Exodus 20:22-26·~1 min

Idolatry Forbidden

God tells Israel to remember that He has spoken from heaven and therefore forbids them from making other gods beside Him, whether of silver or gold.

T²²hen the LORD said to Moses, “This is what you are to tell the Israelites: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven. ²³You are not to make any gods alongside Me; you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold.

God prescribes simple altars of earth or uncut stone, where sacrifices may be offered and His blessing received. Worship must not be shaped into human display, whether by carved stones or elevated steps.

²⁴You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. ²⁵Now if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with stones shaped by tools; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it. ²⁶And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’[’’]

Section summaryGod reminds Israel that they have heard Him speak from heaven and therefore must not set silver or gold gods beside Him. Their worship is to remain plain and undefiled, with simple altars where He chooses to place His name and blessing.

Role in the chapterThis closing section applies the chapter's opening commands to Israel's worship practices. It guards true approach to God by rejecting rival images and by limiting the human shaping and display that could corrupt the altar.