Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Exodus 20:4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.

4, 5. Thou shalt not make . . . any graven image . . . thou shalt not bow down thyself to them--that is, "make in order to bow." Under the auspices of Moses himself, figures of cherubim, brazen serpents, oxen, and many other things in the earth beneath, were made and never condemned. The mere making was no sin--it was the making with the intent to give idolatrous worship.

JFB.

Questions Related to this Verse

Where In Scripture Does It Talk About Commandments?

Where in Scripture does it mention The manufacturing of an Idol?

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Exodus 20 Images and Notes

Brief Summary: The preface to the ten commandments. (1,2) The commandments of the first table. (3-11) Of the second table. (12-17) The fear of the people. (18-21) Idolatry again forbidden. (22-26)

Outline

Photo of the Sinai Wilderness

Important Topics for Bible Study

Quick Reference Map

Map of the Possible Route of the Exodus (Click to Enlarge)

Ancient Customs

Ancient People

Geography
the wilderness
the mount of God

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The Exodus of the Hebrews

Mount Horeb

The Red Sea

Map of the Red Sea and Egypt (Click to Enlarge)

The Old Testament

Exodus Resources

Moses and the Exodus
The Giving of the Law
The Tabernacle
The Wilderness Wanderings