Deuteronomy 7:26

And you must not bring any detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. You are to utterly detest and abhor it, because it is set apart for destruction.

Study Bible

Do not bring
The Hebrew root for "bring" is "בּוֹא" (bo), which means to come in or to enter. This command is proactive, urging the Israelites to be vigilant and discerning about what they allow into their personal and communal spaces. The emphasis is on the responsibility of the believer to guard their environment against spiritual contamination. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' need to maintain purity in their worship and daily lives, avoiding the influence of pagan practices.

any detestable thing
The term "detestable" comes from the Hebrew "תּוֹעֵבָה" (to'evah), which refers to something abominable or loathsome, often associated with idolatry and pagan rituals. In the ancient Near Eastern context, these "detestable things" could include idols, objects used in idol worship, or anything that symbolized allegiance to false gods. The command underscores the importance of spiritual purity and the rejection of anything that could lead to idolatry.

into your house
The "house" in Hebrew, "בַּיִת" (bayit), signifies not just a physical dwelling but also one's family and household. This phrase extends the command to the personal and familial level, indicating that the purity God demands is not only communal but also personal. The home is seen as a sanctuary that should reflect one's commitment to God, free from the influence of foreign gods and practices.

or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction
The phrase "set apart for destruction" translates the Hebrew "חֵרֶם" (cherem), which means something devoted to God for destruction. This is a severe warning that associating with detestable things leads to the same fate as those things—total destruction. It reflects the biblical principle that sin and idolatry lead to separation from God and eventual judgment.

You must regard it as unclean
The word "unclean" is derived from the Hebrew "טָמֵא" (tamei), which denotes ritual impurity. This command is about maintaining a clear distinction between what is holy and what is profane. In the historical context, this was crucial for the Israelites to remain distinct from the surrounding nations and faithful to the covenant with God.

and detest it utterly
The Hebrew word for "detest" is "שָׁקַץ" (shaqats), which means to abhor or loathe. This is an emotional and volitional response, calling for a deep-seated aversion to anything that opposes God's holiness. It is not enough to avoid detestable things; believers are called to actively reject and despise them, aligning their hearts with God's standards.

for it is set apart for destruction
Reiterating the concept of "חֵרֶם" (cherem), this phrase emphasizes the finality and seriousness of God's judgment on idolatry and sin. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of living a life set apart for God. Historically, this was a call to the Israelites to remain faithful and distinct, ensuring their survival and blessing in the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the commandments as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. Detestable Things
Idols and objects associated with pagan worship, considered abominable by God.

5. Destruction
The consequence of associating with or possessing detestable things, leading to being set apart for destruction.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
God calls His people to be distinct and separate from the practices and objects of pagan cultures. This separation is a reflection of His holiness.

Guarding the Home
Believers are to be vigilant about what they allow into their homes, ensuring that nothing detestable or contrary to God's commands is present.

Consequences of Disobedience
The passage warns of the severe consequences of disobedience, emphasizing that association with detestable things leads to destruction.

Spiritual Discernment
Christians are encouraged to develop discernment to recognize and reject anything that is spiritually harmful or contrary to God's will.

Commitment to Purity
The call to utterly detest and abhor detestable things is a call to a life of purity and devotion to God, avoiding anything that could lead to spiritual compromise.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "detestable things" that Christians might inadvertently bring into their homes, and how can they guard against this?

2. How does the call to holiness in Deuteronomy 7:26 relate to the New Testament teachings on being set apart for God?

3. In what ways can believers develop spiritual discernment to identify and reject detestable things in their lives?

4. How does the concept of being "set apart for destruction" serve as a warning for Christians today regarding the consequences of disobedience?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to remove something from your life that was not honoring to God. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, emphasizing God's jealousy and the prohibition of worshiping other gods.

Leviticus 11:44-45
The call to holiness, where God commands His people to be holy as He is holy, avoiding unclean things.

Joshua 6:18
The warning to the Israelites not to take any of the devoted things from Jericho, lest they bring trouble upon themselves.

2 Corinthians 6:17
The New Testament call for believers to separate themselves from unclean things and be holy.

1 John 5:21
The exhortation to keep oneself from idols, reinforcing the theme of avoiding detestable things.