Is it wrong to make an image? (Exodus 20:4-5 vs. Exodus 25:18-20)

Definition of the Question

The inquiry arises from two passages in the book of Exodus: one strictly forbids making any image (Exodus 20:4–5), while the other includes a command to make images (specifically, cherubim) that adorn the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:18–20). At face value, this can appear contradictory. The point of curiosity is whether one passage overturns the other, or whether there is a deeper principle that reconciles them.

Scriptural Foundation

• Exodus 20:4–5 records: “You shall not make for yourself an idol of any kind…You shall not bow down to them or worship them…”

• Exodus 25:18–20 states: “Make two cherubim of hammered gold…The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward…”

The first text addresses idols for worship, while the second describes a sacred piece of furniture in the tabernacle.

The Prohibition in Exodus 20:4–5

Exodus 20:4–5 appears within the Ten Commandments, which define core moral and spiritual guidelines. The emphasis is on prohibiting “an idol of any kind”. The Hebrew term often rendered as “idol” (pesel) implies a carved or graven image created specifically for the purpose of reverence or veneration.

The key prohibition is not simply making an image; it is making an image as an object of worship. The passage further clarifies in verse 5, “You shall not bow down to them or worship them,” focusing on the heart attitude of attributing deity, ultimate authority, or reverence to a created object. Thus, the core issue is the worship of something in place of God.

Cherubim in Exodus 25:18–20

Though Exodus 25 instructs Moses to fashion two cherubim, these are not idols. Rather, they are part of the “mercy seat” or the “atonement cover” of the ark of the covenant. Their faces are not meant to represent God; instead, they are crafted angelic beings whose presence symbolically points to the holiness, majesty, and protection of the Most High (cf. Psalm 99:1).

These cherubim were placed in the Holy of Holies, a restricted area where only the high priest entered once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). The cherubim’s function was not to receive worship but to visually represent the heavenly realities of God’s throne room, highlighting God’s transcendence.

Idolatry vs. Representation

A distinction emerges between idolatry and symbolic representation.

• Idolatry involves ascribing worship, devotion, or ultimate loyalty to something that stands in for God.

• Symbolic representation can serve as a visual reminder of God’s truths without replacing God Himself.

The cherubim in Exodus 25 were never approached as deities or venerated in any way. Instead, they pointed believers toward God’s presence and faithfulness.

The Heart of Worship

The broader scriptural theme is that worship belongs to the Creator alone (Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10). This truth permeates both the Old and New Testaments, underscored in examples such as Hezekiah’s destruction of the bronze serpent in 2 Kings 18:4. While the serpent had been fashioned by Moses (Numbers 21:8–9) at God’s command, once the people began to worship it, it became an idol and had to be destroyed. The message is clear: even a God-ordained object can become an idol if we direct worship toward it rather than to the Lord.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, pagan religions employed numerous idols depicting various gods and goddesses. These idols were believed to embody the divine essence, inviting worship and sacrifice. In contrast, Israel’s God did not inhabit an image. The command in Exodus 20:4–5 sets the Israelites apart, underscoring God’s transcendence and warning them against the pervasive idol worship of surrounding cultures.

Meanwhile, the custom of building decorative or symbolic elements (like cherubim) on sacred objects was not unknown in that region, but the unique feature within Israelite practice was that these images never functioned as stand-ins for God. Archaeological evidence—such as temple layouts found in ancient Middle Eastern sites—reveals that idols typically occupied central places of adoration, whereas biblical worship placed the emphasis on an unseen yet present God, with the ark and its cherubim symbolizing His throne without ever claiming the cherubim to be divine. The Dead Sea Scrolls and other manuscript discoveries reinforce that the text of Exodus has been transmitted faithfully, showing consistency over millennia and preserving the integrity of these commands.

Consistency with the Entire Biblical Narrative

Throughout Scripture, God’s jealousy (Exodus 20:5) reflects His desire for an exclusive relationship, free from divided loyalties. When we see instructions for making cherubim or visual artistry in the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1; 1 Kings 6:29), these appear with the strict understanding that the faithful do not pray to, bow to, or venerate these representations. They simply serve as artistic touches reflecting the beauty and order of the heavenly realm.

Even under a “young earth” framework, the principle remains the same: God communicates His authority and lordship throughout all creation. Artistic or symbolic elements that direct us back to the Creator echo His handiwork, while any attempt to worship the image itself strays into idolatry.

Conclusion

Exodus 20:4–5 prohibits creating and worshiping idols that displace or misrepresent God’s rightful sovereignty. Exodus 25:18–20 instructs constructing cherubim as part of the ark’s design but never endorses the worship of these figures. The distinction lies in the purpose and posture of the heart. Objects intended for worship become idols. Objects intended to point to God’s truth can be reflections of His glory, as long as they are never venerated in place of the One who alone is worthy.

Hence, Scripture remains consistent and unified. The biblical witness affirms that it is wrong to make images for worship, while allowing for symbolic representations that direct hearts to revere and obey the living God.