R. Eliezer says; Whence is it derived that if one cuts down an asheirah he must root it out? From "and you shall cause their name to go lost from that place." R. Akiva said: This is not needed, it already being written "Destroy shall you destroy." What, then, is the intent of "and you shall cause their name to go lost"? That you shall change their name (to a demeaning one). I might think, to a laudatory one; it is, therefore, written (Devarim 7:26) "Despise shall you despise it."
Whence is it derived that if one knocks down one stone from the sanctuary or from the altar or from the azaroth (the Temple courts) he is in transgression of a negative commandment? From "And you shall raze their altars … (4) "You shall not do thus to the L-rd your G-d." R. Yishmael says: Whence is it derived that if one erases one letter of the Name, he is in transgression of a negative commandment? From "and you shall cause their name to go lost. You shall not do thus to the L-rd your G-d." R. Gamliel says: Would it enter your mind, G-d forbid, that Israel would raze their own altars (that they have to be exhorted against it)? Rather, (the intent of the verse is) that you not do as they do and your sins and evil acts lead to the destruction of the Temple of our fathers.