| 4. Linguistic Exegesis The Hebrew expression begins with the particle al {אַל | ʾal} ‘not’ followed by the Qal imperfect tifnu {תִּפְנוּ | tifnû} ‘you turn’, forming a direct prohibition. A parallel prohibition is established by the particle lo {לֹא | lōʾ} ‘not’ with the Qal imperfect ta'asu {תַעֲשׂוּ | taʿă-sû} ‘you make’. The object of both prohibitions is marked by ʾel haelilim {אֶל־הָאֱלִילִים | ʾel hāʾ-ʾă-lî-lîm} ‘to the idols’ and weelohei massekhah {וֵאלֹהֵי מַסֵּכָה | wə-ʾĕ-lō-hê massē-kā(h)} ‘and gods of cast metal’, employing a construct chain to specify fabricated deities. The dual commands reinforce exclusive worship, culminating in the covenant formula ani Yahweh Eloheichem {אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם | ʾănî Yəhōwāh ʾĕ-lō-hê-ḵem} ‘I am the LORD your God’, which asserts divine authority and relationship. |