Do not make them?

[JehovahsWitness]

Exodus 20:4, 5 (NASB)

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. You shall not worship them or serve them

> What, in your opinion does this commandment mean?

> What does "any likeness" mean? and would the likeness of a man (rather than an an animal) also be prohibited?

> If the difference between an image and an idol is a matter of attitude and what we do with it, why the prohibition on making them?

[onewithhim]

Exodus 20:4, 5 (NASB)

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. You shall not worship them or serve them

> What, in your opinion does this commandment mean?

> What does "any likeness" mean? and would the likeness of a man (rather than an an animal) also be prohibited?

> If the difference between an image and an idol is a matter of attitude and what we do with it, why the prohibition on making them?

Good questions. I find that it is interesting that people say they honor the Bible, but then make excuses for the idols/icons that they make and use in worship. I hope that people will consider this thread and offer comments.


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[bluethread]

I think intent is indeed the point of the commandment. I think idol in this commandment means anything that is commonly understood to be an object of obedience or veneration. That is why I do not have crucifix or pledge allegiance to the flag of these United States. I do have great respect for the person and work of Yeshua and the Constitution of these United States, however, I recognize symbols as nothing more than symbols. I believe that one of the reasons that the Temple was destroyed was because it became an idol. When the commandment says do not make them, it is referring to the idols and not calling for only abstract art. So, IMO the commandment is saying that one should not make or have anything for use as an idol, is commonly used as an idol, or you have reason to believe will be used as an idol.

[JehovahsWitness]

[Replying to post 3 by bluethread]

Well put. I see no clause that says "except" of the idol is in the shape of a man on a cross and you are just using it as a reminder. Giving undue reverance to anything or any symbol becomes idolatry in my opinion.

[dio9]

[Replying to post 1 by JehovahsWitness]

Have we made the bible an idol? Do we not worship and serve it as if it were God? Our beliefs an idol we will go to war for and die for. At best the bible can only point us in the right direction.

[Peds nurse]

Exodus 20:4, 5 (NASB)

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. You shall not worship them or serve them

> What, in your opinion does this commandment mean?

> What does "any likeness" mean? and would the likeness of a man (rather than an an animal) also be prohibited?

> If the difference between an image and an idol is a matter of attitude and what we do with it, why the prohibition on making them?

I think that it means that we cannot put our faith, our trust, and our hope in anything but God, and I believe this means creating a God based on what other people says he is, rather than knowing him yourself.

[onewithhim]

[Replying to post 1 by JehovahsWitness]

Have we made the bible an idol? Do we not worship and serve it as if it were God? Our beliefs an idol we will go to war for and die for. At best the bible can only point us in the right direction.

Of course. And the Bible is no more of an idol than the scroll that Jesus himself opened up in the synagogue of Nazareth, to read to the people (Luke 4:16-21).


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[ttruscott]

Exodus 20:4, 5 (NASB)

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. You shall not worship them or serve them

> What, in your opinion does this commandment mean?

> What does "any likeness" mean? and would the likeness of a man (rather than an an animal) also be prohibited?

> If the difference between an image and an idol is a matter of attitude and what we do with it, why the prohibition on making them?

I'm pretty sure that it refers to the making of that which will be venerated in the place of GOD even if considered to be actually true worship of the true GOD or an aid to the worship of the true GOD behind the idolic image.

A portrait of my grandfather is not created with that intent as I am not into ancestor worship but for a worshipper of the ancestor, it might be and would therefore be a sin.

[2timothy316]

We had a talk on this very subject this weekend and I heard a gem of scripture regarding images. The Bible calls images 'scarecrows' and note the last comment, that images can't do any good!

"For the customs of the peoples are a delusion. It is just a tree of the forest that is cut down, Worked by the hands of the craftsman with his tool. They adorn it with silver and gold And fasten it with hammer and nails so that it will not fall over. Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, they cannot speak; They have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, Nor can they do any good. - Jeremiah 10:3-5

[Elijah John]

When the commandment says do not make them, it is referring to the idols and not calling for only abstract art.

So does the prohibition apply to the making of representational art as well? Photography?

Most of those are not created with intent for worship.

Muslim art takes it that far, I believe, prohibiting the making of statues and likeness paintings. But they do not prohibit photography.

Asking JW and others the same questions, what is your opinion?