Exodus 20:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 20:23
23 Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
Chapter Context
Exodus 20 is a legal covenant chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, salvation, holiness. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it presents the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) as the cornerstone of biblical law. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 20:23
23 Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
Analysis
Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
The irony is thick—Israel will violate this within weeks (golden calf, Exodus 32). 'Make with me' (לֹא תַעֲשׂוּן אִתִּי, lo ta'asun itti) means 'alongside me'—no supplementary deities. The prohibition specifies precious metals (silver, gold)—costly idols are still abominations. Wealth doesn't sanctify idolatry; expensive idols are expensive abominations. The command guards the second commandment's spirit—no images of YHWH, no images of other gods. Aaron will claim the calf represents YHWH (Exodus 32:5), but God rejects this—any visual representation distorts Him. The New Testament applies this spiritually: greed is idolatry (Colossians 3:5); we cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24).
Historical Context
Gold and silver idols were common in the ancient Near East—Baal images, Asherah poles, household gods. Israel's temptation wasn't crude polytheism but syncretism—adding YHWH to pantheons or depicting Him via images.
Reflection
- Why does God specifically prohibit silver and gold idols—how does wealth not legitimize false worship?
- How do Christians make 'gods of silver and gold' through materialism and greed today?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 32:31, 2 Kings 17:33, Ezekiel 20:39
- Parallel theme: Zephaniah 1:5, Revelation 22:15