What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 10:7?

Do not be idolaters

- God’s command is clear and timeless: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3–5).

- Idolatry includes anything—possessions, people, pursuits—that displaces the Lord (Matthew 6:24; 1 John 5:21).

- Corinth overflowed with pagan temples (Acts 18:1–4); Paul therefore insists on wholehearted devotion (2 Corinthians 6:16–18).

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As some of them were

- Paul points to Israel’s wilderness history, where many fell despite great privilege (Numbers 25:1–3; Psalm 106:19–23).

- Their downfall warns believers against a false sense of security (Hebrews 3:12–13; 1 Corinthians 10:12).

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As it is written

- Quoting Exodus 32:6, Paul treats the Old Testament record as completely reliable (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16).

- The authority of Scripture—not human opinion—grounds the exhortation.

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The people sat down to eat and drink

- After making the golden calf, Israel held a festive meal “before it” (Exodus 32:4–6; Deuteronomy 9:12).

- A neutral activity became sinful because it honored an idol, mirroring Paul’s concern about eating in pagan temples (1 Corinthians 8:10).

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And got up to indulge in revelry

- “Rose up to play” in Exodus 32:6 signals sexually charged, drunken celebration—common in pagan worship (Romans 1:23–25; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3–4).

- Idolatry and immorality invariably partner, so believers must flee both (Colossians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 10:14).

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summary

Paul cites Israel’s golden-calf tragedy to command Christians: steer clear of every form of idolatry. The moment God’s people gave their hearts to a counterfeit, a simple meal turned into licentious revelry. Scripture’s accurate, literal record stands as a caution: anything that rivals the Lord drags us into sin. Worship Him alone, and guard every affection so that Christ remains first in all things.