Deuteronomy 4:18

18 or a slithering snake or a fish in a stream.

Deuteronomy 4:18 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:18

The likeness of anything that creepeth on the ground
As serpents by many; and indeed that creature is introduced into almost all the idolatries of the Heathens, which seems to take its rise from the serpent Satan made use of to deceive our first parents:

the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth;
as the crocodile and hippopotamus, or river horse, by the Egyptians; and Dagon and Derceto, supposed to be figures in the form of a fish, among the Phoenicians.

Deuteronomy 4:18 In-Context

16 so that you don't turn corrupt and make a form, carving a figure
17 that looks male or female, or looks like a prowling animal or a flying bird
18 or a slithering snake or a fish in a stream.
19 And also carefully guard yourselves so that you don't look up into the skies and see the sun and moon and stars, all the constellations of the skies, and be seduced into worshiping and serving them. God set them out for everybody's benefit, everywhere.
20 But you - God took you right out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to become the people of his inheritance - and that's what you are this very day.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.