Exodus 23:13
“Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse comes towards the end of a section detailing various laws, including those about the Sabbath year and agricultural practices. It serves as a concluding exhortation to pay close attention to all God's commands and specifically to actively reject any association with the worship of other gods, emphasizing a complete separation from pagan practices. The immediate context highlights the importance of this divine covenant and obedience before the laws transition to the three annual festivals.
Why would God command His people to not even mention other gods? It seems extreme. But there's a deep wisdom here about how our words shape our inner world.
Words Have Weight
God tells the Israelites to be "circumspect" – to be watchful and careful. This isn't just about avoiding outward actions; it's about guarding the heart. The command to "make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips" is a powerful instruction.
God wasn't just giving rules for outward behavior; He was calling His people to a distinct way of life. This command is about more than just avoiding 'sin'.
More Than Just Not Sinning
The call to holiness isn't merely about refraining from forbidden actions. It's about cultivating a mindset and a culture that is set apart for God.
Understand the original words
elohim acherim · Hebrew Noun phrase
Deities worshipped by surrounding nations, which God strictly forbids Israel from acknowledging or invoking, as He alone is the living and true God who demands exclusive worship.
This passage directly reinforces the command to fear and serve only the Lord, emphasizing that oaths and allegiance should be sworn solely by His name, echoing the exclusivity demanded in Exodus.
Joshua 23:7Here, Joshua reiterates the warning to the Israelites not to associate with or swear by the names of other gods, directly linking this prohibition to the continued presence of those nations in the land and the potential for spiritual compromise.
Psalm 16:4This psalm speaks of those who 'multiply their sorrows' by turning to other gods and engaging in their practices, including 'drinking the drink offering of blood,' which parallels the idea of not even mentioning the names of other gods to avoid participation in their rituals.
Hosea 2:17Hosea prophesies a time when Israel will no longer call her gods by name, indicating a complete turning away from and forgetting of idolatry as a sign of restoration and renewed devotion to the Lord.
Zechariah 13:2This prophetic passage speaks of the purging of idols and false prophets, stating that the very names of the idols will be cut off from the land, illustrating the ultimate fulfillment of the command to eradicate all mention and memory of other gods.
bensonExodus 23:13: "And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth."
Exodus 23:13 . In all things be circumspect — We are in danger of missing our way on the right hand and on the left, and it is at our peril if we do, therefore we have need to look about us. A man may ruin himself through mere carelessness, but he cannot save himself without great care and circumspection. Particularly since idolatry…
calvinExodus 23:13: "And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth."
- Make no mention of the name of other gods. There is no sort of doubt but that this declaration should be connected with the Third Commandment. Moses explains that God's name is taken in vain and abused, if men swear by other gods; for it is not lawful to refer the judgment of things unknown to any other than the one true God. Co…
{ "hasHistoricalBackground": false }
This verse comes towards the end of a section detailing various laws, including those about the Sabbath year and agricultural practices. It serves as a concluding exhortation to pay close attention to all God's commands and specifically to actively reject any association with the worship of other gods, emphasizing a complete separation from pagan practices. The immediate context highlights the importance of this divine covenant and obedience before the laws transition to the three annual festivals.
This verse comes towards the end of a section detailing various laws, including those about the Sabbath year and agricultural practices. It serves as a concluding exhortation to pay close attention to all God's commands and specifically to actively reject any association with the worship of other gods, emphasizing a complete separation from pagan practices. The immediate context highlights the importance of this divine covenant and obedience before the laws transition to the three annual festivals.
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"“Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips." — { "hasHistoricalBackground": false }
