“Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places.”
This verse is a part of God’s instructions to the Israelites as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land, Canaan. It contains important principles regarding their conquest and possession of the land.
Driving out the inhabitants:God commanded the Israelites to drive out all the current inhabitants of the land. This instruction served several purposes. Firstly, it ensured that the Israelites would not be influenced by the idolatrous practices and pagan customs of the Canaanite nations. Secondly, it emphasised their exclusive possession of the land as a chosen people of God. It was not an act of aggression but a fulfilment of God’s promise to give them the land.
Destroying pictures and molten images:God commanded the Israelites to destroy all the images and idols worshiped by the Canaanites. This instruction highlighted the importance of monotheism and the exclusivity of worshiping the one true God. God did not want the Israelites to adopt any pagan practices or be enticed by the false gods of the Canaanites.
Plucking down high places:The “high places” referred to the elevated locations where the Canaanites would offer sacrifices and worship their gods. God commanded the Israelites to tear down these high places to ensure the eradication of idolatrous practices. By doing so, the Israelites would establish a pure and holy worship of God in the Promised Land.
It is crucial to note that these instructions were specific to the Israelites’ unique situation as they entered Canaan. They were not meant to be a universal mandate for all believers in all times. However, the principles within this verse still hold relevance for believers today.
In a broader application, Numbers 33:52 teaches us about the importance of spiritual separation and consecration. As Christians, we are called to live in the world but not be of the world. We should be diligent in driving out any sinful influences from our lives and guarding against idolatry. We must remove any figurative “pictures” or “idols” that hinder our relationship with God. This could include anything that takes priority over God in our hearts or leads us away from His truth and commandments.
Furthermore, plucking down the “high places” in our lives can symbolize tearing down the altars of false worship and worldly desires. We are to ensure that our worship and devotion are directed solely towards God and that we do not elevate anything above Him.
In summary, Numbers 33:52 reminds us of the need for spiritual separation and consecration. We should strive to remove sinful influences, idols, and false worship from our lives, setting our hearts and minds on the one true God.
