Deuteronomy 12:11 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ver. 11. Thither shall ye bring all that I command— Maimonides observes, that one design of this institution was, to teach the Israelites not to have too high an opinion of sacrifices, since they were not of such account in the sight of God as to be accepted everywhere; but were limited to one place, and to be offered only by one family. Prayers and praises, which were the essentials of religion, might be offered up everywhere; but sacrifices, and other ceremonies of worship, being appointed, not for any good in themselves, but only to reclaim the people from idolatry, and to establish the belief of the unity of God, were only acceptable when offered at the sanctuary of Jehovah. Hence the prophets are so zealous in reproving the Jews for their laying a stress upon sacrifices, as, of themselves, available toward procuring the favour of God; whilst they neglect the study of real holiness, which is the end of all those institutions. 1 Samuel 15:22.Isaiah 1:11. Jeremiah 7:22-23. See More Nevoch. pars 3: cap. 32.