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fine print in the idolatry contract

Deuteronomy 5:7-10

Deuteronomy 5:7 Do not have other gods besides me.

Deuteronomy 5:8 Do not make an idol for yourself in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the land below or in the water under the land.

Deuteronomy 5:9 Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them, because I, Yahveh your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the fathers’ violation¹ to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me,

Deuteronomy 5:10 but showing faithful care to a thousand generations of those who care about me and watch my commands.

fine print in the idolatry contract

The Israelites who were called to the mission were the intended recipients of this command. We benefit from the command today as we recognize a universal moral obligation to be monotheistic.

So, why would the Israelites be tempted to make and serve idols? Popular opinion said that the idols could get you what the big God in the sky would not. Paganism promoted idolatry for practical purposes.

Today, idols still exist all over the world for the same reason. People think the idols will get them what they want.

The fine print in the idolatry contract is that God punishes those who serve man-made idols— to the fourth generation!

Lord, we pledge complete allegiance to you.