38. Do not cease hating the idolater

I apologize to visitors for my prolonged case of writers' block.

The 38th commandment of Mosaic Law is to not cease hating the idolater

As you recall, the 37th commandment of Mosaic Law is to not love the idolater. The 38th commandment adds a bit of emphasis.

Where in scripture?

Deuteronomy 13:9

Do not yield to him or listen to him, nor look with pity upon him, to spare or shield him.

According to Mitzvah a Day, "One may not stop hating a person who entices others to worship idols."

According to Chabad.org, "The Torah wants us to understand that the only way to ensure that the Maysit will not be able to convince others to worship idols is to show that we do not love him and that we do, indeed, hate him."

New Testament References

Matthew 22:39

…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Romans 13:8-10

Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, (namely) "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

As Christians, we are called upon to love the sinner, but hate the sin.

St. Augustine

“With love for mankind and hatred of sins.”

Conclusion

Not binding on Christians