Deuteronomy 16:22

22 and do not set up a sacred pillar; the Lord your God hates them.^[a]

Deuteronomy 16:22 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 16:22

Neither shalt thou set up any image
Graven or molten, of man, beast, fish, or fowl; the word signifies a "statue or pillar" ^F3 which was set up for idolatry; for, as Aben Ezra observes, what was not set up for idolatry was not forbidden, as when erected in memory of any action or remarkable event; see ( Joshua 22:10 )

which the Lord thy God hateth;
as he does every species, of idolatry, or that has any tendency to it; it being so opposite to his being, perfections, and glory; and therefore nothing should be done like it, because it is so hateful to him.

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FOOTNOTES:

F3 (hbum) (sthlhn) , Sept. "statuam", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Tig. vers. Fagius, Drusius, Grotius, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; so Ainsworth.

Deuteronomy 16:22 In-Context

20 Pursue justice and justice alone, so that you will live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.

21 "Do not set up an Asherah of any kind of wood next to the altar you will build for the Lord your God,

22 and do not set up a sacred pillar; the Lord your God hates them.

Footnotes

• [a] Dt 7:1-5; 12:2-3