Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
You must not bow down to these idols or worship them, because I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. I will punish the children and grandchildren for the sins of parents who hate me, even to the third and fourth generation.
God is saying He won't tolerate worship of false gods and warns that rebellion against Him has consequences that affect families for generations.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is retelling the Ten Commandments to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt, reminding them of God's covenant and laws. This verse specifically addresses the second commandment, warning against worshiping idols in a world where surrounding nations practiced polytheism and idol veneration. It underscores God's jealousy as a protective aspect of His relationship with Israel, emphasizing the enduring consequences of unfaithfulness.
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