Numbers 33:52

KJV

Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then ye shall drive out {H3423} all the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776} from before {H6440} you, and destroy {H6} all their pictures {H4906}, and destroy {H6} all their molten {H4541} images {H6754}, and quite pluck down {H8045} all their high places {H1116}:

Complete Jewish Bible

you are to expel all the people living in the land from in front of you. Destroy all their stone figures, destroy all their metal statues and demolish all their high places.

Berean Standard Bible

you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places.

American Standard Version

then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their figured stones, and destroy all their molten images, and demolish all their high places:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 33:52 presents a foundational divine mandate to the Israelites as they stood poised to enter the Promised Land of Canaan. This command, issued directly by God, stipulated the absolute necessity of dispossessing the existing inhabitants and, crucially, utterly destroying all vestiges of their pagan worship—specifically "pictures," "molten images," and "high places." This directive underscored God's uncompromising holiness, His demand for exclusive worship, and the imperative for His chosen people to maintain spiritual purity within the land He was granting them, thereby preventing the defilement and spiritual compromise that idolatry would inevitably bring.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 33 serves as a comprehensive itinerary of Israel's forty-year wilderness journey, recounting their various encampments from Egypt to the plains of Moab. This chapter culminates in the final instructions given before the Israelites cross the Jordan River to enter Canaan. Verses 50-56 outline God's specific commands regarding the conquest and settlement of the land, emphasizing the need to drive out the inhabitants and, as highlighted in verse 52, to systematically eradicate all elements of Canaanite idolatry. This command sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of conquest and settlement found in the book of Joshua, establishing the spiritual prerequisites for their inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this command, the Israelites were encamped on the plains of Moab, looking across the Jordan into the land of Canaan. This land was populated by various Canaanite tribes (e.g., Amorites, Hittites, Jebusites) whose religious practices were deeply antithetical to the worship of Yahweh. Canaanite religion was polytheistic, involving the worship of gods like Baal (storm god) and Asherah (fertility goddess), often through fertility cults that included sacred prostitution, child sacrifice, and various forms of divination. God's command to "drive out" and "destroy" was not merely about territorial acquisition but about preventing the spiritual contamination of His people and the land. It was a radical call to separation, ensuring that Israel would not be ensnared by the pervasive and corrupting influence of the surrounding pagan cultures, as detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Drive Out Nations and Destroy Idols").
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 33:52 powerfully articulates several core theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the Pentateuch. First, it underscores **Divine Holiness and Purity**, revealing God's absolute intolerance for idolatry and His demand for a holy people in a consecrated land. Idolatry was considered spiritual adultery and a direct affront to God's unique sovereignty. Second, the verse emphasizes **Separation and Distinction**, highlighting Israel's calling to be a set-apart nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures, both physically and spiritually. This required the eradication of any influence that could lead them astray from their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Third, it reinforces the theme of **Obedience to God's Commands** as a prerequisite for blessing and continued dwelling in the land. Their inheritance and prosperity were contingent upon their faithfulness to these directives, a principle echoed throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). The failure to fully comply with these commands, as later recounted in the book of [Judges](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Israel's Failure to Drive Out the Inhabitants"), led to severe consequences, including ongoing spiritual compromise and oppression, as foreshadowed in [Numbers 33:55-56](/numbers/33-55 "Numbers 33:55-56 - Consequences of Failure to Drive Out Inhabitants").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pictures (Hebrew, _maskît_):** This term refers to carved figures, standing stones, or obelisks that served as objects of worship or symbols of pagan deities. It encompasses various forms of visual idolatry, often associated with cultic practices and altars. The command to "destroy" them implies a complete dismantling and defacing of these religious artifacts.
* **Molten images (Hebrew, _massēḵāh_):** These were idols cast from metal, typically representing gods or goddesses like Baal or Asherah. Their construction often involved significant effort and resources, making their destruction a profound act of renunciation of false worship and a visible declaration of allegiance to Yahweh alone.
* **High places (Hebrew, _bāmāh_):** These were elevated sites, whether natural hills or constructed mounds, specifically designated for pagan rituals, sacrifices, and cultic prostitution. They were central to Canaanite religious life and represented a primary source of spiritual corruption. The command to "quite pluck down" them signifies the complete dismantling and defilement of these centers of idolatry, rendering them unusable for their original purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you":** This initial clause sets the primary physical action: the dispossession of the Canaanite peoples. The verb "drive out" (יָרַשׁ, *yārash*) implies taking possession of the land by removing those who currently occupy it. This was a necessary step to prevent assimilation and spiritual contamination, as the presence of idolaters would inevitably lead Israel astray.
* **"and destroy all their pictures":** Following the removal of the people, the focus shifts to the eradication of their religious infrastructure. "Pictures" refers to carved or engraved cultic objects, often representing deities or used in their worship. The command to "destroy" (אִבַּד, *ʾibbaḏ*) emphasizes a complete and utter obliteration, leaving no trace of these idolatrous symbols.
* **"and destroy all their molten images":** This clause reiterates the command to destroy idols, specifically those from metal. The repetition of "destroy" underscores the absolute nature of the command. These images were tangible representations of false gods, and their destruction was a powerful symbolic act of rejecting all rival deities and affirming Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty.
* **"and quite pluck down all their high places":** The final command targets the physical locations of pagan worship. "High places" were cultic sites, often on elevated ground, where sacrifices and other rituals were performed. To "quite pluck down" (נָתַץ, *nāthaṣ*) means to tear down, demolish, or utterly dismantle these structures, ensuring that the very places of pagan worship were rendered unusable and defiled, thus removing any temptation for Israel to engage in syncretism.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 33:52 employs several potent literary devices to convey the urgency and totality of God's command. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the verb "destroy" appearing twice in quick succession ("destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images"). This repetition serves to emphasize the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the command, highlighting the thoroughness required in eradicating idolatry. Furthermore, the listing of "pictures," "molten images," and "high places" functions as a form of **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where specific parts are enumerated to represent the whole. These three categories comprehensively cover the visual, crafted, and geographical aspects of Canaanite idolatry, signifying that *all* forms and manifestations of pagan worship were to be utterly obliterated. The entire verse is delivered in a strong **Imperative Mood**, reflecting the direct, authoritative, and uncompromising nature of God's divine decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 33:52 is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's uncompromising holiness and His covenant relationship with Israel. Yahweh is a jealous God who demands exclusive worship, and idolatry is consistently portrayed as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant. The command to eradicate all traces of paganism was not merely a pragmatic strategy for national security but a profound theological imperative to preserve the spiritual integrity of God's chosen people and the sanctity of the land designated as His dwelling place. The presence of idols and their associated practices defiled both the people and the land, making it impossible for God to dwell among them in His holiness. Thus, this verse establishes a non-negotiable standard for a pure and undivided devotion to the one true God, setting the stage for Israel's unique identity as a holy nation.

* [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Destroying Pagan Sites and Idols")
* [Exodus 23:24](/exodus/23-24 "Exodus 23:24 - No Covenant with Idols")
* [Judges 2:1-3](/judges/2-1 "Judges 2:1-3 - Consequences of Disobedience Regarding Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Christians today are not called to engage in physical conquest or the literal destruction of physical idols in the same manner as ancient Israel, the spiritual principles embedded in Numbers 33:52 remain profoundly relevant. This passage serves as a timeless call to spiritual purity and undivided devotion to God. We are called to identify and "drive out" any "inhabitants" in our lives—whether they be sinful habits, worldly influences, or ungodly desires—that compete for God's rightful place in our hearts. We must actively "destroy" the "pictures" and "molten images" of modern-day idolatry: materialism, self-worship, career ambition, relationships, entertainment, or anything else that becomes an ultimate concern or source of security apart from God. Furthermore, we are challenged to "pluck down" the "high places" in our lives—areas of compromise, secret sin, or spiritual strongholds where we have allowed ungodly practices or attitudes to flourish. This requires intentional self-examination, repentance, and a commitment to radical obedience, ensuring that our hearts and lives are consecrated entirely to Christ, free from anything that would defile our spiritual walk or diminish our worship of the one true God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "inhabitants" or ungodly influences in my life need to be "driven out" to ensure spiritual purity and undivided devotion to God?**
* **What "pictures" or "molten images"—modern-day idols such as materialism, self-reliance, or the pursuit of worldly approval—do I need to identify and actively "destroy" in my heart and daily practices?**
* **Are there any "high places"—areas of habitual sin, compromise, or spiritual strongholds—that I need to "quite pluck down" to fully honor God and live in true freedom?**

### FAQ
**Was this command for physical genocide of the Canaanites?**

Answer: The primary command in Numbers 33:52 is to "drive out" (יָרַשׁ, *yārash*), which means to dispossess or take possession of the land from its current occupants. While the broader context of the conquest narratives does include instances of complete destruction (herem) for certain exceptionally wicked groups or cities, the overarching directive for the Canaanites was expulsion and, critically, the absolute eradication of their idolatrous religious infrastructure. The focus of this verse is explicitly on the destruction of "pictures," "molten images," and "high places"—the symbols and sites of pagan worship. The goal was to prevent Israel's spiritual contamination, not ethnic cleansing for its own sake. God's judgment was against the extreme wickedness and idolatry of the Canaanite nations, which had reached a point of no return, as seen in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites").

**How does this command apply to Christians today, since we are not conquering physical land or destroying literal idols?**

Answer: For Christians, the application of Numbers 33:52 shifts from the physical to the spiritual realm. We are not called to literal military conquest, but we are engaged in spiritual warfare against "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare Against Evil Forces")). The "land" we are to purify is our own heart, mind, and sphere of influence. We are commanded to "flee from idolatry" ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")) and to "keep yourselves from idols" ([1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")). This means identifying and rooting out anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—whether it's materialism, self-worship, relationships, comfort, or anything else that becomes an ultimate devotion. We are 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 Every Thought Captive")). The principle remains: God demands exclusive worship and a pure heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 33:52, with its stringent command for the eradication of idolatry and the purification of the land, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel's physical conquest was a necessary, albeit imperfect, step towards establishing a holy dwelling place for God, Christ accomplishes the perfect spiritual cleansing. He is the true "destroyer" of spiritual "pictures," "molten images," and "high places" in the hearts of humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus disarms "the rulers and authorities" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"))—the spiritual powers that once held humanity captive to idolatry and sin. He purifies us, making us a holy temple for the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Temple of the Holy Spirit")), cleansed not by physical destruction but by His precious blood ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The radical separation from paganism commanded in Numbers is spiritually realized in the believer's new identity in Christ, where we are called to be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:14-16](/john/17-14 "John 17:14-16 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples' Protection from the World")), actively putting off the old self and its idolatrous desires ([Colossians 3:5-10](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5-10 - Put to Death Earthly Things")). Jesus enables us to live out the holiness that Israel was commanded to embody, providing the power to "drive out" the spiritual inhabitants of sin and "pluck down" the "high places" of our hearts, making us truly consecrated to God.

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.

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 20:16

But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:

Deuteronomy 20:18

That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the LORD your God.

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.

Judges 2:2

And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?