Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:
The second commandment prohibits making 'any graven image, or any likeness' of created things. This guards God's transcendence and prohibits reducing Him to manageable, visible forms. The comprehensive list 'in heaven...earth...waters' covers all creation realms, emphasizing no creature may represent the Creator. This commandment regulates worship's form, while the first regulates worship's object. The Reformed tradition insists this prohibits religious images, icons, and representations used in worship. God reveals Himself through Word (Scripture), ultimately through the incarnate Word (Christ), not human-crafted images.
Historical Context
Ancient religions relied heavily on idols and images for worship. Pagan temples housed deity statues believed to contain divine presence. Israel's imageless worship was revolutionary. Yet Israel repeatedly violated this command: golden calf (Exodus 32), Micah's idol (Judges 17-18), Jeroboam's calves (1 Kings 12:28), Manasseh filling Jerusalem with idols (2 Kings 21:3-7). The second commandment protected true worship from pagan corruption and maintained God's transcendent otherness.
Questions for Reflection
How does the prohibition of images protect both God's transcendence and the primacy of Word-based worship?
In what subtle ways might modern worship incorporate visual elements that distract from Scripture's centrality and God's invisible glory?
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Analysis & Commentary
The second commandment prohibits making 'any graven image, or any likeness' of created things. This guards God's transcendence and prohibits reducing Him to manageable, visible forms. The comprehensive list 'in heaven...earth...waters' covers all creation realms, emphasizing no creature may represent the Creator. This commandment regulates worship's form, while the first regulates worship's object. The Reformed tradition insists this prohibits religious images, icons, and representations used in worship. God reveals Himself through Word (Scripture), ultimately through the incarnate Word (Christ), not human-crafted images.