Numbers 33:52 - Destroy idolatry, inherit land

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Hebrew Text

וְהוֹרַשְׁתֶּם אֶת־כָּל־יֹשְׁבֵי הָאָרֶץ מִפְּנֵיכֶם וְאִבַּדְתֶּם אֵת כָּל־מַשְׂכִּיֹּתָם וְאֵת כָּל־צַלְמֵי מַסֵּכֹתָם תְּאַבֵּדוּ וְאֵת כָּל־בָּמֹתָם תַּשְׁמִידוּ׃

English Translation

then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their figured pavements, and destroy all their molten images, and devastate all their high places:

Transliteration

Vehorashtem et-kol-yoshvei ha'aretz mipneichem ve'ibadetem et kol-maskiyotam ve'et kol-tzalmei massechotam te'abedu ve'et kol-bamotam tashmidu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְה֨וֹרַשְׁתֶּ֜ם אֶת־כׇּל־יֹשְׁבֵ֤י הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם וְאִ֨בַּדְתֶּ֔ם אֵ֖ת כׇּל־מַשְׂכִּיֹּתָ֑ם וְאֵ֨ת כׇּל־צַלְמֵ֤י מַסֵּֽכֹתָם֙ תְּאַבֵּ֔דוּ וְאֵ֥ת כׇּל־בָּמוֹתָ֖ם תַּשְׁמִֽידוּ׃

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 33:52) commands Bnei Yisrael to drive out the inhabitants of Eretz Canaan upon entering the land and to destroy all forms of idolatry, including their figured pavements (maseichotam), molten images (tzalmei masseichotam), and high places (bamotam). This mitzvah is foundational to establishing a Torah society in the Land of Israel.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that "maseichotam" refers to images engraved on stones or walls, while "tzalmei masseichotam" are molten idols cast from metal. The "bamotam" are the altars used for idolatrous worship. Rashi emphasizes that the destruction of these items is necessary to eradicate any influence of avodah zarah (foreign worship) from the land.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 7:1-2) elaborates that this mitzvah is part of the broader obligation to eliminate idolatry entirely. He notes that even if the idols are not actively worshipped, their presence poses a spiritual danger. The destruction must be thorough—leaving no remnants that could lead future generations astray.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:3) connects this verse to the spiritual purity of Eretz Yisrael. It teaches that the land itself rejects idolatry and cannot tolerate its presence. Just as a body expels harmful substances, the land must be cleansed of spiritual impurities to fulfill its divine purpose as the dwelling place of the Shechinah.

Talmudic Discussion

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 45b) discusses the practical application of this mitzvah, ruling that even aesthetically valuable idols must be destroyed if they were used for worship. However, if they were merely decorative, they may be permitted under certain conditions. This highlights the Torah's balance between uncompromising opposition to idolatry and pragmatic considerations.

Key Lessons

Zero Tolerance for Idolatry: The Torah demands complete eradication of avodah zarah to prevent spiritual corruption.
Holiness of the Land: Eretz Yisrael must be purified to serve as a fitting home for divine service.
Historical Context: The Canaanite practices were antithetical to Torah values, necessitating their removal.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:52 mean when it says to 'drive out all the inhabitants of the land'?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish interpretation, this verse commands the Israelites to remove the Canaanite nations from the Land of Israel when they enter it. This was necessary because these nations were steeped in idolatry and immoral practices that would negatively influence the Jewish people. The Torah emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual purity in the Holy Land.

Q: Why does the Torah command the destruction of idols and high places in Numbers 33:52?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Avodat Kochavim that idolatry and its accessories must be completely eradicated to prevent any influence on the Jewish people. The 'high places' (bamot) were sites of idol worship, and destroying them removes temptation and preserves the monotheistic purity of the land. This mitzvah teaches us the importance of removing negative spiritual influences from our environment.

Q: How does the command in Numbers 33:52 apply to Jews today?
A: While the specific commandment to drive out nations and destroy idols applied to the conquest of Canaan, the principle remains relevant today. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah) derives from this verse that we must distance ourselves from idolatrous practices and influences. On a personal level, this teaches us to remove negative spiritual influences from our lives and create an environment conducive to serving Hashem.

Q: What are 'figured pavements' (maskiyot) mentioned in Numbers 33:52?
A: Rashi explains that 'maskiyot' refers to stones or pavements decorated with images used for idol worship. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 43b) discusses how these were part of the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites. The Torah commands their destruction to eliminate all traces of avodah zarah (foreign worship) from the land, showing how thoroughly we must oppose idolatry.

Q: Why is it important to destroy all traces of idolatry according to this verse?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei) teaches that even partial tolerance of idolatry can lead to spiritual contamination. Numbers 33:52's comprehensive command - to destroy idols, their accessories, and worship sites - demonstrates that we must be vigilant against negative influences. This principle applies to all generations in fighting ideologies contrary to Torah values, showing the importance of maintaining spiritual purity in our lives and communities.