Devarim 16:22

22 Neither shalt thou set thee up any matzeivah (pillar); which Hashem Eloheicha hateth.

Devarim 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.


FOOTNOTES:

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

Devarim 16:22 In-Context

20 Tzedek tzedek (that which is altogether just) shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit ha’aretz which Hashem Eloheicha giveth thee.
21 Thou shalt not set up any tree as an Asherah near unto the Mizbe’ach of Hashem Eloheicha, which thou shalt make thee.
22 Neither shalt thou set thee up any matzeivah (pillar); which Hashem Eloheicha hateth.
The Orthodox Jewish Bible fourth edition, OJB. Copyright 2002,2003,2008,2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International. All rights reserved.