Numbers 33:52
Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:
Original Language Analysis
וְה֨וֹרַשְׁתֶּ֜ם
Then ye shall drive out
H3423
וְה֨וֹרַשְׁתֶּ֜ם
Then ye shall drive out
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
1 of 19
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֤י
all the inhabitants
H3427
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֤י
all the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם
from before
H6440
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם
from before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
תְּאַבֵּ֔דוּ
and destroy
H6
תְּאַבֵּ֔דוּ
and destroy
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַשְׂכִּיֹּתָ֑ם
all their pictures
H4906
מַשְׂכִּיֹּתָ֑ם
all their pictures
Strong's:
H4906
Word #:
10 of 19
a figure (carved on stone, the wall, or any object); figuratively, imagination
וְאֵ֨ת
H853
וְאֵ֨ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צַלְמֵ֤י
images
H6754
צַלְמֵ֤י
images
Strong's:
H6754
Word #:
13 of 19
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
מַסֵּֽכֹתָם֙
all their molten
H4541
מַסֵּֽכֹתָם֙
all their molten
Strong's:
H4541
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour
תְּאַבֵּ֔דוּ
and destroy
H6
תְּאַבֵּ֔דוּ
and destroy
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
וְאֵ֥ת
H853
וְאֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
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.Leviticus 26:1Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.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?Joshua 23:7That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:
Historical Context
Israel's failure to fully implement this command led to centuries of syncretism and idolatry, as Judges repeatedly documents. The Canaanite 'high places' (worship sites on hills) continually tempted Israel, with even good kings like Asa and Jehoshaphat failing to remove them completely. Solomon's later marriages to foreign wives who turned his heart to other gods (1 Kings 11:1-8) exemplified the danger Moses warned against. Complete obedience would have prevented much subsequent misery.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual 'high places' or idolatrous influences do you tolerate rather than completely removing from your life?
- How does partial obedience in dealing with sin create ongoing vulnerability to temptation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'drive out all the inhabitants of the land' and destroy their religious objects ('destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places') required comprehensive removal of idolatry's enticements. This demonstrates that partial obedience in removing sin's sources leads to future compromise. The thoroughness demanded—pictures, images, high places—shows that tolerating any evil influence creates footholds for larger apostasy. Spiritual victory requires complete commitment, not half-measures.