Deuteronomy 7:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 7:5
5 But 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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 7 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, judgment, covenant. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 7:5
5 But 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.
Analysis
The command to destroy altars, images, groves (Asherah poles), and graven images reflects total war against idolatry. This wasn't cultural vandalism but spiritual surgery—removing cancer before it metastasizes. Each element represented different aspects of Canaanite worship: altars (sacrificial systems), images (matstsebah, stone pillars), groves (asherah, wooden cult objects), and graven images (pesel, carved idols). The comprehensive list shows that partial obedience equals disobedience—God requires complete rejection of false worship. The New Testament parallel is putting to death 'the deeds of the body' (Romans 8:13) and making no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14). Spiritual victory requires radical amputation of sin (Matthew 5:29-30).
Historical Context
Archaeological excavations throughout Canaan have uncovered numerous altars, standing stones, Asherah poles, and idol figurines, confirming the pervasiveness of these cultic objects. The Canaanite religious system was not abstract philosophy but involved elaborate ritual infrastructure. Asherah worship involved fertility rites and sexual immorality. Baal worship included child sacrifice. These weren't benign cultural differences but practices that degraded human dignity and corrupted society. Israel's failure to fully execute this command (Judges 2:1-3) led to centuries of spiritual struggle.
Reflection
- What 'altars' or 'idols' in your life compete for the devotion that belongs to God alone?
- How radical are you willing to be in removing temptations and occasions for sin?
- In what ways does partial obedience to God's commands actually constitute disobedience?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Exodus 34:13
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 7:25, 9:21, 16:22, Exodus 23:24, Leviticus 26:1