Deut 4:23. Did this law prohibit making objects for artistic purposes? (w04 9/15 25 ¶3)
No, what this Law prohibited was to elaborate images to worship them or "bow down to them and serve them." It was against idolatry and was based on the general principle of Deuteronomy 5: 9 where it is mentioned that Jehovah demands exclusive devotion. So the scriptures do not condemn sculpting or painting objects for artistic purposes.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A clear example of this is about the temple of Solomon, in 1 Kings, it is said about how in the Holy Sacrament there were cherubs made of oil tree wood covered with gold and the molten sea rested on twelve copper bulls, and the side walls of the copper wheelbarrows for the use of the temple were decorated with figures of lions, bulls and cherubs.
These representations were not idols; only the officiating priests could see those inside the tabernacle and then inside the temple. So no one except the high priest entered the Holy of Holies, and he only did so on the Day of Atonement. (Heb 9: 7) Therefore, there was no danger that the Israelites could incur in idolizing the golden cherubs of the Sanctuary. These figures were primarily a representation of the heavenly cherubs, and it is evident that they were not to be worshiped, as they were not to be worshiped even to the angels themselves.
It was not forbidden to make objects for artistic purposes. When it was forbidden it was when the covenant with God was broken, who demands exclusive devotion. If these figures are used to worship them, then it is completely forbidden. But the Scriptures do not condemn sculpting or painting objects for artistic purposes.
What spiritual pearls have you found about Jehovah, the ministry, and other topics in this week's Bible reading?
Deuteronomy 4: 9 we find a very wise indication from Jehovah to the people of Israel. He told them to be "vigilant [...] so that they will not forget the things that their eyes have seen." In our case it is also vital that, as the promised new world draws near, we keep in mind the wonderful acts of Jehovah as diligent students of his Word.
Deuteronomy 3:23, 24 Moses makes a statement that evidenced his great faith and trust in Jehovah. Moses said, "What god in heaven or on earth does powerful things like you?" And it is that Moses had witnessed several amazing works on behalf of the people of Israel.
In the same way, today we are witnesses of how Jehovah is in charge of carrying out a work of world evangelization, without a doubt this and the way in which preaching changes people's lives for the better should strengthen our faith and confidence in Jehovah.
Deuteronomy 4: 6-8 we find some verses that refer to the laws of Jehovah. Precisely in the previous speech, the benefits that these laws bring to our lives were discussed. However, for their time these laws differed greatly from the way justice was exercised in the neighboring nations of Israel.
In the same way, the discipline that sometimes must be taken within the Christian congregation differs from the discipline that other religions carry out, however this is one more example of how attached we are to biblical principles and the desire to obey to the letter what Jehovah asks of us.
Deuteronomy 4: 9 Jehovah also told the Israelites that in order to be successful they must teach future generations. This involved teaching the younger ones the wonderful works that Jehovah had done for the people of Israel during the wilderness. Likewise, parents should endeavor to teach their children the things that Jehovah has done and continues to do for his people in modern times.
Deuteronomy 4:29 we find the expression “you must seek Jehovah with all your heart and with all your soul”. Since we know that the soul basically encompasses the whole person, the question may arise why are the heart and the soul mentioned separately? This can be answered by thinking of a slave, who sells his soul to someone else. However, it may happen that he does not serve his master wholeheartedly, that is to say that he does not use all his strength or mental faculties in favor of his master's interests. That is why in this verse and others we are required to serve Jehovah with all our hearts and souls, without excluding any part of our body, functions, capacities or desires.
Deuteronomy 3:27, 28 talks about the example of Josue, Jehovah chose him to lead the Israelites when they were about to enter the Promised Land. Although he had been serving Jehovah for many years, Jehovah told Moses to “commission, encourage and strengthen” him, as he would need it since later the nation of Israel would have to fight many battles and lose at least one of them. (Joshua 7: 1-9). This teaches me that in the same way I can give that encouragement and support today to the elders and the overseers, since they work hard every day to take care of God's people, in this way we make the brothers and Jehovah happy.
Deuteronomy 3: 4,5. 60 cities with high walls, gates and bars. And still they all fell. This shows us once again the power of Jehovah that he gives to his people, on whom we can trust and who will fulfill all that he promises. There is no greater power than that of our God Jehovah and he protects us.
Deuteronomy 3:18. We note that it is said that "Jehovah has given you this land." Although it was these men who fought, they won because Jehovah was with them and all the glory and honor is deserved by Jehovah. Likewise, everything we have today is because Jehovah has allowed it, and we are extremely grateful to him, who is always with us, providing what we need.
Deuteronomy 3:19. We see the consideration of Jehovah who is always aware of each one of us, of our work and function. The instructions that God gives us are always thinking about the welfare of each of his servants, so that each one is entrusted with an important task for the support of the people of God.
Deuteronomy 3:21. However many kingdoms they were, they would all come to an end. This verse gives us the assurance that in the near future he will do the same with every person, no matter how powerful, who stands against him or his people, he will without fail and his people will receive what they deserve.
Deuteronomy 3:22. "They should not be afraid of them." A text that we must apply in our lives in all those situations in which we may feel fear, because no matter how big a problem it may be, Jehovah will fight it for us, he will give us the strength, energy and endurance that we need so that we do not have afraid.
Deuteronomy 3:28. In this verse Moses, who already knew that he was not going to cross the Jordan, had to appoint Joshua as a new leader, who would cross and had to encourage and strengthen him. From this we learn an important lesson, and that is that we must always encourage and strengthen our brothers, regardless of or feel bad because now they are the ones who carry out our functions within the congregation.
Deuteronomy 4: 1,2. As servants of God we must obey as they are in the Bible the norms and judicial decisions that are given to us. Not making an interpretation of them for a specific situation in a way that benefits us personally. God's Word is just as He has said, and we must obey it at all times as they are in the Scriptures.
Deuteronomy 4: 3. Just as it happened with the people who remained obedient to the Baal of the Worst event. If we are obedient to Jehovah, we will also have salvation in addition to many blessings in our lives.
Deuteronomy 4: 6. "There is no doubt that this great nation is a wise and understanding people." This is also how we are known today as the people of God. Because each of us live with a series of moral norms that no longer exist in this world, and although we can be persecuted for it. We want to continue doing this in our lives and that we continue to be known as a separate people.
Deuteronomy 4: 15-20. Although the Bible does not prohibit sculptures for artistic purposes. Is any artistic figure valid? Perhaps some sculpture, depending on what it is and its origin, although it is said that it is pure art, what it represents is not like that. Therefore, although the Bible does not prohibit sculptures for artistic purposes, not just anything is valid, you have to have a balance and a consistent judgment.
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