What does Exodus 34:17 mean?
ESV: "You shall not make for yourself any gods of cast metal.
NIV: "Do not make any idols.
NASB: You shall not make for yourself any gods cast in metal.
CSB: "Do not make cast images of gods for yourselves.
NLT: You must not make any gods of molten metal for yourselves.
KJV: Thou shalt make thee no molten gods.
NKJV: “You shall make no molded gods for yourselves.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 34:10–28 is God's renewed declaration of covenant laws for Israel. The Lord includes more details on specific aspects of the Law this time. This added detail is a direct response to Israel's recent sin of idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). God especially emphasizes idolatry, consecration of the firstborn, and observing the Sabbath. Moses stays on Mount Sinai for forty days and nights hearing from the Lord.
Chapter Summary:
Moses obeys God's command to bring new stone tablets (Exodus 32:19) onto Mount Sinai. There, God fulfills His earlier promise to reveal more of His glory to Moses (Exodus 33:18–23). The Lord renews the covenant with Israel and gives additional details on subjects such as idolatry, the Sabbath, and certain festivals. When Moses returns, the people are intimidated by his now-shining face.
Chapter Context:
Israel quickly broke God's laws (Exodus 20:3–6) by committing idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). This caused a rift between them and God. One consequence was a removal of God's direct presence (Exodus 33:1–3). In this chapter, the covenant is renewed. The remaining chapters (Exodus 35—40) mirror the instructions for building the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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