Exodus 20:2-4

2 "1I am the LORD your God, 2who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
3 "3You shall have no other 4gods before * Me.
4 "5You 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.

Exodus 20:2-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 20

In this chapter we have an account of the giving of the law on Mount Sinai; the preface to it, Ex 20:1,2, the ten commandments it consists of, Ex 20:8-17, the circumstances attending it, which caused the people to remove at some distance, Ex 20:18, when they desired of Moses, that he would speak to them and not God, who bid them not fear, since this was for the trial of them; but still they kept at a distance, while Moses drew nigh to God, Ex 20:19-21 who ordered him to caution the children of Israel against idolatry, and directed what sort of an altar he would have made whereon to offer their sacrifices, promising that where his name was recorded he would grant his presence and blessing, Ex 20:22-26.

Cross References 5

  • 1. Leviticus 26:1; Deuteronomy 5:6; Psalms 81:10
  • 2. Exodus 13:3; Exodus 15:13, 16; Deuteronomy 7:8
  • 3. Deuteronomy 6:14; 2 Kings 17:35; Jeremiah 25:6; Jeremiah 35:15
  • 4. Exodus 15:11; Exodus 20:23
  • 5. Leviticus 19:4; Leviticus 26:1; Deuteronomy 4:15-19; Deuteronomy 27:15

Footnotes 3

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