Exodus 20:4-5

4 "Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth. ¹

5 Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, because I am the Lord your God and I tolerate no rivals. I bring punishment on those who hate me and on their descendants down to the third and fourth generation. ²

Exodus 20:4-5 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 20

In this chapter we have an account of the giving of the law on Mount Sinai; the preface to it, Ex 20:1,2, the ten commandments it consists of, Ex 20:8-17, the circumstances attending it, which caused the people to remove at some distance, Ex 20:18, when they desired of Moses, that he would speak to them and not God, who bid them not fear, since this was for the trial of them; but still they kept at a distance, while Moses drew nigh to God, Ex 20:19-21 who ordered him to caution the children of Israel against idolatry, and directed what sort of an altar he would have made whereon to offer their sacrifices, promising that where his name was recorded he would grant his presence and blessing, Ex 20:22-26.

Cross References

• 1. 20.4, 5Exodus 34.17;Leviticus 19.4; 26.1;Deuteronomy 4.15-18; 27.15.
• 2. 20.5, 6Exodus 34.6, 7;Numbers 14.18;Deuteronomy 7.9, 10.