Deuteronomy 17:3 - Idolatry's celestial temptation forbidden.

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Hebrew Text

וַיֵּלֶךְ וַיַּעֲבֹד אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ לָהֶם וְלַשֶּׁמֶשׁ אוֹ לַיָּרֵחַ אוֹ לְכָל־צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־צִוִּיתִי׃

English Translation

and has gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;

Transliteration

Vayeilech vaya'avod elohim acherim vayishtachu lahem velashemesh o layarei'ach o lechol-tzeva hashamayim asher lo-tzivit

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ וַֽיַּעֲבֹד֙ אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֔ים וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לָהֶ֑ם וְלַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ ׀ א֣וֹ לַיָּרֵ֗חַ א֛וֹ לְכׇל־צְבָ֥א הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־צִוִּֽיתִי׃

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Avodah Zarah (Idolatry)

The verse explicitly forbids serving or bowing down to celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, or stars, which are classified as avodah zarah (idolatry). According to Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:1), this prohibition is rooted in the Torah's insistence on exclusive worship of Hashem, as stated in the first of the Ten Commandments (Shemot 20:3). Worshiping celestial bodies was a common practice among ancient nations, and the Torah warns against adopting such foreign customs.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 17:3) emphasizes that the phrase "which I have not commanded" indicates that Hashem never instructed the worship of these entities—unlike mitzvot, which are divinely mandated. The worship of celestial bodies is not only forbidden but also fundamentally contrary to the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 83) elaborates that the sun, moon, and stars were created to serve humanity (e.g., for light and timekeeping), not the reverse. Bowing to them inverts the natural order and denies Hashem’s sovereignty. The Midrash further compares this to a servant who honors a fellow servant instead of the king—an act of rebellion.

Halachic Implications

According to Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 3:1-3), even partial gestures of worship—such as bowing, offering incense, or sacrificing—to celestial bodies constitute a severe transgression.
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 61b) rules that worshiping the sun or moon falls under the category of avodah zarah punishable by sekilah (stoning) if done intentionally and with witnesses.
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 149:1) codifies that one must distance themselves from any practice resembling idolatrous worship, including customs associated with celestial veneration.

Philosophical Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:37) explains that idolatry often arises from mistakenly attributing divine power to intermediaries, such as celestial bodies. The Torah counters this by demanding direct recognition of Hashem as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Worshiping the sun or moon reflects a flawed theology that elevates creations over the Creator.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 56b

The verse is referenced in the discussion of the Noachide laws, specifically regarding the prohibition of idolatry.

📖 Avodah Zarah 8a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the origins of idolatry and the worship of celestial bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 17:3 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 17:3 warns against the serious sin of idolatry—serving or bowing down to other gods, such as the sun, moon, or stars. The Torah strictly forbids this because Hashem alone is the true God, and worshiping anything else violates the covenant with Him.

Q: Why is idolatry considered such a severe sin in Judaism?
A: Idolatry is one of the three cardinal sins (along with murder and forbidden relations) for which a Jew must give up their life rather than transgress (Sanhedrin 74a). It denies the fundamental principle of Judaism—the absolute oneness of Hashem—and breaks the first two of the Ten Commandments.

Q: Does this verse still apply today if people don’t literally worship the sun or moon?
A: Yes, the prohibition applies in all generations. While literal sun or moon worship is rare today, idolatry can take modern forms, such as excessive devotion to money, power, or fame, which replace proper service to Hashem (Rambam, Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:1).

Q: What is the punishment for idolatry according to Jewish law?
A: The Torah prescribes the death penalty for one who serves idols after proper warning and witnesses (Sanhedrin 7:4). However, this requires a Beit Din (Jewish court) with proper ordination, which does not exist today. Spiritually, idolatry separates a person from Hashem and requires sincere repentance.

Q: How can we avoid unintentional idolatry in daily life?
A: The Rambam teaches that one must regularly strengthen their emunah (faith) in Hashem and avoid anything that could lead to improper beliefs (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:3). This includes being mindful not to prioritize material pursuits over Torah values and serving Hashem with a whole heart.