Exodus 20:4–6: No Idols Before the Living God
The no-idols command in Exodus 20:4–6 is about worship, not decoration. God refuses to be reduced to an object his people control, and he sets judgment and steadfast love side by side.
Why God Calls Himself Jealous in Exodus 34
God names himself Jealous because he holds an exclusive covenant claim on his people. The jealousy in view is covenant loyalty that refuses divided worship, not suspicion or envy.