The 2nd commandment is not just an extension or an application of the 1st commandment. The 2nd commandment is, in fact, crucial to the fulfilment of the 1st, and even the rest of the commandments.

THE COMMAND

The 1st commandment addresses the Who of worship; the 2nd addresses the How. The 1st guards against worshipping the wrong person; the 2nd against forming the wrong picture. The 1st errs by addition (more gods), the 2nd by subtraction (reducing God to something less). This applies not only to physical idols but also to mental ones. Idolatry is entertaining thoughts unworthy of God.

THE CAUTION

There is a severe warning, for God must deal with any misrepresentation of who He is for the good of the people. People trust and hope in Him, and His greatness and worthiness will not be undermined by false images (material or mental). Those who hate God will be judged.

THE COMFORT

God promises blessing to those who love and honour Him rightly. True love is not only shown in service but also in seeking to know Him. We know Him not by imagination but through His revelation in Scripture. Only God can lead us to a right knowledge of Himself, and His people must diligently pursue Him in His Word.

Most of all, thank God that Jesus paid for all our sins—even when we misrepresented Him!