Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Cursed is anyone who makes a carved or cast idol—something disgusting to the LORD, made by human hands—and sets it up in secret. And all the people must respond and say, 'Amen.'
This verse declares that anyone who secretly makes and worships idols will be cursed, and the whole community must agree with this judgment.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of Moses' final instructions to Israel before entering the Promised Land, specifically from a ceremony involving blessings and curses to be proclaimed at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. The Israelites were about to enter Canaan, a land filled with idol-worshipping peoples, so Moses was establishing clear boundaries about worshiping the one true God versus the false gods of their neighbors.
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