An exegetical study of Exodus 20:4-5 and its implication on pictorial ornamentation in the tabernacle

Abstract

The use of iconoclastic in modern Christian worship is the main focus which causes the researcher to investigate Exodus 20:4-6. God forbids idol worship among His people in both Old and New Testament believers (Exod 34:14; Deut 8:19; 11:16; 1 Cor 10:21; 2 Cor 5:15, 16). Image worship has been a smoldering concept which distorts the relationship between God and His people. In the Decalogue, the second commandment forbids any form of image worship (Exod 20:4-6). The Hebrew phrase pesel wǝkᾱl tǝmȗnᾱh indicates something portioned (i.e. fashioned) out, as a shape, phantom, or embodiment, molten images, icon, and every architect’s work which man can use to represent God. However, God asked Moses to build pictorial ornaments in the temple to aid the system of worship in the sanctuary. This research has revealed that God has provided adequate questions in His Holy Scriptures concerning the use of pictorial ornaments as objects of worship. Icons in modern worship are used as a representation of a deity, which goes contrary to the law of the second commandment in the Decalogue. It is to stick to God who does not share His glory with anyone or anything. The oneness of God is supreme (Deut 6:4) among all things.