the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other), gods of the peoples around youThis phrase in Deuteronomy 13:7 from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) serves as a stern warning against idolatry and the influence of surrounding cultures. The Hebrew word for "gods" here is "elohim," which can refer to divine beings or deities. In the context of ancient Israel, this term underscores the reality of polytheism in the ancient Near East, where numerous deities were worshiped by different peoples. The Israelites were surrounded by nations such as the Canaanites, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians, each with their own pantheon of gods. The phrase "gods of the peoples around you" highlights the temptation Israel faced to assimilate and adopt these foreign deities, which would lead them away from the worship of Yahweh, the one true God. whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other
The historical context is crucial here. The Israelites were called to be a distinct people, set apart for God (Exodus 19:5-6). The surrounding nations often engaged in practices that were abhorrent to the God of Israel, including child sacrifice, temple prostitution, and other forms of idolatry. The archaeological evidence from sites like Ugarit and other Canaanite cities reveals a rich tapestry of religious practices that were in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. This phrase serves as a reminder of the constant pressure to conform to the prevailing cultural norms and the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual purity. From a scriptural perspective, this warning is consistent with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the dangers of idolatry. The first commandment given to Moses was to have no other gods before Yahweh (Exodus 20:3). The prophets repeatedly called Israel back to exclusive worship of Yahweh, condemning the worship of foreign gods as spiritual adultery (Jeremiah 3:6-10). This phrase in Deuteronomy 13:7 is a call to faithfulness, urging the Israelites to resist the allure of the "gods of the peoples around you" and remain devoted to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 3. CanaanThe land where the Israelites are headed, inhabited by various peoples with different gods. 4. False godsThe deities worshiped by the surrounding nations, which the Israelites are warned against. 5. Promised LandThe land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Teaching Points Guard Against IdolatryThe Israelites were warned to avoid the gods of surrounding nations. Today, believers must be vigilant against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or secular ideologies. Cultural InfluenceJust as the Israelites were surrounded by nations with different beliefs, Christians today live in a pluralistic society. We must discern and resist cultural pressures that lead us away from God. Faithfulness to GodThe call to worship God alone is a call to faithfulness. Our loyalty to God should be unwavering, even when faced with enticing alternatives. Community AccountabilityThe Israelites were to hold each other accountable in their worship practices. Similarly, the Christian community should encourage and support one another in faithfulness to God. Spiritual VigilanceJust as the Israelites were to be vigilant against the influence of other gods, Christians must remain spiritually alert to influences that could lead them away from their devotion to Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern "gods" or idols that can distract us from our devotion to God, and how can we guard against them? 2. How does the warning in Deuteronomy 13:7 relate to the first commandment given in Exodus 20:3? 3. In what ways can we support each other in remaining faithful to God in a culture that often promotes contrary values? 4. How can the account of Solomon in 1 Kings 11 serve as a warning for us today regarding the influence of those around us? 5. How does Jesus' response to temptation in Matthew 4:10 provide a model for resisting the allure of false gods or idols in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols, reinforcing the exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh. 1 Kings 11:1-10The account of Solomon's downfall due to his foreign wives leading him to worship other gods, illustrating the dangers warned about in Deuteronomy 13:7. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18Paul's teaching on not being unequally yoked with unbelievers, which echoes the call to separate from the practices of surrounding nations. Matthew 4:10Jesus' response to Satan during His temptation, affirming the worship of God alone, aligning with the command in Deuteronomy. People MosesPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Gods, Namely, Nigh, Peoples, Round, WhetherDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 13:1-9 8771 idolatry, objections Deuteronomy 13:1-11 8706 apostasy, warnings Deuteronomy 13:6-8 5165 listening
5692 friends, bad
8138 monotheism
8315 orthodoxy, in OT Deuteronomy 13:6-9 6691 mercy, human Deuteronomy 13:6-10 5557 stoning
8160 seeking God Deuteronomy 13:6-11 4366 stones
5623 witnesses, legal Library Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober Reason,
appears of itself highly credible and probable, and abundantly recommends itself in its native simplicity, merely by its own intrinsic goodness and excellency, to the practice of the most rational and considering men, who are desirous in all their actions to have satisfaction and comfort and good hope within themselves, from the conscience of what they do: So it is moreover positively and directly proved to be actually and immediately sent to us from God, by the many infallible signs and miracles …
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of GodKnox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution, 1556-1558
Knox was about this time summoned to be one of the preachers to the English at Geneva. He sent in advance Mrs. Bowes and his wife, visited Argyll and Glenorchy (now Breadalbane), wrote (July 7) an epistle bidding the brethren be diligent in reading and discussing the Bible, and went abroad. His effigy was presently burned by the clergy, as he had not appeared in answer to a second summons, and he was outlawed in absence. It is not apparent that Knox took any part in the English translation of the …
Andrew Lang—John Knox and the Reformation With, Before, After
'Enoch walked with God,'--GENESIS v. 22. 'Walk before Me.'--GENESIS xvii. 1. 'Ye shall walk after the Lord your God.'--DEUTERONOMY xiii. 4. You will have anticipated, I suppose, my purpose in doing what I very seldom do--cutting little snippets out of different verses and putting them together. You see that these three fragments, in their resemblances and in their differences, are equally significant and instructive. They concur in regarding life as a walk--a metaphor which expresses continuity, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from Heaven' - Journey to Cæsarea Philippi - what is the Leaven of The
THEY might well gather to Jesus in their thousands, with their wants of body and soul, these sheep wandering without a shepherd; for His Ministry in that district, as formerly in Galilee, was about to draw to a close. And here it is remarkable, that each time His prolonged stay and Ministry in a district were brought to a close with some supper, so to speak, some festive entertainment on his part. The Galilean Ministry had closed with the feeding of the five thousand, the guests being mostly from …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Colossians 3, 12-17. 12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the Word …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely Religious, and Pertaining to the Conscience.
Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters purely Religious, and pertaining to the Conscience. Since God hath assumed to himself the power and Dominion of the Conscience, who alone can rightly instruct and govern it, therefore it is not lawful [1226] for any whosoever, by virtue of any authority or principality they bear in the government of this world, to force the consciences of others; and therefore all killing, banishing, fining, imprisoning, and other such things which are inflicted …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Jewish Homes
It may be safely asserted, that the grand distinction, which divided all mankind into Jews and Gentiles, was not only religious, but also social. However near the cities of the heathen to those of Israel, however frequent and close the intercourse between the two parties, no one could have entered a Jewish town or village without feeling, so to speak, in quite another world. The aspect of the streets, the building and arrangement of the houses, the municipal and religious rule, the manners and customs …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 13:7 NIVDeuteronomy 13:7 NLTDeuteronomy 13:7 ESVDeuteronomy 13:7 NASBDeuteronomy 13:7 KJV
Deuteronomy 13:7 Commentaries
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