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destined to be destroyed

Deuteronomy 7:25 Burn up the carved images of their gods. Don’t crave the silver and gold on the images and take it for yourself, or else you will be ensnared by it, for it is repulsive to Yahveh your God.
Deuteronomy 7:26 Do not bring any repulsive thing into your house, or you will be set apart for destruction like it. You are to abhor and detest it utterly because it is set apart for destruction.

destined to be destroyed

One of the Old Testament principles which inform the biblical concept of hell is explained in this text. The Israelites were to consider all idols as set apart for destruction. To bring such an object into one’s home was to share its fate. Idolaters were set apart for destruction like the idols which ensnared them.

This is one of the earliest images of the nature of hell in the Bible. The New Testament agrees with the principle as seen in Jesus’ warning that God can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).

Father, give us the wisdom to purge from our lives all those unholy things which are destined to be destroyed.