Friday, July 1, 2022 there was a word left out of the second commandment. An important word. The word NOT. Thank you, for catching this. It should read:
2- “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.” Exodus 20:4
The LORD schooled the people in Who He is!
The sons of Israel were at the base of Mount Horeb (also called Sinai) in the wilderness.
The people, about 2 million, heard and saw thunder and lightning flashes plus the sound of a trumpet and saw the mountain smoking. Fearful to be out in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a tent for shelter, in the middle of a storm.
Before they got to this point they were slaves in Egypt, sheltered from such storms.
The people trembled, wouldn’t you? Exodus 20:18
The people told Moses, you speak to us, we’ll listen! Don’t let the LORD speak to us, “or we will die!” That’s true fear speaking. Exodus 20:19
Moses told them, don’t be afraid, God is testing you so you will fear Him the right way. The fear of the LORD is to stay with you so you won’t sin against Him. Exodus 20:20
The people stood at a distance and Moses approached a thick cloud where the LORD was. The LORD said to Moses: “You yourselves have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven. You shall not make other gods besides Me, don’t make gods of silver or gold for yourselves.” Exodus 20:21-23
Do make an altar of earth to sacrifice to Me, burnt offerings and peace offerings burn on that altar. Your offerings are to be sheep and oxen. Everywhere I raise My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. Exodus 20:24-
The LORD then gave other instructions for how the altar was to be built. Exodus 20:25-26
The LORD’S purpose was to teach the people how to fear Him and not sin against Him.
God’s Word ~ Alive!
Psalm 19:9a
“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever…”
Can you say with the Psalmist:
Psalm 111:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do
His commandments;
His praise endures forever.”