Exodus 34:13
But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַצֵּֽבֹתָ֖ם
their images
H4676
מַצֵּֽבֹתָ֖ם
their images
Strong's:
H4676
Word #:
6 of 10
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
2 Kings 18:4He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.Exodus 23:24Thou 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.Deuteronomy 7:5But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.Deuteronomy 16:21Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.2 Kings 23:14And he brake in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men.Judges 6:25And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:Judges 2:2And 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?
Historical Context
Archaeological discoveries confirm widespread worship of Baal and Asherah in Canaan, including cultic sites on 'high places' featuring stone pillars and wooden poles.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'idols' or spiritual influences in your life require complete destruction rather than moderation?
- Why does God demand such thorough removal of false worship rather than mere avoidance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God commands destruction of Canaanite worship sites: altars (מִזְבְּחֹת, mizbechot), pillars (מַצֵּבוֹת, matsevot—standing stones), and Asherim (אֲשֵׁרִים, asherim—wooden poles representing the goddess Asherah). This is not mere iconoclasm but spiritual warfare against demonic forces masquerading as deities (1 Cor 10:20-21). Half-measures in destroying idolatry lead to spiritual compromise.