To destroy idols and their accessories

Idolatry – עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

• Rambam (Avodat Kochavim 7:1–2) rules that smashing, burning, and grinding are required so idols cannot be reused. Talmud (Avodah Zarah 45b) insists on complete erasure. Rashi (Deut. 12:2) ties idolatry to dramatic landscapes idolaters exploited. Ramban stresses that by eliminating idols, Israel restores spiritual order.

Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ

• Ramban contrasts the Temple, Hashem’s dwelling, with idolatrous shrines meant to be destroyed. Midrash Sifrei explains that only by purging idols can Israel merit a Mikdash. Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that idol-destruction paves the way for Hashem’s chosen sanctuary.

Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל

• Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Aseh 185) explains this mitzvah applies primarily in the Land, as conquest and settlement required cleansing idolatry from its soil. Sefer HaChinuch (427) writes that the mitzvah sanctifies Israel’s inheritance by ensuring the Land is free of foreign cults. Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a) and Midrash Sifrei link this obligation to Yehoshua’s wars — conquest and idol destruction went hand in hand. Thus, while not a “war mitzvah,” its fulfillment unfolded through military campaigns.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Rashi and Ramban agree holiness cannot coexist with idolatry. Sefer HaChinuch describes holiness as separation, requiring Israel to erase idolatrous contamination. Midrash states that idol removal is prerequisite to sanctity.

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Rambam explains that emunah is expressed not only in affirming Hashem but in negating falsehood. Talmud (Avodah Zarah 45b) insists idols must be destroyed so they cannot inspire worship. Sefer HaChinuch says erasing idols affirms Hashem as the sole God.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

• Rambam teaches reverence is shown by zeal in removing Hashem’s rivals. Midrash declares that reverence for Hashem is hollow if idols remain standing. Sefer HaChinuch urges haste in fulfilling this mitzvah to preserve awe of Heaven.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a) notes idol destruction is a communal responsibility. Sefer HaChinuch stresses that the community must purge idols together. Rambam ties this to the covenantal duty of all Israel to guard collective sanctity.

Core Beliefs – יְסוֹדוֹת הָאֱמוּנָה

• Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Positive 185) calls idol destruction a safeguard of ikarei emunah. Ramban frames it as the inverse of mitzvah 1 — affirming Hashem by negating others. Sefer HaChinuch explains that uprooting idols teaches Israel that only Hashem is eternal.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• Rambam codifies this mitzvah as service directed solely to Hashem. Rashi stresses that erasing idols affirms loyalty to Him. Ramban adds that deveikut demands eliminating every rival presence.