1)

What is the difference between a Mizbe'ach, a Matzeivah and an Asheirah?

1.

Rashi, Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: A Mizbe'ach is an altar made of many stones and a Matzeivah, one made of one stone; whereas an Asheirah is a tree that is worshipped.

2)

Seeing as the Torah discusses the Mitzvah of burning Asheiros in Re'ei - Devarim, 12:3 - why does it mention cutting them down here?

1.

Avodah Zarah, 45b: To teach us that cutting down the Asheiros precedes conquering the land. 1

1

See Torah Temimah, note 12.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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