You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. You must burn up the images of their godsThe command to "burn up" the images signifies a complete and utter destruction of idolatry. The Hebrew word for "burn" is "שָׂרַף" (saraph), which implies consuming by fire, a method often used for purification and judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, idols were often made of wood overlaid with precious metals. The act of burning these images was a symbolic rejection of the false gods and a declaration of allegiance to Yahweh. It underscores the importance of removing all traces of idolatry to maintain the purity of worship. Do not covet the silver or gold that is on them
The word "covet" comes from the Hebrew "חָמַד" (chamad), meaning to desire or take pleasure in. This command warns against the temptation to value material wealth over spiritual fidelity. The silver and gold on the idols were alluring, representing wealth and power. However, the Israelites were reminded that these materials, though valuable, were tainted by their association with false worship. Historically, the allure of wealth has often led God's people astray, and this command serves as a timeless reminder to prioritize spiritual integrity over material gain. or you will be ensnared by it
The term "ensnared" translates from the Hebrew "יָקַשׁ" (yaqash), which means to be trapped or entangled. This imagery suggests that coveting the precious metals could lead to spiritual entrapment, drawing the Israelites away from their covenant relationship with God. The historical context reveals that the surrounding nations often fell into cycles of idolatry and moral decay, and God’s people were warned to avoid these pitfalls. The snare is not just physical but spiritual, leading to a gradual erosion of faith and obedience. for it is detestable to the LORD your God
The word "detestable" is derived from the Hebrew "תּוֹעֵבָה" (to'evah), indicating something that is abominable or loathsome. This strong language reflects God's holiness and His absolute intolerance for idolatry. In the ancient world, idolatry was not just a religious practice but a cultural norm, yet God called His people to be set apart. The detestable nature of idols is rooted in their ability to divert worship from the one true God, leading to spiritual corruption. This phrase serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire for pure and undivided worship from His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's commandments to the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being instructed on how to live in the Promised Land. 3. CanaanThe land that the Israelites are about to enter, which is inhabited by nations with idolatrous practices. 4. IdolsThe images of the gods of the Canaanites, which the Israelites are commanded to destroy. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The one true God who detests idolatry and commands His people to remain pure. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must be vigilant in identifying and removing these idols. The Ensnaring Nature of CovetousnessCoveting material wealth, even when it seems harmless, can lead us away from God. We must guard our hearts against the desire for worldly possessions. The Call to HolinessGod calls His people to be set apart and holy. This involves actively destroying anything in our lives that is detestable to Him. Obedience to God's CommandsObedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a relationship with Him. We must trust that His instructions are for our good. The Importance of Spiritual DiscernmentWe need discernment to recognize what is detestable to God and the courage to remove it from our lives, even when it is difficult. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can ensnare Christians, and how can we identify them in our lives? 2. How does the command to destroy idols in Deuteronomy 7:25 relate to the first and second commandments in Exodus 20? 3. In what ways can coveting material wealth lead us away from our relationship with God, and how can we combat this temptation? 4. How can we apply the principle of being "set apart" in our daily lives, especially in a culture that often promotes values contrary to God's Word? 5. Reflect on a time when obedience to God's command led to spiritual growth or protection in your life. How can this experience encourage you to trust and obey God more fully? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-4The commandment against idolatry, emphasizing the importance of worshiping only the one true God. 1 Corinthians 10:14Paul's exhortation to flee from idolatry, showing the continuity of this command in the New Testament. Isaiah 44:9-20A passage that mocks the futility of idol worship, reinforcing the message of Deuteronomy 7:25. Matthew 6:24Jesus' teaching on serving two masters, which can be related to the ensnaring nature of coveting wealth or idols. 1 John 5:21A New Testament reminder to keep away from idols, echoing the Old Testament command. People Amorites, Canaanites, Egyptians, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, Perizzites, Perrizites, PharaohPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Abomination, Burn, Burned, Covet, Danger, Desire, Detestable, Disgusting, Engraved, Ensnared, Fire, Gods, Gold, Graven, Hast, Images, Lest, Shouldst, Silver, Snared, Therein, Thyself, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 7:25 4333 gold
4363 silver
5589 trap
5978 warning
6134 coveting, prohibition
7324 calf worship
8771 idolatry, objections
8780 materialism, and sin Deuteronomy 7:25-26 5211 art
6103 abomination
7384 household gods Library God's Faithfulness
'Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him.'--DEUT. vii. 9. 'Faithful,' like most Hebrew words, has a picture in it. It means something that can be (1) leant on, or (2) builded on. This leads to a double signification--(1) trustworthy, and that because (2) rigidly observant of obligations. So the word applies to a steward, a friend, or a witness. Its most wonderful and sublime application is to God. It presents to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureMatch-Making.
SECTION I. THE RELATION OF PARENTS TO THE MARRIAGE CHOICE OF THEIR CHILDREN. "Youth longeth for a kindred spirit, and yet yearneth for a heart that can commune with his own; Take heed that what charmeth thee is real, nor springeth of thine own imagination; And suffer not trifles to win thy love; for a wife is thine unto death!" One of the most affecting scenes of home-life is that of the bridal hour! Though in one sense it is a scene of joy and festivity; yet in another, it is one of deep sadness. …
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home The First Covenant
"Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me."--EX. xix. 5. "He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments."--DEUT. iv. 13.i "If ye keep these judgments, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant,"--DEUT. vii. 12. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, which My covenant they brake."--JER. xxxi. 31, 32. WE have …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 7:25 NIVDeuteronomy 7:25 NLTDeuteronomy 7:25 ESVDeuteronomy 7:25 NASBDeuteronomy 7:25 KJV
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