruction of Canaanites commanded (Deuteronomy 7:1–5; 9:4–5).

  • Divine punishment is both judgment and mercy.

   

• III. The True Prophet Foretold

  • Promise of a coming Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15).

  • Fulfilled in Christ (John 6:14; Acts 3:20–24).

  • God commands all to hear His Son (Matthew 17:5; Hebrews 1:1–2).

   

• IV. Application for Today

  • Reject all forms of superstition and false spirituality.

  • Trust God’s Word as the only source of divine truth.

  • Listen to and obey Jesus, our final authority.

   

Call to Action:
God still abhors the sins that defile the heart and lead people away from Him. Turn away from all forms of false worship and trust only in the living God. Listen to His Son, Jesus Christ, the true Prophet and Savior, who alone reveals the way to eternal life.

Key Takeaways:

• God calls all idolatry and occult practices abominable (Deuteronomy 18:9–14).

• Judgment comes when wickedness fills the land (Genesis 15:16).

• Christ is the Prophet foretold by Moses and confirmed by God (Acts 3:20–24).

• Believers must reject every false source of spiritual guidance (Hebrews 2:1–3).

• Jesus alone reveals the truth and will of God (Hebrews 1:1–2).

Scripture Reference List:

• Deuteronomy 18:9–14 – God forbids pagan practices.

• Deuteronomy 12:29–31; Leviticus 18:21 – Passing through the fire to Molech.

• Ezekiel 21:21 – Pagan divination condemned.

• Genesis 15:15–16; Deuteronomy 7:1–5; 9:4–5 – Judgment upon Canaan.

• John 6:14; Matthew 17:5 – Jesus identified as the promised Prophet.

• Acts 3:20–24; Acts 7:37, 52 – The prophecy fulfilled in Christ.

• Hebrews 1:1–2 – God speaks through His Son.

• Hebrews 2:1–3 – We must listen carefully to Christ’s message.

• Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO