² This is what the Lord says:

²³ You must not live according to the customs of the nations^(A) I am going to drive out before you.^(B) Because they did all these things, I abhorred them.^(C)

³ You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.^(A)

²⁵ “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.^{(A) 26} People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.^{(B) 27} At that time they will see the Son of Man^(C) coming in a cloud^(D) with power and great glory. ²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”^(E)

³⁰ and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared^(A) by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.”^{(B) 31} You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates.^(C) They even burn their sons^(D) and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.^(E)

³² “‘You say, “We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone.” But what you have in mind will never happen.