Joshua 23:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When Moses observed the people thriving, he progressively guided them towards a deeper understanding of unity and trust in the one true God. Reflecting this, he stated, “Thou shalt not remember the name of strange gods,” undoubtedly recalling the punishment given to the serpent who first mentioned the existence of other deities (see Genesis 3:5). This serpent was cursed to consume dust, and such food is fitting for the tongue that first brought the idea of gods into existence. Thus, if you also choose to invoke multiple gods, consider how you may end up sharing a fate akin to that of the serpent.

For a believer, it is generally more appropriate to engage with literature than to instruct others in it; there is a significant distinction between consuming literature and imparting it. When a believer teaches literature, they inevitably convey the idolatrous perspectives found within, and through this transmission, they endorse those views. By discussing these works, they corroborate the messages they contain, and they may invoke the names of false deities; yet, as previously stated, the law prohibits the mention of other deities' names and mandates that God's name be used reverently. This is how the inclination toward evil is established in a person from the very outset of their learning. Thus, one must consider whether a teacher of idolatry is indeed serving idols.