Exo 20:22 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Exod 20:22-26: 20:22-26 The Lord is transcendent, as shown by his speaking to the people in a disembodied voice from heaven (20:22 ). This would have two effects upon their practice: They were not to use silver or gold to make gods in human form ( idols , 20:23 ), and they were not to carve stones for an altar (20:25 ). Perhaps this is because they would be tempted to carve stone gods in the process. The altar was to be made of earth (20:24 ) and uncut stones (20:25 ). • The prohibition against revealing one’s nakedness (20:26 ) might have been to separate Israelite religious practice from the nature worship around them. Sexual activity was an integral part of many Canaanite rituals.

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‏ Exodus 20:22

Summary for Exod 20:22-26: 20:22-26 ^a The Lord is transcendent, as shown by his speaking to the people in a disembodied voice from heaven (20:22 ^b). This would have two effects upon their practice: They were not to use silver or gold to make gods in human form (idols, 20:23 ^c), and they were not to carve stones for an altar (20:25 ^d). Perhaps this is because they would be tempted to carve stone gods in the process. The altar was to be made of earth (20:24 ^e) and uncut stones (20:25 ^f).

• The prohibition against revealing one’s nakedness (20:26 ^g) might have been to separate Israelite religious practice from the nature worship around them. Sexual activity was an integral part of many Canaanite rituals.