Destroying evil altars bible verses

Destroying Evil Altars: A Biblical Perspective

      Throughout the Bible, we see a recurring command from God: destroy evil altars. These altars were physical places where idol worship and spiritual rebellion occurred. But beyond the physical structures, they represent spiritual strongholds, sinful systems, and patterns of rebellion that must be torn down in the lives of God’s people.

1. What Are Evil Altars?

      In ancient times, an altar was a place of sacrifice, prayer, and covenant. While godly men like Abraham and Isaac built altars to honor God, pagan nations also built altars to false gods like Baal, Ashtoreth, and Molech. These evil altars were dedicated to demons and led people into idolatry, witchcraft, and bloodshed.

      Today, evil altars may not be made of stone, but they exist in spiritual forms—systems, habits, generational curses, or demonic influences that oppose God's will.

2. God's Command to Destroy Evil Altars

      God never tolerated the coexistence of His worship with that of idols. In Deuteronomy 12:3, He instructed His people: "You shall tear down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and burn their Asherim with fire."

      This wasn't a suggestion; it was a divine command to eliminate everything that defiled the land spiritually.

      Similarly, in Exodus 34:13, the Lord said,

"You shall tear down their altars and break their pillars and cut down their Asherim."

      God knows that leaving evil altars standing—whether physically or spiritually—opens the door to corruption, compromise, and captivity.

3. Biblical Examples of Destroying Altars

      One powerful example is Gideon in Judges 6:25-26. God told him to destroy his father's altar to Baal and replace it with an altar to the Lord. Gideon obeyed, even though it risked a backlash from his own community. His obedience brought deliverance to Israel. This teaches us that sometimes, evil altars are close to home—within our families, traditions, or culture—and still must be dealt with courageously.

      Another example is King Josiah in 2 Kings 23:13-14. As a young king, Josiah led a national revival by destroying every altar and idol across the land. He even desecrated the high places built by King Solomon for false gods. His radical reform pleased God and turned the heart of the nation back to righteousness.

       King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14:3-5 did something similar, tearing down foreign altars and commanding Judah to seek the Lord. This act led to peace and blessing in his reign.

4. Spiritual Application Today

       While we may not be tearing down stone altars in the physical realm, the principle still applies. Today’s evil altars may appear as:

● Addictions that control behavior

● Occult involvement (even seemingly harmless horoscopes or “spiritual” practices)

● Unforgiveness and generational bitterness

● Sexual sin and perversion

● Idolatry of money, fame, or relationships

      These altars must be destroyed in prayer, repentance, and submission to God. We must be willing to tear down anything in our lives that exalts itself above the knowledge of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

5. Building the Right Altar

      After Gideon destroyed the altar to Baal, God told him to build a new altar to the Lord (Judges 6:26). This is key. When we tear down evil, we must replace it with righteousness. Build altars of prayer, worship, obedience, and truth. Spend time in God’s Word. Surround yourself with godly influence. Renew your covenant with God.

      Like Elijah in 1 Kings 18:30, repair the altar of the Lord in your life and family. Invite God’s fire to fall again on your altar of devotion.

      Destroying evil altars is both a physical and spiritual act of cleansing and renewal. It demands courage, obedience, and full surrender to God. As seen in Scripture, those who obeyed this call experienced revival, deliverance, and divine favor. May we do the same—tearing down what offends God and rebuilding lives centered on Him.