Deuteronomy 7:5

Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire.

Study Bible

But this is how you are to deal with them
This phrase sets the stage for a divine directive. The Hebrew word for "deal" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), which means to do, make, or act. It implies a deliberate and purposeful action. In the context of Deuteronomy, God is instructing the Israelites on how to interact with the pagan nations in the Promised Land. This is not a suggestion but a command, emphasizing the seriousness of maintaining purity and obedience to God's covenant.

tear down their altars
The Hebrew word for "tear down" is "נָתַץ" (natats), which means to break down or destroy. Altars in ancient times were places of worship and sacrifice, often dedicated to pagan gods. By commanding the Israelites to tear down these altars, God is instructing them to remove any temptation or influence that could lead them away from worshiping Him alone. This act symbolizes a rejection of idolatry and a commitment to the worship of the one true God.

smash their sacred stones
The term "sacred stones" refers to "מַצֵּבוֹת" (matzevot), which were standing stones or pillars used in pagan worship. The command to "smash" (שָׁבַר, shabar) these stones signifies a complete and utter destruction of objects associated with false worship. This action is a physical demonstration of the spiritual cleansing that God requires from His people, ensuring that no remnants of idolatry remain.

cut down their Asherah poles
"Asherah poles" were wooden symbols associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah. The Hebrew word "כָּרַת" (karat) means to cut down or cut off, indicating a decisive and thorough removal. By cutting down these poles, the Israelites were to eliminate any form of worship that was contrary to the worship of Yahweh. This act represents the need to sever ties with any practices that could lead to spiritual compromise.

and burn their idols in the fire
The command to "burn" (שָׂרַף, saraph) the idols signifies a total destruction by fire, leaving nothing behind. Idols, often made of wood, metal, or stone, were physical representations of false gods. Burning them not only destroys the idols but also serves as a public declaration of the Israelites' allegiance to God. This act of burning is symbolic of purification and the consuming fire of God's holiness, which cannot coexist with idolatry.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being instructed by Moses on how to deal with the pagan nations in the Promised Land.

2. Canaanites
The inhabitants of the land that God promised to the Israelites, known for their idolatrous practices.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's commandments and instructions to the people.

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

5. Asherah Poles
Wooden symbols associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah, representing idolatry and false worship.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Purity in Worship
God commands the Israelites to destroy all forms of idolatry to maintain purity in their worship. This teaches us the importance of removing anything in our lives that competes with our devotion to God.

The Dangers of Compromise
Allowing pagan practices to coexist with the worship of God leads to spiritual compromise. We must be vigilant in identifying and eliminating influences that can lead us away from God.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites are called to obey God's instructions fully. This reminds us of the importance of complete obedience to God's Word in our lives.

The Call to Spiritual Warfare
The physical destruction of idols in the Old Testament symbolizes the spiritual battle we face today. We are called to actively fight against sin and idolatry in our hearts.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Guidance
Moses, as a leader, provides guidance and instruction to the Israelites. This highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding others towards righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our devotion to God, and how can we "tear them down" in our lives?

2. How does the command to destroy the Canaanite altars relate to the New Testament teaching on being "in the world but not of the world"?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains pure and focused solely on God?

4. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in Deuteronomy 7:5 to our daily walk with Christ?

5. What role does spiritual leadership play in helping us identify and remove idolatry from our lives, and how can we support our leaders in this task?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34:13
This verse also commands the Israelites to destroy the altars and sacred stones of the Canaanites, emphasizing the need to eliminate idolatry.

Judges 2:2-3
Highlights the consequences of failing to obey God's command to destroy the pagan altars, leading to Israel's spiritual downfall.

1 Kings 18:30-40
Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, where he repairs the altar of the Lord, demonstrating the importance of true worship.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Paul advises believers to separate themselves from unbelievers, drawing a parallel to the Israelites' need to separate from pagan practices.