What is the true meaning of the second commandment?

Answer

The Ten Commandments are recorded in the Bible in Exodus 20:1–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21. The second of those commandments, in its entirety, is this: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:4;Deuteronomy 5:8).

This command is closely linked with the first, which says, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Having other gods is idolatry. Idol worship was rampant among the nations surrounding Israel. Most of those nations had carved images to which they bowed, sacrificed, and performed various acts of worship. Often that pagan worship involved infanticide and prostitution (Leviticus 18:21;Deuteronomy 23:17). The Israelites were strictly warned to keep themselves separate from the pagan nations around them and to avoid any activities that resembled their vile worship rites (Leviticus 20:23;2 Kings 17:15;Ezekiel 11:12).

God hates idolatry in any form (Deuteronomy 6:14-15;32:21;Jeremiah 2:5;Leviticus 26:1). It steals the attention and honor that belong only to God (Deuteronomy 6:5).

%3BLuke+10%3A27″>(Deuteronomy 6:5; Luke 10:27). In numerous countries today, sculpted deities are still a clear violation of this directive. Nevertheless, the transgression of idolatry is fundamentally a transgression of the heart. An idol is anything we rely on to fulfill the profound needs of the heart—love, security, worth, or significance. When we strive to discover identity and security in something other than God, we have turned it into an idol. John Calvin stated, “The human heart is an idol factory.” Frequently, we pursue peace or identity through relationships, substances, money, or entertainment. Addictions represent forms of idolatry, as do a variety of other worldly temptations that cannot ultimately satisfy. By dedicating ourselves to the pursuit of manmade gods, we are violating the second commandment.

Even positive things can transform into idols if we are not cautious. Ministry, hobbies, charitable work, or family can seize the proper place that only God should occupy in our lives. When we emotionally depend on anything other than our relationship with Him to affirm us, we are violating the second commandment.

This directive also includes a caution for future generations. God is conveying that if we do not address idolatry in our era, we will transmit it to our offspring and to their offspring. Children learn to navigate life by observing their parents. When children witness mom and dad resorting to a bottle, a pill, another romance, or a shopping spree to boost their self-esteem, they imitate that behavior. When children see their parents investing time, money, and effort in worldly pursuits, they naturally adopt those principles and will raise their own children to do the same.

Nonetheless, God also pledges blessings for those who exemplify godly principles for their children «Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; », (Deuteronomy 7:9). Just as children learn to run to idols by observing their parents doing so, they can also learn to turn away from idols by witnessing their parents giving God His rightful place in their lives. When we make Him our refuge «Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. », (Psalm 32:7), He satisfies our deepest heart needs like nothing else can. When we have no gods but Him, He is faithful to protect us with His love and shield (Psalm 36:7;Psalm 144:2;Malachi 3:17-18). Psalm 103:17 says, “The LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” We must give the Holy Spirit free rein to destroy any idols our hearts have set up. When we allow Him to eliminate anything that has become an idol, we can then be filled with His joy and peace (Galatians 5:22;Ephesians 6:18).