Deuteronomy 13:6

If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, "Let us go and worship other gods" (which neither you nor your fathers have known,

Study Bible

If your very own brother
The phrase begins with a deeply personal and intimate relationship, emphasizing the closeness and trust inherent in familial bonds. In Hebrew, the word for "brother" is "אָח" (ach), which not only refers to a biological sibling but can also denote a close kin or fellow member of a community. This highlights the gravity of the situation being addressed, as it involves someone who is expected to be a source of support and loyalty. The inclusion of "very own" underscores the personal betrayal and the emotional weight of the scenario.

or your son or daughter
This expands the circle of intimacy to include one's children, who are often seen as extensions of oneself. The Hebrew terms "בֵּן" (ben) for son and "בַּת" (bat) for daughter reflect the deep familial ties and responsibilities inherent in these relationships. The mention of children emphasizes the potential for idolatry to infiltrate even the most sacred and trusted relationships, warning against the subtlety with which false teachings can spread.

or the wife you embrace
The phrase "wife you embrace" speaks to the intimate and covenantal relationship of marriage. In Hebrew, "אֵשֶׁת חֵיקֶךָ" (eshet cheikecha) literally means "wife of your bosom," indicating a deep emotional and physical bond. This highlights the potential for idolatry to disrupt the foundational unit of society—the family. The marriage covenant is a reflection of God's covenant with His people, and any threat to this relationship is a serious matter.

or your closest friend
The term "closest friend" translates from the Hebrew "רֵעֲךָ" (re'acha), which can mean a companion or confidant. This phrase extends the warning to include those outside the immediate family who hold significant influence in one's life. It underscores the idea that loyalty to God must supersede even the strongest human relationships. The inclusion of a friend in this list serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of idolatry and the need for vigilance in all areas of life.

secretly entices you
The word "secretly" suggests a hidden or deceptive action, indicating that the threat of idolatry often comes in subtle and insidious forms. The Hebrew root "סָתַר" (satar) means to hide or conceal, emphasizing the covert nature of the enticement. "Entices" comes from the Hebrew "סוּת" (sut), meaning to incite or persuade. This combination of words warns of the danger of being led astray by those who may use their close relationship to influence one towards idolatry.

saying, 'Let us go and worship other gods'
This phrase is a direct call to abandon the worship of the one true God in favor of "other gods." The Hebrew "אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים" (elohim acherim) refers to foreign or false deities. The act of worship, "נַעֲבֹד" (na'avod), implies service and devotion, which should be reserved for God alone. This call to idolatry is a direct violation of the first commandment and represents a fundamental breach of the covenant relationship with God.

which neither you nor your fathers have known
This phrase emphasizes the foreignness and unfamiliarity of these "other gods." The Hebrew "לֹא יְדַעְתָּ" (lo yadata) means "you have not known," indicating that these deities are outside the experience and tradition of the Israelites. The reference to "your fathers" connects the present generation to their ancestors, highlighting the continuity of faith and the importance of adhering to the God who has been faithful throughout their history. This serves as a reminder of the unique relationship between God and His people, one that is based on revelation and history, not on the allure of the unknown.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Brother, Son, Daughter, Wife, Closest Friend
These individuals represent the closest and most intimate relationships in one's life, highlighting the potential for personal influence and temptation.

2. Enticement to Idolatry
The act of being secretly persuaded to worship other gods, which is a direct violation of the first commandment and a serious threat to the covenant relationship with God.

3. Worship of Other Gods
This refers to the practice of idolatry, which was prevalent among the surrounding nations and strictly forbidden for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Guarding Against Idolatry
Idolatry can come from unexpected sources, even those closest to us. We must remain vigilant and discerning in our relationships.

The Primacy of God’s Commandments
Our allegiance to God and His commandments must take precedence over any human relationship or influence.

The Cost of Discipleship
Following God may require difficult choices, including standing firm against loved ones who lead us away from Him.

The Influence of Relationships
Evaluate the influence of your closest relationships. Are they drawing you closer to God or leading you away from Him?

Faithfulness in the Face of Temptation
Strengthen your resolve to remain faithful to God, even when faced with subtle or direct temptations to stray.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify when someone close to us is leading us away from God, and what steps should we take in response?

2. In what ways does the command to avoid idolatry in Deuteronomy 13:6 relate to the first commandment given in Exodus 20?

3. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 10:37 challenge us to prioritize our relationship with Him over familial ties?

4. Reflect on a time when a close relationship influenced your spiritual walk. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

5. How can we apply the principle of guarding against idolatry in our modern context, where idols may not be physical statues but other forms of distraction or allegiance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
This passage outlines the first commandment, emphasizing the prohibition against idolatry and the exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Matthew 10:37
Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship, indicating that love for Him must surpass even the closest familial relationships.

1 Corinthians 15:33
Paul warns about the influence of close associations, reinforcing the idea that bad company corrupts good character.