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Exodus 23:24 - Reject idolatry, destroy completely.

Exodus 23:24 - שמות 23:24

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה לֵאלֹהֵיהֶם וְלֹא תָעָבְדֵם וְלֹא תַעֲשֶׂה כְּמַעֲשֵׂיהֶם כִּי הָרֵס תְּהָרְסֵם וְשַׁבֵּר תְּשַׁבֵּר מַצֵּבֹתֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and completely break down their images.

Transliteration

Lo-tishtakhaveh leiloheihem ve-lo ta'avdem ve-lo ta'aseh kema'aseihem ki hares teharesem ve-shaver teshaber matzevoteihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֤ה לֵאלֹֽהֵיהֶם֙ וְלֹ֣א תׇֽעׇבְדֵ֔ם וְלֹ֥א תַעֲשֶׂ֖ה כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂיהֶ֑ם כִּ֤י הָרֵס֙ תְּהָ֣רְסֵ֔ם וְשַׁבֵּ֥ר תְּשַׁבֵּ֖ר מַצֵּבֹתֵיהֶֽם׃
לֹֽא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֤ה לֵאלֹֽהֵיהֶם֙ וְלֹ֣א תׇֽעׇבְדֵ֔ם וְלֹ֥א תַעֲשֶׂ֖ה כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂיהֶ֑ם כִּ֤י הָרֵס֙ תְּהָ֣רְסֵ֔ם וְשַׁבֵּ֥ר תְּשַׁבֵּ֖ר מַצֵּבֹתֵיהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Idolatry

The verse (Shemot 23:24) contains three prohibitions and two positive commandments regarding idolatry. Rashi explains that the phrase "לֹא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה לֵאלֹהֵיהֶם" (Thou shalt not bow down to their gods) refers to the act of prostration before idols, while "וְלֹא תָעָבְדֵם" (nor serve them) prohibits any form of service to avodah zarah, even if not accompanied by bowing. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 3:2) elaborates that this includes any act typically associated with worship, such as offering sacrifices or burning incense.

Rejection of Foreign Practices

The phrase "וְלֹא תַעֲשֶׂה כְּמַעֲשֵׂיהֶם" (nor do after their works) is interpreted by the Mechilta as a prohibition against adopting the customs and behaviors of idolaters, even in secular matters. The Sifri extends this to include imitating their hairstyles, clothing, or other cultural practices that are intrinsically tied to their idolatrous worldview.

Positive Commandments to Destroy Idolatry

The latter part of the verse, "כִּי הָרֵס תְּהָרְסֵם וְשַׁבֵּר תְּשַׁבֵּר מַצֵּבֹתֵיהֶם" (but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and completely break down their images), imposes an active obligation to eradicate idolatry. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 45b) states that this mitzvah applies specifically in Eretz Yisrael, where the presence of avodah zarah poses a spiritual danger to the Jewish people. The double language ("הָרֵס תְּהָרְסֵם") emphasizes the requirement to destroy idols thoroughly, leaving no remnant.

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar notes that the juxtaposition of these commandments teaches that passive avoidance of idolatry is insufficient—one must actively uproot it. The Ramban adds that the destruction of idols is not merely physical but represents the rejection of false ideologies that contradict Torah values. The mitzvah applies both to physical idols and to metaphorical "idols" (i.e., corrupt philosophies) that oppose the sovereignty of Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the prohibition against idol worship and the destruction of idols, emphasizing the severity of engaging with idolatrous practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 23:24 mean?
A: Exodus 23:24 commands the Jewish people not to worship or serve foreign gods, nor imitate the practices of idolaters. Instead, they must actively destroy idolatrous objects and altars. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the complete rejection of idolatry in all forms—whether through actions, service, or even resembling their customs.
Q: Why is the destruction of idols mentioned in this verse?
A: The Torah requires the destruction of idols to prevent any temptation or influence of idolatry. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 7:1) teaches that eliminating idols removes stumbling blocks that could lead others astray. The phrase 'utterly overthrow them' shows the seriousness of eradicating idol worship from the land of Israel.
Q: How does this verse apply today if we don’t have physical idols?
A: While physical idol worship is rare today, the principle applies to rejecting modern forms of 'idolatry'—such as excessive materialism, unethical ideologies, or anything that distracts from serving Hashem. The Talmud (Megillah 13a) teaches that idolatry can also include blind devotion to harmful desires or false values.
Q: What can we learn from 'nor do after their works' in this verse?
A: The prohibition 'nor do after their works' teaches that Jews must avoid imitating non-Jewish religious practices, even if not directly worshipping idols. The Midrash (Sifrei) explains this includes customs tied to idolatrous cultures. Halacha (Jewish law) preserves distinct Jewish traditions to maintain spiritual purity.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'break down' ('shatter you shall shatter')?
A: The repetition emphasizes the urgency and completeness of destroying idols. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 53b) derives from this wording that one must break idols so thoroughly that no usable remnant remains. This teaches the importance of fully removing negative influences from our lives.