You are not to make any gods alongside Me;This phrase emphasizes the exclusivity of worship that God demands from His people. In the context of the ancient Near East, polytheism was prevalent, with many cultures worshiping a pantheon of gods. The Israelites, having recently been delivered from Egypt, would have been familiar with Egyptian deities. This command underscores the monotheistic nature of the Israelite faith, setting it apart from surrounding nations. Theologically, this reflects the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me," reinforcing the idea that God alone is worthy of worship. This exclusivity is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus affirms the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (
Matthew 22:37).
you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold.
This prohibition against creating idols of silver or gold addresses the common practice of crafting physical representations of deities. In ancient cultures, such idols were often made from precious metals, signifying their importance and the wealth of the worshipers. The Israelites are warned against this practice, as it contradicts the nature of God, who is spirit and cannot be contained or represented by material objects. This command is further elaborated in the second commandment, which forbids the making of graven images. The New Testament continues this theme, with Paul warning against idolatry in passages like1 Corinthians 10:14. Theologically, this points to the sufficiency and supremacy of God, who does not require physical representation, and foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
God (Yahweh)The one true God who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and gave them the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are receiving the Law at Mount Sinai.
3.
Mount SinaiThe mountain where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws for the Israelites.
4.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai.
5.
IdolatryThe act of worshiping idols or false gods, which is strictly prohibited by God in this commandment.
Teaching Points
Exclusive WorshipGod demands exclusive worship. This commandment underscores the importance of recognizing God as the sole object of our worship and devotion.
Avoiding Modern IdolatryWhile we may not create physical idols, anything that takes precedence over God in our lives can become an idol. Reflect on what might be competing for your devotion.
The Danger of MaterialismThe specific mention of silver and gold highlights the temptation of material wealth. Evaluate how material possessions influence your relationship with God.
Faithfulness in ObedienceObedience to God's commands is a demonstration of our faithfulness. Consider how you can actively obey this command in your daily life.
Cultural PressuresJust as the Israelites faced cultural pressures to conform to surrounding nations, we too face pressures. Stand firm in your commitment to God amidst societal influences.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 20:23?
2.How does Exodus 20:23 guide us in avoiding idolatry in modern life?
3.What does "gods of silver or gold" symbolize in today's cultural context?
4.How can we ensure our worship aligns with Exodus 20:23's instructions?
5.Connect Exodus 20:23 with Jesus' teachings on worship in the New Testament.
6.How can Exodus 20:23 influence our daily decisions and spiritual priorities?
7.Why does Exodus 20:23 prohibit making gods of silver or gold?
8.How does Exodus 20:23 relate to the first and second commandments?
9.What historical context influenced the command in Exodus 20:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 20?
11.Why did Achan's disobedience lead to Israel's defeat?
12.What does Jesus' life as a ransom signify?
13.Where is your heart if your treasure is there?
14.What do idols and demons share in common?What Does Exodus 20:23 Mean
You are not to make any gods alongside Me“Do not make any gods to rival Me.” (Exodus 20:23a)
• The command flows straight from the first commandment (Exodus 20:3); God alone is to be worshiped.
•Deuteronomy 6:4 – 5 underscores His singularity: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.”
• Jesus reaffirms this priority inMark 12:29 – 30, calling it “the foremost” command.
•1 Corinthians 8:4 – 6 reminds believers that “there is no God but one,” even though the world teems with so-called gods.
•Joshua 24:14-15 depicts the everyday choice: serve the true God or the gods of surrounding culture.
• Practical application:
– Guard the heart from divided loyalties—careers, relationships, or causes must never compete with the Lord.
– Regularly rehearse God’s works (Psalm 103:2) so His unmatched worth stays fresh.
you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold“Do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.” (Exodus 20:23b)
• The prohibition moves from inner allegiance to outward action; invisible idolatry often seeks tangible expression.
•Psalm 115:4-8 notes that idols are “made of silver and gold, the work of human hands,” powerless to speak or save.
•Isaiah 44:9-20 mockingly portrays craftsmen shaping a god from metal, then falling down to worship it.
•Exodus 32 shows how quickly Israel fashioned a golden calf when they felt God was distant—idolatry thrives in impatience.
•Revelation 9:20 reports that even future judgments won’t deter many from worshiping “idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood.”
• New-covenant believers face subtler versions:
–Colossians 3:5 calls greed idolatry; possessions can become modern “silver or gold.”
–Matthew 6:24 warns that devotion to money makes one “serve” another master.
–1 Timothy 6:17 urges the wealthy not to set their hope on riches but on God.
• Practical safeguards:
– Hold material blessings with open hands, seeing them as tools for stewardship (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
– Cultivate contentment (Hebrews 13:5) so the love of money loses its pull.
summaryExodus 20:23 insists on exclusive, wholehearted worship of the one true God and forbids every attempt to fashion substitutes, whether in thought or in tangible treasures. God tolerates no rivals; His people must guard their allegiance and refuse to let wealth, success, or any crafted image claim the honor that belongs to Him alone.
(23)
Ye shall not make with me gods of silver.--The expression "make with me" is unusual, but does not seem to have any peculiar force. Gods of silver and gods of gold are specially forbidden, because it was to idolatry of this kind that the Israelites were specially inclined. The golden calf is no isolated phenomenon. Molten images of gods, generally of silver, sometimes of gold, were objects of worship to Israel throughout the ages which preceded the Captivity. Jeroboam set up molten images at Dan and Bethel (Kings 14:9;
2Kings 17:16). Baal was worshipped under the semblance of a molten image (
2Chronicles 28:2) as were probably Ashtaroth, Chemosh, and Moloch. The animal worship of the Egyptians had no attractions for the Hebrews; they did not offer to images of stone or marble, like the Assyrians or the Greeks; much less was it their habit to "bow down to stocks," like so many of the heathen nations around them. The "molten image," generally completed by a certain amount of graving, was the form of idol which had most charms for them, and the more precious the material the more satisfied were they to worship it. (Comp.
Isaiah 30:22;
Isaiah 42:17;
Jeremiah 10:14;
Hosea 13:2, &c.). Occasionally indeed they overlaid wood or stone with plates of gold or silver, to produce an idol (
Habakkuk 2:19); but such images were at once less common and held in less account. . . .
Verse 23. -
Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, etc. This is a repetition, in part, of the second commandment, and can only be accounted for by the prohibition being specially needed. The first idea of the Israelites, when they considered that Moses had deserted them, was to make a golden calf for a god.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You are notלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noto makeתַעֲשׂ֖וּן(ṯa·‘ă·śūn)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 6213:To do, makeany godsאֱלֹ֤הֵי(’ĕ·lō·hê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeto rival Me;אִתִּ֑י(’it·tî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amongyou are notלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noto makeתַעֲשׂ֖וּ(ṯa·‘ă·śū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makefor yourselvesלָכֶֽם׃(lā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrewgodsוֵאלֹהֵ֣י(wê·lō·hê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeof silverכֶ֙סֶף֙(ḵe·sep̄)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneyor gold.זָהָ֔ב(zā·hāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 20:23 You shall most certainly not make alongside (Exo. Ex) 
