Add parallel Print Page Options

24 “You must not bow down to their gods; you must not serve them or do according to their practices. Instead you must completely overthrow them and smash their standing stones[a] to pieces.[b]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Exodus 23:24 tn The Hebrew is מַצֵּבֹתֵיהֶם (matsevotehem, “their standing stones”); these long stones were erected to represent the abode of the numen or deity. They were usually set up near the altar or the high place. To destroy these would be to destroy the centers of Canaanite worship in the land.
  2. Exodus 23:24 tn Both verbs are joined with their infinitive absolutes to provide the strongest sense to these instructions. The images of the false gods in Canaan were to be completely and utterly destroyed. This could not be said any more strongly.

24 Do not bow down before their gods or worship(A) them or follow their practices.(B) You must demolish(C) them and break their sacred stones(D) to pieces.

Read full chapter