Deuteronomy 7:5

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.

Study Bible

Instead, this is what you are to do to them:
This directive comes as part of God's instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The context is a command to completely destroy the pagan nations inhabiting Canaan. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing holiness and separation from idolatry. The command underscores the importance of obedience to God’s laws and the rejection of pagan practices.

tear down their altars,
Altars in ancient Canaan were used for sacrifices to various deities. By tearing them down, the Israelites were to eliminate the means of worship for these false gods. This act symbolizes the rejection of idolatry and the exclusive worship of Yahweh. It also serves as a physical demonstration of the spiritual cleansing required to maintain purity in worship.

smash their sacred pillars,
Sacred pillars, or standing stones, were often erected as symbols of the presence or power of a deity. Smashing these pillars was a direct attack on the religious symbols of the Canaanites, demonstrating the superiority of the God of Israel. This action is a reminder of the first commandment, which prohibits the worship of other gods.

cut down their Asherah poles,
Asherah poles were wooden symbols associated with the goddess Asherah, a prominent figure in Canaanite religion. Cutting them down was a way to dismantle the infrastructure of pagan worship. This act signifies the removal of temptations that could lead the Israelites away from their covenant with God. It also prefigures the New Testament call to remove anything that hinders one's relationship with Christ.

and burn their idols in the fire.
Burning idols was a method of complete destruction, ensuring that no remnant of the false gods remained. This act of burning signifies purification and the total eradication of idolatry from the land. It reflects the biblical theme of God as a consuming fire, purifying His people and eliminating sin. This also foreshadows the ultimate victory over sin and idolatry through Jesus Christ, who purifies believers and calls them to worship in spirit and truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being instructed by Moses on how to deal with the pagan nations in the Promised Land.

2. Canaanites
The inhabitants of the land that God promised to the Israelites, known for their idolatrous practices.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's commandments and instructions to the people.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

5. Asherah Poles
Wooden symbols associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah, representing idolatry and false worship.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Purity in Worship
God commands the Israelites to destroy all forms of idolatry to maintain purity in their worship. This teaches us the importance of removing anything in our lives that competes with our devotion to God.

The Dangers of Compromise
Allowing pagan practices to coexist with the worship of God leads to spiritual compromise. We must be vigilant in identifying and eliminating influences that can lead us away from God.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites are called to obey God's instructions fully. This reminds us of the importance of complete obedience to God's Word in our lives.

The Call to Spiritual Warfare
The physical destruction of idols in the Old Testament symbolizes the spiritual battle we face today. We are called to actively fight against sin and idolatry in our hearts.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Guidance
Moses, as a leader, provides guidance and instruction to the Israelites. This highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding others towards righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our devotion to God, and how can we "tear them down" in our lives?

2. How does the command to destroy the Canaanite altars relate to the New Testament teaching on being "in the world but not of the world"?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains pure and focused solely on God?

4. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in Deuteronomy 7:5 to our daily walk with Christ?

5. What role does spiritual leadership play in helping us identify and remove idolatry from our lives, and how can we support our leaders in this task?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 34:13
This verse also commands the Israelites to destroy the altars and sacred stones of the Canaanites, emphasizing the need to eliminate idolatry.

Judges 2:2-3
Highlights the consequences of failing to obey God's command to destroy the pagan altars, leading to Israel's spiritual downfall.

1 Kings 18:30-40
Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, where he repairs the altar of the Lord, demonstrating the importance of true worship.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Paul advises believers to separate themselves from unbelievers, drawing a parallel to the Israelites' need to separate from pagan practices.