There are some who misunderstand and think this forbids the making of any
likeness or even pictures of animals, trees, etc.
But, we know that spiritual acts of worship were symbolized in the
furniture, altar and in forms of living things (Ex. 25:18-20).
But the presence of the Invisible God was to be marked with NO symbol of
Himself!
Interestingly, the ancient Persians and the earliest lawmakers in Rome
also agreed they would have no images of the Deity.
Images were not to be prayed to, bowed down before, or in anyway served!
God is a Jealous God (Deut. 6:15; Josh.24:19; Isa. 42:8; Isa. 48:11; Neh.
1:2). The nations who came into the land after Israel (Northern Kingdom) was
removed “feared the Eternal but served idols” 2Kings 17:41).
The commandment states that iniquities will be visited upon the 3rd
and 4th generations of those who hate (worship idols) God.
It is true that consequences of sins often pass from the fathers to the
sons by way of disease, poverty, captivity, bad examples, and evil
communications. But it is also true
that God shows mercy to the 1000th generation of those who love Him
(Deut. 7:9;Ex. 34:7).
God has been called the God who hides Himself.
“Truly, you are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel,
Savior!”(Isa. 45:15 NAS). Paul
states that no man can see God (1Tim. 6:16).
We know by faith that the things that are made were made by things
invisible (Heb. 11:1-3). We are
told the Jesus Christ is the image of the “invisible God, the firstborn of all
creation” (Col. 1:15 NAS).
Paul wrote these words, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible,
the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.
Amen” (1Tim. 1:17 NAS).