share torah logo

Exodus 34:13 - Idolatry's complete eradication demanded

Exodus 34:13 - שמות 34:13

Hebrew Text

כִּי אֶת־מִזְבְּחֹתָם תִּתֹּצוּן וְאֶת־מַצֵּבֹתָם תְּשַׁבֵּרוּן וְאֶת־אֲשֵׁרָיו תִּכְרֹתוּן׃

English Translation

but you shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their asherim:

Transliteration

Ki et-mizbechotam titzotzun ve'et-matzeivotam teshaberun ve'et-asheirav tichrotun.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֤י אֶת־מִזְבְּחֹתָם֙ תִּתֹּצ֔וּן וְאֶת־מַצֵּבֹתָ֖ם תְּשַׁבֵּר֑וּן וְאֶת־אֲשֵׁרָ֖יו תִּכְרֹתֽוּן׃
כִּ֤י אֶת־מִזְבְּחֹתָם֙ תִּתֹּצ֔וּן וְאֶת־מַצֵּבֹתָ֖ם תְּשַׁבֵּר֑וּן וְאֶת־אֲשֵׁרָ֖יו תִּכְרֹתֽוּן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Destruction of Idolatry in the Land of Israel

The verse (Shemot 34:13) commands the Jewish people to destroy the idolatrous structures of the Canaanite nations upon entering Eretz Yisrael. This mitzvah is rooted in the imperative to eradicate avodah zarah (foreign worship) from the land designated for divine service to Hashem.

Explanation of the Three Commands

  • תִּתֹּצוּן (Destroy their altars): Rashi explains that these were altars built for idol worship. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:1) elaborates that any structure used for idolatry must be completely demolished to prevent future misuse.
  • תְּשַׁבֵּרוּן (Break their images): The "matzevot" (pillars) were standing stones used in pagan rituals. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 53b) teaches that even aesthetically pleasing idolatrous items must be broken to eliminate their influence.
  • תִּכְרֹתוּן (Cut down their asherim): The asherah trees were objects of idolatrous worship. The Sifrei notes that this includes both carved wooden idols and trees planted for idol worship, which must be uprooted completely.

Philosophical Underpinnings

The Ramban explains that this commandment serves two purposes: 1) To remove all physical reminders of idolatry that might tempt Bnei Yisrael, and 2) To demonstrate the nullity of false gods by showing their inability to protect their own worship sites. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 436) adds that destroying these items helps purify the land for proper avodat Hashem.

Contemporary Application

While the specific mitzvah applies primarily to Eretz Yisrael during conquest, the Mechilta derives from this verse a general principle to actively remove influences of avodah zarah. Modern poskim discuss how this applies to removing spiritual impurities in our times, whether physical objects or ideological influences contrary to Torah values.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 45b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the prohibition of idolatry and the obligation to destroy idolatrous objects.
📖 Sanhedrin 56a
The verse is cited in the context of the Noahide laws, specifically the prohibition against idolatry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 34:13 mean when it commands to destroy altars and idols?
A: Exodus 34:13 commands the Jewish people to destroy the altars, idols (matzevot), and asherim (pagan cult objects) of the Canaanite nations when entering the Land of Israel. According to Rashi and Rambam, this mitzvah ensures the purity of worship in the land by removing foreign influences that could lead to idolatry (avodah zarah).
Q: Why is destroying idols important in Judaism?
A: Destroying idols is a Torah commandment (Devarim 12:2-3) to prevent avodah zarah (idol worship), which is one of Judaism’s gravest sins. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:1) explains that leaving idols intact could lead Jews astray. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 45b) also discusses the strict laws around eliminating idolatrous influences.
Q: What are 'asherim' mentioned in Exodus 34:13?
A: Asherim (singular: asherah) were wooden poles or trees associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah. The Torah forbids them (Devarim 16:21), and Rashi explains they were part of idolatrous rituals. The Mishnah (Avodah Zarah 3:7) details how they must be uprooted or burned to prevent misuse.
Q: Does Exodus 34:13 apply today if we find ancient idols?
A: According to Halacha (Jewish law), the mitzvah of destroying idols applies when Jews have sovereignty over the Land of Israel (Rambam, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:1-2). Today, if one discovers ancient idolatrous objects, a rabbi should be consulted, as some require destruction while others may have historical value (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 146).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 34:13 today?
A: The verse teaches the importance of removing negative spiritual influences. While literal idol worship is rare today, the Talmud (Chullin 94b) extends this idea to avoiding harmful ideologies or behaviors that distract from serving Hashem. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 61) compares idolatry to unethical traits, urging us to 'destroy' negative character traits.