The Law of Centralization is a key feature of Deuteronomic and Deuteronomistic theology. Â It stems from the polemical and apologetic thrust of Deuteronomy’s monotheism. Â YHWH is God, he is the only (Deut 4:32-40). Â There is none other. Â The earlier sections of Deuteronomy are concerned to distinguish YHWH and appropriate worship from all other deities worshiped throughout surround nations. Â This, I believe, is evident even in the Shema (Deut 6:4-6, “Hear, O Israel the LORD our God, the LORD is one”). Â I appreciate Victor Hamilton’s understanding of the Hebrew “one” is used. Â He sees it in a polemical light (i.e. “the only”) and therefore casts the Shema as a statement against poly- and henotheism.
This polemic works itself out in the particular emphases of Deuteronomy. Â They are the centralization of worship, the rejection of idolatry, the encouragement and development of covenant theology, and the warning of retribution theology. Â The law of centralization is focused in Deut 12 which states “You shall surely destroy the places [of foreign/false worship]” (Deut 12:2).
Covenant and election meet with worship.  God has called out a specific people to enter a specific place.  He has also demanded right worship (1st, 2nd and 3rd commandments) including provisions for the location of that worship.  The law of centralization is a recurring theme through the Deuteronomistic History as kings and judges are often measured according to their faithfulness to this principle.  But this law is not limited to the typological period.  It comes to bear on eschatological realities as it finds prophetic and eschatological fulfillment in the person of Christ and heavenly Mt. Zion (Isa 2; Mic 4; Heb 12).
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve. (Romans 16:17-18)