Do not turn to idolsThis command is a direct prohibition against idolatry, which was prevalent among the surrounding nations of Israel. The Hebrew word for "idols" here can also mean "worthless things," emphasizing the futility of worshiping anything other than God. In the ancient Near East, idol worship was common, often involving the veneration of physical objects believed to embody deities. This command underscores the call to exclusive worship of Yahweh, aligning with the first and second commandments given in
Exodus 20:3-4. The Israelites were to remain distinct from the Canaanites and other neighboring cultures, who often worshiped multiple gods.
or make for yourselves molten gods
The phrase "molten gods" refers to idols made by melting metal and casting it into a form, often representing deities. This practice was widespread in ancient cultures, including Egypt, where the Israelites had been enslaved. The golden calf incident inExodus 32 is a direct example of this sin, where Aaron fashioned a molten calf for the people to worship. This command serves as a reminder of the dangers of creating physical representations of deities, which can lead to false worship and a departure from faith in the invisible God. The prohibition also highlights the futility of worshiping man-made objects, which cannot compare to the living God.
I am the LORD your God
This declaration serves as the foundational reason for the command. The use of "I am the LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes God's covenant relationship with Israel. It is a reminder of His identity as the one true God who delivered them from Egypt and established them as His chosen people. The phrase "your God" personalizes the relationship, indicating that Yahweh is not just a distant deity but the God who is intimately involved with His people. This statement is a recurring theme throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch, reinforcing God's authority and the call to holiness. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and establishes a new covenant with His followers, as seen in passages likeHebrews 8:6-13.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The IsraelitesThe original audience of Leviticus, the Israelites were God's chosen people, delivered from Egypt and given the Law to guide their covenant relationship with Him.
2.
Mount SinaiThe place where God gave the Law to Moses, including the commandments found in Leviticus, as part of establishing His covenant with Israel.
3.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites and the mediator of God's Law, including the instructions in Leviticus.
4.
IdolsObjects of worship made by human hands, often representing false gods, which the Israelites were commanded to avoid.
5.
The LORD (Yahweh)The one true God who delivered Israel from Egypt and established a covenant with them, emphasizing His unique identity and authority.
Teaching Points
Exclusive Worship of GodGod demands exclusive worship because He alone is the Creator and Sustainer. Idolatry is a direct affront to His sovereignty and holiness.
The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can include anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. This can be money, power, relationships, or even self.
God's Identity and AuthorityThe phrase "I am the LORD your God" underscores God's authority and the reason for His commands. Recognizing His identity is foundational to obedience.
Holiness and SeparationAs God's people, we are called to be holy and separate from the practices of the world, including idolatry, which corrupts our relationship with God.
Modern IdolatryIn today's context, idolatry can manifest in subtle ways. We must examine our lives to ensure that nothing takes precedence over our relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 19:4?
2.How does Leviticus 19:4 warn against idolatry in our modern lives?
3.What does "do not turn to idols" teach about loyalty to God?
4.How can we identify "molten gods" in today's society?
5.How does Leviticus 19:4 connect with the First Commandment?
6.What practical steps can we take to avoid idolatry today?
7.What does Leviticus 19:4 reveal about the nature of idolatry in ancient Israel?
8.How does Leviticus 19:4 challenge modern views on materialism and idol worship?
9.Why is the prohibition against idols significant in Leviticus 19:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 19?
11.What does the second commandment state?
12.Does the harsh response prescribed in Deuteronomy 13 conflict with the concept of free will versus strict divine command?
13.What is Yahwism or a Yahwist?
14.Why would a loving God demand the execution of anyone who refused to seek Him (2 Chronicles 15:13), conflicting with other biblical passages emphasizing mercy?What Does Leviticus 19:4 Mean
Do not turn to idols- “Turn” pictures a deliberate shift of attention, affection, and allegiance. The Lord forbids even the first step toward any rival. (Exodus 20:3—“You shall have no other gods before Me.”)
- Idolatry can be physical statues or anything that displaces God—success, relationships, pleasures, or self. (Ezekiel 14:3 speaks of “idols in their hearts.”)
- Idols are powerless and lifeless; trusting them leads to the same emptiness. (Psalm 115:4-8)
- The New Testament echoes the same warning: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)
or make for yourselves molten gods- The phrase moves from attraction to action—actually crafting a false deity. (Exodus 32:4: Aaron “fashioned it with an engraving tool and made a molten calf.”)
- “For yourselves” highlights self-centered worship: creating a god that serves our preferences instead of submitting to the true God. (Romans 1:22-23 describes exchanging “the glory of the immortal God for images.”)
- Molten images demand resources—time, talent, treasure—meant for the Lord. (Isaiah 44:9-17 illustrates the absurdity of expending effort to build an idol that cannot save.)
- God calls such making “abominable.” (Deuteronomy 27:15)
I am the LORD your God- The command rests on His identity: “I AM.” (Exodus 3:14) He alone is self-existent, sovereign, and worthy.
- “Your God” speaks of covenant closeness; He redeemed Israel and claims our wholehearted devotion. (Exodus 20:2;1 Peter 2:9)
- Holiness flows from relationship: because we belong to Him, our lives must reflect His purity. (Leviticus 19:2;1 Peter 1:15-16)
- His final word in the verse seals the command with authority and love—He protects us from the ruin of idolatry and invites us into life with Him.
summaryLeviticus 19:4 draws a clear line: do not even start drifting toward false gods, and never fabricate substitutes for the Lord. The prohibition springs from who He is—the holy, redeeming, covenant-keeping God. Real freedom and fullness are found in worshiping Him alone.
(4)
Turn ye not unto idols.--As the Lord is their God, and there is no other God besides Him, the Israelites must never turn their affections nor address prayers or enquiries to idols. This part of the verse therefore corresponds with the first commandment of the Decalogue (
Exodus 20:3). The expression here rendered "idols," which, apart from the Prophets and Hagiographa, only occurs once more (see
Leviticus 26:1), denotes
non-entities--nothings, and it is in allusion to this import of the word that the Apostle remarks, "We know that an idol is
nothingin the world" (
1Corinthians 8:4). According to the administrators of the law during the second Temple, the injunction here "turn not" means "face not," and forbids even the looking at or the examination of an idol.
Nor make yourselves molten gods.--This part of the verse corresponds with the second commandment in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:4-6), though the phrase "molten gods" only occurs once more where the same prohibition is enforced (Exodus 34:17). . . .
Verse 4. -
Turn ye not unto idols. The word used for idols,
elilim, meaning nothings, is contrasted with
Elohim, God.
Psalm 115 exhibits this contrast in several of its particulars. Cf. St. Paul's statement, "We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one" (
1 Corinthians 8:4). "If the heart of man becomes benumbed to the use of images of false gods of any kind, he sinks down to the idols which are his ideals, and becomes as dumb and unspiritual as they are" (Lunge). The remainder of the verse forbids the transgression of the second commandment, as the earlier part of the verse forbids the transgression of the first commandment: nor make to yourselves molten gods, as was done by Jeroboam when he set up the calves (
1 Kings 12:23).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Do notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notturnתִּפְנוּ֙(tip̄·nū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6437:To turn, to face, appear, looktoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toidolsהָ֣אֱלִילִ֔ים(hā·’ĕ·lî·lîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 457:Good for, nothing, by anal, vain, vanity, an idolor makeתַעֲשׂ֖וּ(ṯa·‘ă·śū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makefor yourselvesלָכֶ֑ם(lā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrewmoltenמַסֵּכָ֔ה(mas·sê·ḵāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4541:A pouring over, fusion of metal, a libation, league, a coverletgods.וֵֽאלֹהֵי֙(wê·lō·hê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeIאֲנִ֖י(’ă·nî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:Iam the LORDיְהוָ֥ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelyour God.אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃(’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
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OT Law: Leviticus 19:4 Don't turn to idols nor make molten (Le Lv Lev.) 
