Our Gemara on Amud Beis cites Devarim (12:2–3), urging vigorous eradication of idolatry’s traces.

While this exhorts removing pagan worship, Arvei Nachal (Lech Lecha 3 5668) explains a deeper theology: The Jewish people, God’s chosen, channel spiritual life to the world, as stated (Bereishis 12:13): “All the nations of the Earth shall be blessed through you.” The Jewish psyche embryonically contains all nations’ traits, manifesting positively or negatively. These traits channel blessings to nations. If Jews master a trait, they gain ascendancy; if mismanaged, the gentile nation dominates via that trait.

This underlies Pesachim (87b): “The Jews were exiled to bring converts into Judaism.” This is literal and metaphorical—converts are people or gentile traits mastered for a healthy Jewish and Messianic civilization.

The command to eradicate idolatry is about rooting out negative trait manifestations, which Arvei Nachal deems idolatrous. Jews must conquer these spiritually, not just physically, echoing Daf 43’s theme: political liberation is instant, but spiritual redemption takes time. As Walt Kelley said, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”