58

Not to let them dwell in our land

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Idolatry – עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

Do not allow idolaters to live in the Land of Israel.

This mitzvah forbids granting idolaters the right to dwell permanently in the Land of Israel. The Torah warns that their presence endangers the sanctity of the land and risks influencing Israel toward idolatry. Temporary residence under specific conditions may be permitted for non-idolaters (like ger toshav), but idol worshippers cannot be allowed to remain, ensuring that the Land remains holy and devoted solely to Hashem.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 10:3): Idolaters must not be given dwelling rights in Eretz Yisrael, as their presence undermines its sanctity.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 454): The root is to protect Israel from spiritual corruption and preserve the Land’s holiness.
  • Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20a): Derives that even renting them land is prohibited, lest they establish permanence.
(Source: Chabad.org)
לֹ֤א יֵשְׁבוּ֙ בְּאַרְצְךָ֔ פֶּן־יַחֲטִ֥יאוּ אֹתְךָ֖ לִ֑י כִּ֤י תַעֲבֹד֙ אֶת־אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם כִּֽי־יִהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֖ לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת מִשְׁפָּטִים
Exodus 23:33 - "They shall not dwell in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me, that you will worship their gods, which will be a snare for you."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Idolatry - עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

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Mitzvot that prohibit worship of false gods and practices associated with idol worship.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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