Contemplative Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 7:25-26 (New Living Translation)

²⁵ “You must burn their idols in fire, and you must not covet the silver or gold that covers them. You must not take it or it will become a trap to you, for it is detestable to the Lord your God. ²⁶ Do not bring any detestable objects into your home, for then you will be destroyed, just like them. You must utterly detest such things, for they are set apart for destruction.

In the Old Testament (hi)stories, God’s people often held onto idols. The initial reason was the monetary value. Idols were usually covered with gold, silver, and precious stones. Hence, the command in verse 25 about not coveting the silver or gold that covered the idols.

Then there was (is) the danger of prolonging the life of the idol. Just keeping them around for a curiosity or for a museum of world religions.

God’s command regarding these idols: You must utterly detest such things.

To me, that means trash them, destroy them, rid the earth of those detestable things.

Cute little statue? Detestable object.