The Lord warned the Israelites about the idol worship in the new land, knowing that their hearts were easily attracted by it. He instructed them to follow God's word, not adding to it or taking away from it. A false prophet or a dreamer would appear and try to lead them to idol worship. But if they loved God wholeheartedly, they would discern it and purge such evil from among them. Loving God means to know Him personally and follow His word, not people's smooth talk and flattery. The time of temptation is the time of testing if we love God and revere him with all our hearts.

A tempter could be a family member or a close friend. But the rule should not be relaxed. God wanted them to stand on the Lord's side firmly. Our love for God and commitment to His word should be consistent and absolute. Troublemakers could tempt and lead the whole town astray to idol worship, but God commanded them to punish the whole town. A group of people's Idol worship and rebellion against God does not mean that we go along with majority or avoid dealing with what is wrong. In the end God judges everyone according to what they have done. We should guard against Satan's plot to make the blessed land like the wilderness and Egypt.


Application: Lord, thank you for your amazing love for us. Help us to love you and follow your word alone.
One Word: Worship God, not idols