The Literal Commandment

The graven images of their gods you are to burn with fire; you shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, or you will be snared by it, for it is an abomination to the LORD your God. You shall not bring an abomination into your house, and like it come under the ban; you shall utterly detest it and you shall utterly abhor it, for it is something banned. (Deuteronomy 7:25-26)

 

The literal commandment is that we should not bring an abomination (an idol) into our house. Included in the literal meaning of "bringing something into your house" is a Hebrew idiom that means to make something your own: e.g. a man brings his new bride "into his house" when they are married. In this manner a person could "derive benefit" from making an idol his own possession.

 

Messiah Says

Messiah implicitly affirmed this commandment when He spoke about the Law:

"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-19)

 

Pictures of Messiah

Messiah declares "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6)

We are commanded not to derive benefit from idols because doing so indicate we accept them or are willing to permit them in our cities, towns, and our homes. Idolatry is pointless and only serves to turn us towards falsehood and away from the G-d who is the Truth.

If anyone would turn to idols and false gods then they are denying the truth of G-d's Word and Who He declares Himself to be.

These commandments prohibiting idolatry picture Messiah by pointing to idols and telling us He is not like them.

 

How Messiah Fulfilled

Messiah fulfilled this commandment by not deriving benefit from idols or their accessories.

 

Traditional Observance

This commandment is sometimes translated as "not to take any object from idolatry into our possession to derive benefit from it". It is traditionally observed as it is literally given by not deriving benefit from idols or their accessories.

 

Other Notes

We are able to fulfill this commandment today and should not derive benefit from idols or their accessories.

 

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