Deuteronomy 7:5

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Deuteronomy 7:5 is a direct command from God to the Israelites regarding how they were to deal with the pagan religious structures and objects of the nations inhabiting Canaan. It emphasizes the absolute necessity of eradicating all forms of idolatry from the land God was giving them, ensuring the purity of their worship and their covenant relationship with Him.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in Deuteronomy where Moses is reiterating God's laws and commands to the second generation of Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Chapter 7 specifically outlines God's instructions concerning the inhabitants of Canaan. God had chosen Israel as His special people (Deuteronomy 7:6) and commanded them not to make covenants with these nations, nor to intermarry with them (Deuteronomy 7:2-3). The destruction of their religious artifacts was a crucial step in preventing Israel from being led astray into idolatry, which God knew would be a snare to them (Deuteronomy 7:4).

Key Themes

  • Purity of Worship: The command highlights God's demand for exclusive worship. He is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who will not share His glory with idols. This destruction was essential to maintain the monotheistic purity of Israel's faith.
  • Separation from Idolatry: The specific instructions to destroy altars, images, groves, and graven images underscore the need for a complete and uncompromising break from pagan practices. This was not merely about conquest, but about spiritual purification.
  • Holiness of God's People: By removing all traces of false worship, Israel was to be a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes (Leviticus 19:2). Their identity was to be defined by their relationship with Yahweh alone.

Linguistic Insights

The verse uses several terms for pagan religious objects:

  • "Altars" (Hebrew: mizbechot): Places where sacrifices were offered to false gods.
  • "Images" (Hebrew: matzevot): Often standing stones or pillars dedicated to pagan deities, sometimes phallic symbols.
  • "Groves" (Hebrew: asherim): These were not literal groves of trees, but sacred poles or cult objects associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often erected near altars.
  • "Graven images" (Hebrew: pesilim): Carved or sculpted idols, typically made of wood or stone, which might then be overlaid with precious metals. The command to "burn them with fire" indicates utter destruction, rendering them unusable and worthless, in stark contrast to their supposed divine power.

Practical Application

While Christians today are not called to physically destroy pagan altars, the principle of Deuteronomy 7:5 remains profoundly relevant. We are called to metaphorical destruction of anything that competes with God for our ultimate allegiance and worship. This includes:

  • Spiritual Idolatry: Identifying and dismantling "altars" in our hearts where we might place other things above God, such as money, career, comfort, relationships, or self-will. Colossians 3:5 teaches that covetousness is idolatry.
  • Removing Corrupting Influences: Actively ridding our lives of influences, habits, or attitudes that draw us away from God and compromise our faith.
  • Purity in Worship: Ensuring that our worship of God is exclusive and sincere, untainted by worldly values or practices. Just as Israel was to be distinct, believers are called to be transformed and not conformed to this world.

Deuteronomy 7:5 serves as a timeless reminder of God's holy nature and His desire for an undivided heart from His people, demanding radical separation from anything that would diminish His supreme place in our lives.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 23:24 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 12:2 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 26:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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.