The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:
Don't make idols that look like any creature that crawls on the ground, or any fish that swims in the waters under the earth.
God is forbidding His people from making idols shaped like crawling creatures or fish.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is delivering a farewell address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. He warns them against creating idols that resemble any living creatures, such as those that creep on the ground or swim in the waters, to emphasize that God is an invisible spirit and must not be represented by physical images. This prohibition was essential in a region where surrounding nations worshiped idols, helping the Israelites maintain their distinct covenant relationship with God.
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