You shall not plant any tree as an Asherah beside the altar of the Lord your God that you shall make. And you shall not set up a pillar, which the Lord your God hates. (Deuteronomy 16:21,22 ESV)
Safety
We do not generally let our children play on busy streets, even if the pavement makes a good kickball infield. Warning labels stop us from consuming rat poison, even if it looks delicious. Speed limits prohibit me from pushing my engine beyond it’s limit, and my vehicle beyond safe operating limitations.
We do not like rules, laws, or the Law.
But God knows what He is doing.
These rules keeping Asherah trees and poles far from God’s altar are a good example. Asherah was a popular false religion. The worship was fun, the ceremonies were attractive, and the peer pressure was intense. Some might have considered Asherah-worship a harmless diversion.
But it was devastatingly dangerous. The Asherah religion destroyed families, eventually and inevitably took lives, and pulled individuals, communities, and even nations away from the only true way to salvation, Jahweh God.
His rules, law, and Law were given to protect us. He proclaimed them for His people’s safety. He loves them because He loves us.
We are peculiar, God and God’s way keeps us safe.