Leviticus 19:4

4 "'Do not turn to idols, and do not cast metal gods for yourselves; I am ADONAI your God.

Leviticus 19:4 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 19:4

Turn ye not unto idols
From the one only true and living God to them that are not gods, as the word used signifies, who are nothing; for, as the apostle says, an idol is nothing in the world, ( 1 Corinthians 8:4 ) , is of no worth and value, of no consequence and importance, of no avail and usefulness to its devotees; wherefore to turn from the true God to such as these is the greatest stupidity, as well as wickedness: or "look not" at them F7 for help or assistance, for they are not able to give it: and to look at them so as to view them attentively, and consider their likeness, the Jews say F8 is forbidden; and even in the heart and mind, as Aben Ezra observes, to have respect unto them was not right; or in the thoughts, as Gersom: nor make to yourselves molten gods;
of gold, silver, or brass, melted and cast into a mould, as the golden calf was, to which respect may be had. These laws have a respect unto the first and second commandments, ( Exodus 20:3 Exodus 20:4 ) : I [am] the Lord, your God;
who only is to be worshipped, and who has forbid the making and worshipping any image, molten or graven, and who will therefore resent idolatry of every sort, and punish for it.


FOOTNOTES:

F7 (wnpt la) "ne respiciatis", Montanus, Tigurine version, Drusius.
F8 Pesichta, Maimonides.

Leviticus 19:4 In-Context

2 "Speak to the entire community of Isra'el; tell them, 'You people are to be holy because I, ADONAI your God, am holy.
3 "'Every one of you is to revere his father and mother, and you are to keep my Shabbats; I am ADONAI your God.
4 "'Do not turn to idols, and do not cast metal gods for yourselves; I am ADONAI your God.
5 "'When you offer a sacrifice of peace offerings to ADONAI, offer it in a way that will make you accepted.
6 It is to be eaten the same day you offer it and the following day; but if any of it remains until the third day, it is to be burned up completely.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.