Deuteronomy 13:6

If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, "Let us go and worship other gods" (which neither you nor your fathers have known,

Study Bible

If your very own brother,
The mention of "brother" highlights the intimate and personal nature of the relationships being addressed. In ancient Israel, family bonds were strong and central to social structure. The command underscores the seriousness of idolatry, even when proposed by those closest to us. This reflects the biblical principle that allegiance to God must supersede all other relationships (Matthew 10:37).

or your son or daughter,
Children were considered blessings and integral to the family unit. The inclusion of "son or daughter" emphasizes that no familial relationship should lead one away from faithfulness to God. This echoes the commandment to teach children the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:7).

or the wife you embrace,
The phrase "wife you embrace" suggests a deep, affectionate relationship. In biblical times, marriage was a covenant reflecting God's relationship with His people. The warning here is that even the closest human relationship should not compromise one's devotion to God, paralleling the New Testament teaching on marriage and faith (Ephesians 5:22-33).

or your closest friend
Friendship in ancient Israel was a bond of loyalty and trust. The term "closest friend" indicates someone with whom one shares a deep connection. The warning against being led astray by a friend highlights the importance of choosing companions who encourage faithfulness to God (Proverbs 13:20).

secretly entices you,
The word "secretly" suggests deception and the subtlety of temptation. This reflects the nature of sin, which often begins in hidden or private ways. The Bible frequently warns against deceit and the need for vigilance (1 Peter 5:8).

saying, “Let us go and worship other gods”
The call to worship other gods directly violates the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). This phrase underscores the temptation to idolatry, a recurring issue for Israel. It serves as a reminder of the exclusive worship due to the one true God, a theme reiterated throughout Scripture (Isaiah 45:5).

(which neither you nor your fathers have known,
This phrase emphasizes the foreign nature of the gods being proposed for worship. It highlights the historical faithfulness of the Israelites' ancestors to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The call to worship unknown gods contrasts with the covenant relationship established by God with Israel, reminding believers of the importance of maintaining the faith passed down through generations (Joshua 24:14-15).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Brother, Son, Daughter, Wife, Closest Friend
These individuals represent the closest and most intimate relationships in one's life, highlighting the potential for personal influence and temptation.

2. Enticement to Idolatry
The act of being secretly persuaded to worship other gods, which is a direct violation of the first commandment and a serious threat to the covenant relationship with God.

3. Worship of Other Gods
This refers to the practice of idolatry, which was prevalent among the surrounding nations and strictly forbidden for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Guarding Against Idolatry
Idolatry can come from unexpected sources, even those closest to us. We must remain vigilant and discerning in our relationships.

The Primacy of God’s Commandments
Our allegiance to God and His commandments must take precedence over any human relationship or influence.

The Cost of Discipleship
Following God may require difficult choices, including standing firm against loved ones who lead us away from Him.

The Influence of Relationships
Evaluate the influence of your closest relationships. Are they drawing you closer to God or leading you away from Him?

Faithfulness in the Face of Temptation
Strengthen your resolve to remain faithful to God, even when faced with subtle or direct temptations to stray.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify when someone close to us is leading us away from God, and what steps should we take in response?

2. In what ways does the command to avoid idolatry in Deuteronomy 13:6 relate to the first commandment given in Exodus 20?

3. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 10:37 challenge us to prioritize our relationship with Him over familial ties?

4. Reflect on a time when a close relationship influenced your spiritual walk. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

5. How can we apply the principle of guarding against idolatry in our modern context, where idols may not be physical statues but other forms of distraction or allegiance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
This passage outlines the first commandment, emphasizing the prohibition against idolatry and the exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Matthew 10:37
Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship, indicating that love for Him must surpass even the closest familial relationships.

1 Corinthians 15:33
Paul warns about the influence of close associations, reinforcing the idea that bad company corrupts good character.