The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,
Don't make images that look like any animal that lives on the earth, or any bird that flies in the sky,
God is warning His people not to create idols that look like any creatures - whether animals on land or birds in the air.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, urging them to follow God's laws and avoid the idolatry practiced by surrounding nations who worshiped images of animals and birds. This verse is part of a broader warning against creating any likeness of created things for worship, reflecting the cultural context of ancient Near Eastern societies that often revered natural elements as gods. By issuing this command, God was reinforcing His uniqueness and demanding exclusive devotion from His people.
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