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.
The destruction must be thorough: '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.' This specifies complete eradication of idolatrous infrastructure. The Hebrew verbs are violent: natats (נָתַץ, overthrow/break down), shabar (שָׁבַר, shatter), saraph (שָׂרַף, burn), gada (גָּדַע, cut down), abad (אָבַד, destroy). Even the 'names' must be destroyed—eliminating all memory and association. This reflects ancient concept that names carry power and presence. Destroying the name means obliterating the deity's cultural influence.
Historical Context
The 'pillars' (matsevot, מַצֵּבוֹת) were standing stones marking sacred sites. 'Groves' (asherim, אֲשֵׁרִים) were wooden poles or living trees sacred to Asherah. 'Graven images' (pesilim, פְּסִילִים) were carved idols. Archaeological excavations at Canaanite sites (Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer) have uncovered such cultic installations. Israel's partial obedience left high places that repeatedly ensnared them (Judges 2:1-3; 1 Kings 14:23). Josiah's reform (2 Kings 23) finally attempted comprehensive purging, but too late to prevent exile.
Questions for Reflection
How thorough must Christians be in removing spiritual influences that could lead to compromise?
What does destroying even the 'names' of false gods teach about completely rejecting false ideologies?
How do we balance preservation of historical and cultural artifacts with dangers of glorifying false religions?
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Analysis & Commentary
The destruction must be thorough: '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.' This specifies complete eradication of idolatrous infrastructure. The Hebrew verbs are violent: natats (נָתַץ, overthrow/break down), shabar (שָׁבַר, shatter), saraph (שָׂרַף, burn), gada (גָּדַע, cut down), abad (אָבַד, destroy). Even the 'names' must be destroyed—eliminating all memory and association. This reflects ancient concept that names carry power and presence. Destroying the name means obliterating the deity's cultural influence.