In The Hebrew Bible
The first of the Ten Commandments prohibits the Israelites from holding any other god before God, nor to make any "graven image". (Exodus 20:2-3, Deut 5:6-7) Some scholars have argued that the commandment should be viewed in the context of pagan practices and beliefs at the time that the commandment was given. Specifically, the prohibition should be viewed as a rejection of the religious practices of ancient Egypt from where the Israelites were coming, as well as the Canaanites to where the Isralites were heading.
Read more about this topic: Idolatry In Judaism
Famous quotes containing the word hebrew:
“And call ye this to utter what is just,
You that of justice hold the sov’reign throne?
And call ye this to yield, O sons of dust,
To wronged brethren ev’ry man his own?”
—Bible: Hebrew Psalm LVIII (Paraphrased by The Countess of Pembroke)