¹⁷ “Do not make any idols.^(A)

Reward for Obedience

26 “‘Do not make idols^(A) or set up an image^(B) or a sacred stone^(C) for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone^(D) in your land to bow down before it. I am the Lord your God.

⁴ “‘Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves.^(A) I am the Lord your God.^(B)

¹⁶ Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,^[a] say “Amen”^(A) to your thanksgiving,^(B) since they do not know what you are saying?

¹⁶ so that you do not become corrupt^(A) and make for yourselves an idol,^(B) an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, ¹⁷ or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air,^{(C) 18} or like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish in the waters below. ¹⁹ And when you look up to the sky and see the sun,^(D) the moon and the stars^(E)—all the heavenly array^(F)—do not be enticed^(G) into bowing down to them and worshiping^(H) things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. ²⁰ But as for you, the Lord took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace,^(I) out of Egypt,^(J) to be the people of his inheritance,^(K) as you now are.

²¹ The Lord was angry with me^(L) because of you, and he solemnly swore that I would not cross the Jordan and enter the good land the Lord your God is giving you as your inheritance. ²² I will die in this land;^(M) I will not cross the Jordan; but you are about to cross over and take possession of that good land.^{(N) 23} Be careful not to forget the covenant^(O) of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol^(P) in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden.