The Torah seems to say (Ekev 7:16) that we ought not to worship idols for they will be a pitfall to us. This seems strange. I would think that it is forbidden to worship idols regardless of whether or not they are a pitfall!
One thought is that the Torah is not discussing the prohibition on idol worship here; rather Moshe is giving us a prescription to happiness. He is saying “Brethren! If you want to be happy, avoid idol worship, for it will bring curse upon you!” True, it’s forbidden besides, but not all that is forbidden rains down curse upon its doer. Idol worship does. And in this chapter Moshe is advocating toeing the line simply so that things go well for us, for our own sake.
That is important to internalize; Mitzvos are not a sacrifice. Rather, they bring us success in this world.
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