Deuteronomy 16:21 - Idolatry forbidden near altar

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Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִטַּע לְךָ אֲשֵׁרָה כָּל־עֵץ אֵצֶל מִזְבַּח יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה־לָּךְ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not plant thee an ashera of any tree near the altar of the Lord thy God, which thou shalt make thee.

Transliteration

Lo-tita lekha asherah kol-etz etzel mizbeach Adonai Elohekha asher ta'aseh-lakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־תִטַּ֥ע לְךָ֛ אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה כׇּל־עֵ֑ץ אֵ֗צֶל מִזְבַּ֛ח יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשֶׂה־לָּֽךְ׃

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Planting an Asherah Near the Altar

The verse (Devarim 16:21) prohibits planting an asherah (a tree or wooden idol associated with pagan worship) near the altar of Hashem. This commandment serves as a safeguard against idolatrous influences in the sacred space dedicated to divine service.

Explanation of the Term "Asherah"

Rashi explains that an asherah refers to a tree planted for idolatrous purposes, often associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Asherah. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 6:9) elaborates that this prohibition extends to any tree planted near the altar, even if not intended for idolatry, to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

Proximity to the Mizbeach (Altar)

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 48a) discusses why the Torah specifically forbids planting an asherah near the altar. The Sages teach that this prevents any association between idolatry and the holy service of Hashem. The proximity would create a maris ayin (appearance of wrongdoing) and could lead to spiritual confusion.

Broader Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 437) explains that this mitzvah reinforces the principle of maintaining purity in worship. Just as physical impurities are forbidden in the Mikdash, so too are spiritual impurities like associations with idolatry. The prohibition includes:

Planting any tree near the altar, even for aesthetic purposes (based on Rambam)
Using existing trees for idolatrous worship (based on Sifrei)
Creating any structure that resembles pagan worship near holy sites

Contemporary Application

While the literal commandment applies to the Temple altar, the principle extends to maintaining the sanctity of all places of worship. The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (3:10) cites this verse when discussing proper decorum in synagogues, teaching that we must avoid anything that could detract from the purity of our service to Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 48a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the prohibition of planting trees near the altar, particularly focusing on the idolatrous practice of planting an ashera.

📖 Sanhedrin 7b

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the severity of idolatrous practices and the specific prohibitions related to the worship of ashera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse mean by 'ashera'?
A: The term 'ashera' refers to a type of idolatrous tree or wooden pole that was worshipped in ancient times. The Torah prohibits planting such a tree near the altar of Hashem to prevent any association with idol worship (Rashi on Deuteronomy 16:21).

Q: Why does the Torah forbid planting a tree near the altar?
A: The Torah forbids planting any tree near the altar to ensure that the worship of Hashem remains pure and free from any influences of idolatry. The Mishnah (Avodah Zarah 3:7) explains that this prevents even the appearance of improper worship practices.

Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us to keep our devotion to Hashem completely separate from foreign influences. Just as we shouldn't mix idolatrous symbols with holy spaces, we must ensure that our mitzvot and worship remain sincere and untainted by distractions (Rambam, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 6:1).

Q: Does this law still apply today?
A: While the Temple is not standing today, the principle of avoiding anything that resembles idolatry or distracts from pure worship still applies. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 141) rules that we must distance ourselves from any practices associated with avodah zarah (idol worship).

Q: What is the significance of the altar in this verse?
A: The altar represents the place where we connect with Hashem through korbanot (offerings). By prohibiting trees near it, the Torah emphasizes that our relationship with Hashem must be direct and unmediated by physical objects (Sifrei Devarim 145).