Exodus 34:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:

Complete Jewish Bible:

Rather, you are to demolish their altars, smash their standing-stones and cut down their sacred poles;

Berean Standard Bible:

Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles.

American Standard Version:

but ye shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and ye shall cut down their Asherim;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But ye shall destroy^{H5422} their altars^{H4196}, break^{H7665} their images^{H4676}, and cut down^{H3772} their groves^{H842}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Exodus 34:13

1. **Themes:**
- **Monotheism and Idolatry:** Exodus 34:13 emphasizes the importance of exclusive worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and the rejection of all forms of idolatry and polytheism, which were common in the ancient Near Eastern context.
- **Purity of Worship:** The command to destroy pagan places of worship underscores the theme of maintaining the purity of the worship of Yahweh, free from syncretistic practices.
- **Divine Jealousy:** The verse reflects the concept of God's jealousy for His people's devotion, wanting to eliminate any rivals for their allegiance.
- **Covenant Faithfulness:** This directive is part of God's covenant with Israel, requiring the Israelites to demonstrate their loyalty to Him by removing all forms of worship that compete with His exclusive claim over them.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus Era:** The verse is set during the time of Moses, after the Israelites had been delivered from slavery in Egypt and were receiving the Law at Mount Sinai.
- **Canaanite Influence:** The command was particularly relevant as the Israelites were poised to enter the land of Canaan, which was inhabited by various peoples practicing polytheistic religions with sacred groves, altars, and images.
- **Cultural Conflict:** The instruction to destroy these religious symbols reflects the tension between the Israelites and the indigenous Canaanite populations, whose religious practices were to be eradicated to prevent assimilation and apostasy among the Israelites.
- **Covenant Renewal:** This verse is part of a larger narrative of covenant renewal after the incident of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32), where God reaffirms His covenant with Israel and gives them specific instructions on how to live as a holy nation.

In summary, Exodus 34:13 is a reflection of the broader biblical themes of monotheism, covenant loyalty, and the purity of worship, set against the historical backdrop of Israel's imminent occupation of a pagan-influenced land and the need to maintain a distinct religious identity.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5422
   There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָתַץ
   Transliteration: nâthats
   Pronunciation: naw-thats'
   Description: a primitive root; to tear down; beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4196
   There are 338 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִזְבֵּחַ
   Transliteration: mizbêach
   Pronunciation: miz-bay'-akh
   Description: from זָבַח; an altar; altar.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7665
   There are 145 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁבַר
   Transliteration: shâbar
   Pronunciation: shaw-bar'
   Description: a primitive root; to burst (literally or figuratively); break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for שָׂבַר).
   
4. Strong's Number: H4676
   There are 31 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַצֵּבָה
   Transliteration: matstsêbâh
   Pronunciation: mats-tsay-baw'
   Description: feminine (causatively) participle of נָצַב; something stationed, i.e. a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol; garrison, (standing) image, pillar.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3772
   There are 280 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּרַת
   Transliteration: kârath
   Pronunciation: kaw-rath'
   Description: a primitive root; to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e. make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces); be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want.
   
6. Strong's Number: H842
   There are 100 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֲשֵׁרָה
   Transliteration: ʼăshêrâh
   Pronunciation: ash-ay-raw'
   Description: or אֲשֵׁירָה; from אָשַׁר; happy; Asherah (or Astarte) a Phoenician goddess; also an image of the same; grove. Compare עַשְׁתֹּרֶת.