Exo 34:12-16 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Exod 34:12-17: 34:12-17 Worship of idols was prohibited, particularly the idols of the peoples into whose lands the Israelites were going. Central to this restriction was the prohibition of treaties, or covenants, with these idol-worshiping peoples. Not only would the making of a treaty involve recognizing those peoples’ gods (because ancient treaties would call upon the gods as witnesses; see study note on 20:1–23:33), but the very existence of the treaties would predispose the Israelites to accept the ways of their treaty partners (34:12 , 15-16 ).

a34:12-17►

b34:12►

c15-16►

d34:13►

eJudg 6:25►

f1 Kgs 14:15►

g2 Kgs 23:15►

h34:16►

iGen 24:3►

jEzra 9:1-2►

k2 Cor 6:14-18►

‏ Exodus 34:12-16

Summary for Exod 34:12-17: 34:12-17 ^a Worship of idols was prohibited, particularly the idols of the peoples into whose lands the Israelites were going. Central to this restriction was the prohibition of treaties, or covenants, with these idol-worshiping peoples. Not only would the making of a treaty involve recognizing those peoples’ gods (because ancient treaties would call upon the gods as witnesses; see study note on 20:1–23:33), but the very existence of the treaties would predispose the Israelites to accept the ways of their treaty partners (34:12 ^b, 15-16 ^c).
34:13 ^d Asherah was a Canaanite fertility goddess who would continue to be a temptation throughout Israel’s history (see, e.g., Judg 6:25 ^e; 1 Kgs 14:15 ^f; 2 Kgs 23:15 ^g).

• The poles seem to have been fertility symbols.
34:16 ^h Intermarriage with pagans was a problem throughout the Old Testament (see Gen 24:3 ⁱ; Ezra 9:1-2 ^j; cp. 2 Cor 6:14-18 ^k).