Moses warned the Israelites that they were to encounter some objects that were set apart for destruction. These items reflected the religious life of the nations around them. The Israelites were warned not to tolerate such items. They were to be immediately destroyed. The children of Israel were to by no means ever allow such items into their homes. The items were traps, designed to destroy them, and as things that were repulsive to God.
In fact, any Israelite who dares to bring such items into his home would be set apart for destruction as well. In the book of Joshua, an Israelite named Achan learned how disastrous it is to desire items like this. He died because he ignored Moses’ warnings, as well as Joshua’s commands.
But there is another lesson for us in the matter of the items set apart for destruction. This regulation in the Old Testament is one of the earliest images of the nature of hell in the Bible. The world around us is filled with things destined for destruction. If we spend our lives in pursuit of these things, we will be destroyed along with them.
The apostle Peter encouraged his readers in 2 Peter 3 to remember that everything around them is “being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction.” He encouraged them to live holy and godly lives because all the things around them will be “destroyed by burning” when Christ returns. Every thing is set apart for destruction. The only way to avoid that destruction is to live lives set apart for God.
Lord, keep us set apart for you. We know the destiny of everything and everyone else.
Jefferson Vann
Extended Scripture: Deuteronomy 7-8
