Deuteronomy 4:18

18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth.

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 do not act corruptly by making an idol for yourselves, in the form of any figure—the likeness of male or female,

17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air,

18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth.

19 And when you look up to the heavens and see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, do not be led astray and bow down to them and serve them, things that the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples everywhere under heaven.

20 But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron-smelter, out of Egypt, to become a people of his very own possession, as you are now.