Deu 32:16 | MHM | STEP | v. 16-17 : Their apostasy became worse when they began to worship idols. Instead of serving the true God, they chose "strange gods" that they had no real relationship with. These were "new gods" that their ancestors had never worshipped ( v. 16, 17 ). They wanted novelty and change, ignoring the wisdom of following the "good old way" (Jer. 6:16 ). These new gods were not gods at all; they were false and made by people. In fact, the idols were connected to evil spirits ("devils"), which were harmful, not helpful. Idol worship opened the door to endless new forms of false religion and led people further away from God (Josh. 24:2 ). Their idol worship was also a serious insult to God, making Him jealous and angry ( v. 16 ). God sees idols as rivals for the people's hearts and as enemies to His rule. He is deeply displeased with anyone who respects or loves idols. Those who provoke God's anger by turning to idols do not realize how serious their actions are, because God's anger is powerful and not to be taken lightly.

‏ Deuteronomy 32:16

v. 16-17: Their apostasy became worse when they began to worship idols. Instead of serving the true God, they chose "strange gods" that they had no real relationship with. These were "new gods" that their ancestors had never worshipped (v. 16, 17 ^a). They wanted novelty and change, ignoring the wisdom of following the "good old way" (Jer. 6:16 ^b). These new gods were not gods at all; they were false and made by people. In fact, the idols were connected to evil spirits ("devils"), which were harmful, not helpful. Idol worship opened the door to endless new forms of false religion and led people further away from God (Josh. 24:2 ^c). Their idol worship was also a serious insult to God, making Him jealous and angry (v. 16 ^d). God sees idols as rivals for the people's hearts and as enemies to His rule. He is deeply displeased with anyone who respects or loves idols. Those who provoke God's anger by turning to idols do not realize how serious their actions are, because God's anger is powerful and not to be taken lightly.