Deuteronomy 7:25-26 -

The cursed thing.

The Israelites were not to desire the silver and gold on the graven images. They were not to take it. They were not to bring it into God's house. They were to detest and abhor it, to count it an abomination, a cursed thing, and to beware lest, by lusting after it, they became accursed like unto it. We are taught a lesson—

I. OF DISINTERESTEDNESS IN GOD 'S SERVICE . No motive of gain was to be allowed to mingle with their work. Their service was to be disinterested. Under the cloak of religious zeal there was to be no gratification of covetousness.

II. OF AVOIDING OCCASIONS OF SIN . The gold and silver of the idols tended to ensnare. There would be a temptation to a superstitious and idolatrous use of it ( 8:27 ).

III. OF REFUSING GAIN DERIVED FROM IMMORAL SOURCES . The Church is not profited by an influx of the money of the worldling. Still less are the gains of sin to be coveted by her: money derived from gambling, immoral speculation, bubble companies, gin-palaces, sale of irreligious and immoral books, etc.

IV. OF HEARTY DETESTATION OF EVIL . The gildings of vice have an attraction for many who dislike the thing itself. But vice is to be abhorred in its gilded forms, as in every other. "Looking begets liking."—J.O.

HOMILIES BY R.M. EDGAR