Contemplative Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 7:5 (New Living Translation)

This is what you must do. You must break down their pagan altars and shatter their sacred pillars. Cut down their Asherah poles and burn their idols.

The “God of the Old Testament” is often criticized as inventing the concept of pillage and burn and such (sort of silly that we can sit here and criticize God, hmmm?). The verse above is one of those pillage and burn verses.

Note what is to be destroyed:

idols and places of idol worship.

God does not tell His people to destroy houses, businesses, public roads, infrastructure, etc. The facilities of civilization are to be maintained. They are gifts from God to His people.

Hmm, let me consider that a little more:

The facilities of civilization are to be maintained. They are gifts from God to His people.

I will have to consider that one for a few years.