Exodus 34:13-14
You shall tear down their altars and break their pillars and cut down their Asherim (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just about demolishing pagan objects; it's about erasing the very possibility of them becoming temptations. God commands the complete destruction of altars, images, and sacred trees (Asherim) because even remnants could lure His people back into idolatry. These were not just physical structures but potent symbols that needed to be utterly removed for Israel to remain devoted.
Following God's gracious renewal of the covenant after the golden calf incident, Moses receives renewed stone tablets with the commandments. The text then pivots to specific instructions for the Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan, emphasizing the need to completely eradicate the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations to prevent corruption and maintain their unique relationship with God. This directive to tear down altars, break pillars, and cut down sacred Asherah symbols is a critical part of ensuring Israel’s holiness and faithfulness in their new land.
God's commands aren't just about stopping bad actions, but about removing the very temptation to sin. Why such a radical approach?
In Exodus 34:13, God instructs the Israelites to not only reject idolatry but to actively demolish its physical remnants: altars, pillars, and Asherah poles. This isn't about petty destruction; it's a profound principle of spiritual warfare.
Removing Temptation
These objects were more than just decorations; they were focal points for worship that led to practices deeply offensive to God, including immorality and sacrifice of children. Leaving them in place would be like leaving a loaded gun lying around – a constant, potent temptation. God wanted the Israelites to make a clean break.
Spiritual Hygiene
Think of it like a deep cleanse for the community. Just as we might throw out spoiled food to prevent illness, God commanded the destruction of these idolatrous items to prevent spiritual contamination and a relapse into the corrupt practices of the surrounding nations.
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What exactly are these 'Asherim' that God demands be cut down? They represent a specific and pervasive form of ancient worship.
The 'Asherim' mentioned in Exodus 34:13 (and 'pillars' which likely refer to similar standing stones) were not just random objects. They were deeply connected to Canaanite religious practices.
Connected to Ashtoreth
Scholars suggest the name 'Asherah' likely derives from the name of a prominent Canaanite goddess, Ashtoreth (also known as Astarte). These Asherah poles or symbols were likely associated with her worship, which focused on fertility, nature, and often involved very licentious practices.
More Than Trees
While they might have originally been linked to sacred trees or groves, by the time of Israel's conquest, they often became carved wooden posts or stone pillars erected at altars. They served as potent symbols of pagan deities and their perceived power over life and creation, directly competing with the Lord's sovereignty.
Understand the original words
mizbeah · Hebrew Noun
A structure or place, typically of stone or earth, designed for offering sacrifices or burnt offerings to a deity as an act of worship or propitiation.
matsebah · Hebrew Noun
Upright stone monuments or stelae often associated with Canaanite worship, representing the presence or power of a deity.
asherah · Hebrew Noun
Cultic objects, likely wooden poles or carved images representing the Canaanite fertility goddess Asherah, used in idolatrous worship practices.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the God of Israel (YHWH), revealed as the self-existent, eternal, and faithful Redeemer.
qanna · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A passionate, protective zeal for one's own rights, honor, or exclusive relationship; in theology, it refers to God's demand for total allegiance and His intolerance of rivals for His people's affection.
This passage echoes the command from Exodus 34:13, emphasizing the complete destruction of Canaanite religious practices and symbols to prevent the Israelites from being lured into idolatry.
1 Kings 18:26This verse describes the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, highlighting the presence and widespread nature of the altars and practices that God commanded Israel to destroy.
Judges 6:25-30This narrative vividly illustrates the practical application of the command in Exodus 34:13, showing Gideon destroying his father's altar to Baal and cutting down the Asherah pole.
2 Kings 23:14King Josiah's reforms involve the defilement and destruction of altars and pillars, demonstrating the lasting impact of Canaanite worship and the need for continued eradication long after the initial conquest.
Jeremiah 3:6This prophetic passage critiques Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, mentioning the 'Asherah' poles as symbols of their turning away from God, underscoring the deep-seated nature of the idolatry commanded to be destroyed in Exodus.
gillExodus 34:13: "But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:"
But ye shall destroy their altars,.... On which they had sacrificed to their idols; since, if they were allowed to continue, they might be temptations to offer sacrifice thereon, contrary to the command of God: break their images: of gold or silver, wood or stone, which they made for themselves, and worshipped as deities; seeing if these continued, the sight of them might lead to the worship of the…
clarkeExodus 34:13: "But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:"
Ye shall destroy their images - See the subjects of this and all the following verses, to Exodus 34:28 , treated at large in the notes on Exodus 23 (note).
This isn't just about demolishing pagan objects; it's about erasing the very possibility of them becoming temptations. God commands the complete destruction of altars, images, and sacred trees (Asherim) because even remnants could lure His people back into idolatry. These were not just physical structures but potent symbols that needed to be utterly removed for Israel to remain devoted.
Following God's gracious renewal of the covenant after the golden calf incident, Moses receives renewed stone tablets with the commandments. The text then pivots to specific instructions for the Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan, emphasizing the need to completely eradicate the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations to prevent corruption and maintain their unique relationship with God. This directive to tear down altars, break pillars, and cut down sacred Asherah symbols is a critical part of ensuring Israel’s holiness and faithfulness in their new land.
Following God's gracious renewal of the covenant after the golden calf incident, Moses receives renewed stone tablets with the commandments. The text then pivots to specific instructions for the Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan, emphasizing the need to completely eradicate the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations to prevent corruption and maintain their unique relationship with God. This directive to tear down altars, break pillars, and cut down sacred Asherah symbols is a critical part of ensuring Israel’s holiness and faithfulness in their new land.
"You shall tear down their altars and break their pillars and cut down their Asherim (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)," — This isn't just about demolishing pagan objects; it's about erasing the very possibility of them becoming temptations. God commands the complete destruction of altars, images, and sacred trees (Ash…
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