Deuteronomy 7:5

KJV

But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thus shall ye deal {H6213} with them; ye shall destroy {H5422} their altars {H4196}, and break down {H7665} their images {H4676}, and cut down {H1438} their groves {H842}, and burn {H8313} their graven images {H6456} with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, treat them this way: break down their altars, smash their standing-stones to pieces, cut down their sacred poles and burn up their carved images completely.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

But thus shall ye deal with them: ye shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and hew down their Asherim, and burn their graven images with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:5 presents a non-negotiable divine mandate to the Israelites, instructing them on the comprehensive eradication of all Canaanite religious infrastructure upon their entry into the Promised Land. This command underscores God's demand for exclusive worship and His intolerance for syncretism, requiring the complete destruction of pagan altars, sacred pillars, Asherah poles, and carved idols to safeguard the purity of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. It is a foundational declaration of God's zealous commitment to His people's spiritual integrity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Moses's final discourse to the second generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepare to enter Canaan. The book of Deuteronomy, often called the "second law," meticulously reiterates and expounds upon the Mosaic covenant, preparing the nation for life in the promised inheritance. Chapter 7 specifically outlines God's stringent instructions regarding the indigenous Canaanite inhabitants. Following the declaration of Israel as God's chosen and treasured possession, a holy people set apart from all others ([Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People")), God explicitly forbids any covenant or intermarriage with these nations ([Deuteronomy 7:2-3](/deuteronomy/7-2-3 "Deuteronomy 7:2-3 - Prohibition of Covenants and Intermarriage")). The command in [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Idolatry") is presented as an indispensable, preventative measure. It directly addresses the spiritual threat posed by Canaanite worship, which, if tolerated, would inevitably ensnare Israel into idolatry, leading to divine judgment and destruction ([Deuteronomy 7:4](/deuteronomy/7-4 "Deuteronomy 7:4 - Warning Against Idolatry")). Thus, the verse is an integral component of the broader call for Israel's absolute separation and unwavering, exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine imperative in [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Idols") directly confronts the pervasive and deeply entrenched polytheistic religious practices of the Canaanite peoples. Their extensive pantheon included prominent deities such as Baal, the storm and fertility god; Asherah, his consort and a mother goddess; and Molech, a deity associated with horrific child sacrifice. Canaanite worship was characterized by fertility cults, ritual prostitution, and other morally repugnant practices. Their religious sites, often referred to as "high places," were adorned with various cultic objects, including altars for sacrifice, standing stones (massebot), and sacred poles (asherim). This religious landscape stood in stark opposition to the monotheistic, ethical worship of Yahweh. The Israelites were entering a land saturated with these practices, which presented an immense and constant threat of syncretism—the blending of Yahweh worship with Canaanite idolatry. The command for the utter destruction of these religious objects was therefore not merely an act of conquest but a vital spiritual hygiene measure, designed to prevent the spiritual contamination of God's chosen people and preserve the purity of their unique covenant relationship with Him.

* **Key Themes:** The instructions in [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Idols") significantly contribute to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative, highlighting the core principles of Israel's covenant with Yahweh. This command emphatically underscores God's absolute demand for exclusive worship. Yahweh declares Himself a "jealous God" ([Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - God's Jealousy for His Name")), meaning He will not share His glory with idols or tolerate any rivals to His supreme authority. The systematic destruction of pagan religious objects was essential to maintain the monotheistic purity of Israel's faith and prevent any blurring of the lines between the Creator and created things. The detailed and comprehensive instructions to destroy altars, images, groves, and graven images emphasize the necessity of a complete and uncompromising break from pagan practices. This was not a partial or superficial measure but a radical act of spiritual purification, ensuring that no vestige of false worship remained to tempt or ensnare Israel. The thoroughness of the command reflects the severity of the threat. By removing all traces of false worship, Israel was to be a holy nation, set apart for God's unique purposes and distinct from the surrounding nations ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")). Their identity and distinctiveness were to be defined solely by their relationship with Yahweh, free from the defilement and moral corruption inherent in the surrounding cultures. The command serves as an explicit test of Israel's loyalty to the covenant. Obedience to this instruction was paramount for their continued blessing, prosperity, and presence in the land, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to Yahweh as their sole God and King. Disobedience, as the historical narrative of Israel would repeatedly demonstrate, inevitably led to divine judgment and exile ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **deal (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root is remarkably broad in its application, meaning "to do or make" in the widest sense. In this context, it signifies the comprehensive action Israel is commanded to undertake. It implies not just a passive observation but an active, decisive, and thorough engagement with the pagan religious structures, fulfilling God's specific instructions. The term encompasses the entire range of destructive actions that follow.
* **groves (Hebrew, _ʼăshêrâh'_):** This term does not refer to literal groves of trees, but specifically to the sacred poles or wooden cult objects associated with Asherah, a prominent Canaanite goddess of fertility and motherhood. These poles were often erected near altars or high places and were central to the fertility cults of the Canaanites, sometimes even representing the goddess herself. The command to "cut down" them signifies their complete removal and desacralization, directly attacking the heart of Canaanite worship and its associated immoral practices.
* **graven images (Hebrew, _pᵉçîyl'_):** These were typically carved or sculpted idols, often fashioned from wood or stone, which might then be overlaid with precious metals. The command to "burn them with fire" is the most severe form of destruction mentioned, indicating utter annihilation. This act not only rendered the idols unusable but also powerfully demonstrated their worthlessness and powerlessness in contrast to the living God, reducing them to ash and emphasizing their inability to save or provide. This act of burning was a profound statement against the supposed divine power of these inanimate objects.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thus shall ye deal with them;":** This opening clause serves as a solemn and authoritative introduction, setting the tone for the absolute nature of the instructions that follow. It emphasizes that this is not merely advice or an option, but a divine mandate, a specific mode of operation for Israel regarding the Canaanite religious infrastructure. The phrase "deal with them" encompasses the comprehensive and decisive actions commanded.
* **"ye shall destroy their altars,":** The first specific action commanded is the destruction of "altars" (מִזְבְּחֹת, _mizbechot_), which were the primary sites where sacrifices and offerings were made to pagan deities. Destroying these altars meant dismantling the very centers of Canaanite worship, preventing any possibility of Israel participating in or being influenced by their sacrificial rites, thereby cutting off the source of their spiritual defilement.
* **"and break down their images,":** Following the altars, the command moves to "images" (מַצֵּבֹת, _matzevot_), which often refers to standing stones or pillars. These were cultic objects, sometimes phallic symbols, erected as memorials or representations of pagan deities. To "break down" these implies shattering or toppling them, removing their visual and symbolic presence from the landscape and undermining their perceived sacredness.
* **"and cut down their groves,":** This refers to the destruction of the _asherim_ (see Key Word Analysis), the sacred poles dedicated to the goddess Asherah. The specific verb "cut down" applies to these wooden objects, emphasizing their complete removal and the eradication of the associated fertility cults, which were often characterized by sexual immorality.
* **"and burn their graven images with fire.":** The final and most decisive command targets "graven images" (פְּסִילִים, _pesilim_), which were carved idols. The instruction to "burn them with fire" signifies the most thorough and irreversible form of destruction. This act not only physically obliterated the idols but also served as a powerful symbolic act, demonstrating their utter impotence and worthlessness, reducing them to mere ash, in stark contrast to the living, all-powerful God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey the force, comprehensiveness, and finality of God's command. The most prominent is **Parallelism** and **Anaphora**, where a series of similar, imperative actions ("destroy," "break down," "cut down," "burn") are commanded in rapid succession. This repetition creates a rhythmic and emphatic declaration of comprehensive eradication, underscoring the absolute nature of the task and leaving no room for partial obedience or compromise. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Merism** or **Comprehensive Enumeration** by meticulously listing various types of idolatrous objects (altars, images, groves, graven images). This detailed inventory ensures that no form of pagan worship is overlooked, signifying a total cleansing of the land from all idolatrous influence. The entire verse is structured as a series of **Imperative Mood** verbs, reflecting the direct, authoritative, and non-negotiable nature of God's command. Finally, the physical destruction described serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the spiritual purity and exclusive devotion God demanded from His people, where the removal of external idols mirrored the necessity of internal spiritual cleansing and unwavering allegiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:5 is a profound theological statement on the very nature of God and His unique relationship with His covenant people. It reveals Yahweh as a God of absolute holiness and righteous jealousy, who demands exclusive worship and tolerates no rivals to His supreme authority. This divine zeal for His glory is not a human flaw, but a righteous attribute that actively protects His people from the spiritual degradation, moral corruption, and ultimate judgment inherent in idolatry. The command to utterly destroy pagan altars and images establishes a foundational principle that foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle against idolatry throughout Israel's history, from the immediate aftermath of the golden calf incident ([Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")) to the pervasive syncretism that plagued the monarchy, particularly under kings like Ahab and Manasseh ([1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30-33 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab and Jezebel's Idolatry"); [2 Kings 21:1-9](/2_kings/21-1-9 "2 Kings 21:1-9 - Manasseh's Idolatry")). The principle extends beyond physical objects to anything that competes for our ultimate allegiance, challenging us to recognize that true worship requires an undivided heart and an uncompromised devotion to God alone.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods Before Me")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idols")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14-18 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Christians today are not called to physically destroy pagan altars or images, the enduring spiritual principle of Deuteronomy 7:5 remains profoundly relevant for every believer. This command calls us to a radical, uncompromising commitment to God, demanding that we diligently identify and dismantle anything in our lives that competes for His supreme place. Modern idolatry often takes subtle, insidious forms: the worship of money, career, comfort, relationships, self-image, technology, or even our own opinions, desires, and intellectual pursuits. These can become "altars" in our hearts, diverting our ultimate allegiance and affection from God. This verse challenges us to engage in a continuous, intentional process of spiritual discernment and purification, actively removing corrupting influences and ensuring that our worship of God is exclusive, sincere, and untainted by worldly values or competing affections. Just as Israel was called to be distinct, believers are called to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, rather than conformed to this world ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")). This requires a daily, intentional commitment to holiness, a vigilant guarding of our hearts, and an unwavering focus on Christ alone as our ultimate treasure and Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "altars" or "graven images" (spiritual idols) might exist in my life today that compete for my ultimate allegiance to God, subtly or overtly?**
* **How can I actively "destroy" or "cut down" these spiritual idols, ensuring my worship of God is exclusive, pure, and undivided?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to demonstrate greater separation from worldly influences and values to maintain my holiness as God's set-apart person?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Why was such a violent command to destroy religious objects necessary for ancient Israel?

Answer: The command in Deuteronomy 7:5, though seemingly harsh by modern standards, was absolutely necessary due to the unique historical and theological context of ancient Israel. First, Israel was a theocracy, a nation governed directly by God, and their national identity was inextricably linked to their exclusive covenant with Yahweh. Entering Canaan, a land steeped in depraved and pervasive polytheistic worship, posed an existential threat to this unique relationship. The Canaanite religions involved practices abhorrent to God, such as child sacrifice and ritual prostitution, which were not merely different but morally corrupting and spiritually defiling. Second, the command was a preventative measure against syncretism. God knew that partial measures would inevitably lead to His people being led astray, as demonstrated repeatedly throughout Israel's history (e.g., [Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11-13 "Judges 2:11-13 - Israel Forsakes the Lord")). The utter destruction of these objects was a spiritual war for the heart of God's people, ensuring the purity of their worship and the preservation of their covenant. It was not a call for general religious intolerance globally, but a specific command for a specific people at a specific time to maintain their distinctiveness and holiness as God's chosen nation, preventing their assimilation into idolatrous practices that would destroy their covenant relationship and spiritual identity.

**Question?** Does this command to destroy idols apply literally to Christians today?

Answer: No, Christians today are not called to literally destroy physical altars or religious objects of other faiths. The New Testament shifts the focus from external, nationalistic commands to internal, spiritual realities, emphasizing the transformation of the heart. However, the *principle* behind Deuteronomy 7:5 remains profoundly applicable. For believers, the battle against idolatry is primarily a spiritual one, fought within the heart and mind. We are called to "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" ([2 Corinthians 10:5](/2_corinthians/10-5 "2 Corinthians 10:5 - Taking Thoughts Captive to Christ")). This means diligently identifying and eradicating anything that competes for God's ultimate authority and affection in our lives—be it materialism, self-worship, power, comfort, or any other created thing that takes the place of the Creator. [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things") explicitly states that covetousness is idolatry, illustrating the broadened scope of what constitutes an idol in the New Covenant. Therefore, while the method of "destruction" has changed from physical to spiritual, the imperative for exclusive devotion to God remains absolute for all who follow Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:5, with its stern command to utterly destroy all vestiges of idolatry, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the physical demolition of pagan shrines by believers today, but in the radical transformation wrought by Jesus Christ within the human heart. Jesus did not come to lead an army to dismantle physical altars, but to conquer the very power of sin and idolatry that enslaves humanity. His finished work on the cross is the ultimate "burning with fire" of the old, fallen nature and its pervasive propensity for false worship. Through His perfect sacrifice, Christ has "destroyed the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")) and broken the dominion of sin, including the sin of idolatry. Believers, now indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are called to be living temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), where the battle against idols is fought internally through spiritual warfare and sanctification. We are commanded to "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put On the New Self")). Christ enables us to truly worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), liberating us from the need to create or serve anything other than the one true God, who is fully and perfectly revealed in Him. This spiritual destruction of idols leads to true freedom and an unhindered relationship with our Creator and Redeemer.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 23:24

Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.

Exodus 34:13

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

Deuteronomy 12:2

Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

Deuteronomy 12:3

And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.

Deuteronomy 16:22

Neither shalt thou set thee up [any] image; which the LORD thy God hateth.

Leviticus 26:1

¶ Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 9:21

And I took your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, [and] ground [it] very small, [even] until it was as small as dust: and I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descended out of the mount.