Commandment #2

Commandment #2 - Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; thou shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Here, I believe that God admits being jealous and that many hate him/her. If God is good then the hateful are not. God says that mercy will be shown to those that keep the Commandments. This leads me to believe that the Commandments, not the full text of any bible, are the most important to follow in order to be given mercy. This commandment also implies that God does not give the power of mercy to any priest or other being purportedly acting on God’s behalf. So, penitence – weekly confessionals, apologies, regrets or last rights does not forego God’s decision for mercy.

We should not confuse this commandment with art. I don’t believe Michelangelo or others committed a violation of this commandment. Works of art not used for idolization should be viewed as renditions or depictions of situations or things. However, the image of a cross with Jesus on it especially when used to conduct ceremonies may be a violation of this commandment. 

This commandment in my opinion also indicates that we have a right to choose which direction to follow. Justice may be blind but I don’t believe God is. We must stop making a mockery of the Commandments and should be tired of people murdering (see commandment #6), maiming, and harassing for the love of God, partners, family, friends and plain old power.

In my opinion, the flag and statue of liberty do not fall into this as they are not of heaven or earth. And, it’s obvious by our behavior (we allow flag burning) that we do not bow down or serve them in place of God. Additionally, I believe showing loyalty to the USA, a country that defends against suppression, merely is support for its principles and people (1 Samuel, the battle between Israel and the Philistines, Psalm 18 and others) and shows that you are willing to defend against evil; such an action is not for power or a replacement for God.