Ten Commandments

The New International Version Chapter 20

You shall have no other gods before me

Verse 3 Above - Speaking of Verse 5 - To them is plural, so it seems to refer back to the “other gods” in verse 3 rather than to the “graven image” in verse 4. In this way it combines verses 3–6 grammatically; for this reason certain traditions have considered these verses to be one commandment rather than two

2nd Commandment

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 Duet: 5:8 - Pe-sel (pe-sell) Idol

Originally banned any carved image of Deity in wood or stone.

Later, the scope was expanded to metal as well.

Finally, “any likeness” banned every representation of worship.

The Golden Calf was an example of a carved image of worship. Pa-sil (Pa-seal) Carved Image

God can’t be controlled by humans. Duet 4:11-12

The New International Version Chapter 4

11 You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain while it blazed with fire to the very heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. 12 Then the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a voice.

The worship of God was to be spiritual not material.

God expects a zealous devotion to Him - and absence of this is a sin. The result is...

Jealous God - righteous anger for those that do not follow their pledge pertaining to worship other than to God.

Hate for God - meaning not following his commandments. This will bring consequences for children - grand-children and great grand-children.

The New International Version Chapter 20

5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

God punishes sin for 3rd & 4th generations for those that sin against Him - but shows loyal love to a thousand generations. An example of God’s far reaching mercy and grace.

What are Idols in today’s world?

Anything that is put before God. Phones - House - Job - Wife - Family - Even the Bible.

Not many give too much thought to this. And, it’s sometimes confusing. Ron expressed this confusion at our last Men’s Night.

Some people get confused with Christmas Trees … etc.