You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
Every gesture and form of idolatrous service is banned by this command. God will have His revenge on those who scorn His honour and give it to dead things instead.
AI summary
Both commandments, against other gods and against images, forbid the same sin: worshipping the invisible God under a visible form, which changes His glory into a lie. God is not merely a zealous avenger; He is jealous, refusing to share His honour with another, and directs His hot anger against those who hate Him.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 20:5-6
Bowing, kneeling, lifting hands or eyes to an image, all of it is worship forbidden here, whether by sacrifice, prayer, or trust. God is jealous of His honour as a man enraged at adultery; He will not share His glory with carved stone, and treats such rebellion as high treason against Him.
AI summary