Exodus 34:17
Thou shalt make thee no molten gods.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
gods
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 5
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מַסֵּכָ֖ה
thee no molten
H4541
מַסֵּכָ֖ה
thee no molten
Strong's:
H4541
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 5
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Leviticus 19:4Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.Exodus 32:8They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Historical Context
Molten (cast metal) idols were common in ancient Near Eastern religion. The golden calf was likely modeled after Egyptian Apis bull worship or Canaanite Baal imagery.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'molten gods' (things we create and then serve) tempt contemporary believers?
- How do you guard against reducing God to your own mental images or preferences?
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Analysis & Commentary
The command against 'molten gods' (אֱלֹהֵי מַסֵּכָה, elohei masekah) directly addresses the golden calf incident (32:4). Cast metal idols represent human craftsmanship claiming divine status—the ultimate hubris. This prohibition recalls the second commandment and emphasizes that God cannot be represented by human art. All idolatry reduces the infinite to the finite, the spiritual to the material.