However, we need to be cautious, and realize that such objects can carry with them unseen spiritual realities that can actually bring a curse to the one who has the object in his home or office. Visible, physical objects often appeal to the senses, delight the flesh, and have great attraction to man’s soulish realm. We will look at what Scripture reveals about the great danger to our wellbeing, and to the wellbeing of our families, as a result of having these items. They can likewise take the form of stuffed animals and other toys and also brass eagles, carved birds, fish, horses, and other animals as found in homes and offices and ceramic sun and moon objects, carved and cast statues, statuettes, African and other native masks, and many others. The term “likeness” narrows it down to a 3-dimensional object, since a 2-dimensional object bears no likeness to a 3-dimensional object.Įxamples of these objects today are abundant, and can be in the form of “art” objects or figurines in the likeness of people, animals, or angels. Yahweh’s definition is simply based on a clear explanation of being “an image or likeness” of a living creature, as given in general in the Exodus verse, and in greater detail in Deuteronomy, as we see above.

These are simply Graven Images by Yahweh’s definition. In the above Scripture passages, Yahweh makes no distinction between an object that is worshipped, and one that is not worshipped. Notice that Yahweh’s definition of a graven image in the above verses is not “dependent” on what a man does, or does not do, with that object. Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: (Deuteronomy 4:16-18) Yahweh, on the other hand, is very specific about His definition: Man would define a Graven Image or “idol” as something that man would physically “bow down” to. Man is always trying to justify his own actions by attempting to re-define Bible words and meanings.

Since this is one of the greatest sources of problems between Yahweh and His people, we will look at what a graven image is. From this word we get the idea that graven images are “off-limits” to Yahweh’s children, in every way. In the above verse, the Hebrew word ‘asah’ is Strong’s number, and means “make, acquire, keep, use, prepare, work, execute, accomplish, fashion,” and a host of other meanings, depending on context. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (Exodus 20:4)

Notice what we are told in the Second Commandment: He knew the great harm these objects could do to His people. When Yahweh commanded His people that “no graven images” were to be made, acquired, or kept, He was not being cruel and heartless. As Bible Believers and as Parents, we need to raise our children according to the Faith of Yahweh, and not according to the ways of the world, and certainly not under the influence of devils.

No graven images