17 or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air,
17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,
17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air,
17 that looks male or female, or looks like a prowling animal or a flying bird
17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air,
17 an animal on the ground, a bird in the sky,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:17
Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:1-23
(Read Deuteronomy 4:1-23)
The power and love of God to Israel are here made the ground and reason of a number of cautions and serious warnings; and although there is much reference to their national covenant, yet all may be applied to those who live under the gospel. What are laws made for but to be observed and obeyed? Our obedience as individuals cannot merit salvation; but it is the only evidence that we are partakers of the gift of God, which is eternal life through Jesus Christ, Considering how many temptations we are compassed with, and what corrupt desires we have in our bosoms, we have great need to keep our hearts with all diligence. Those cannot walk aright, who walk carelessly. Moses charges particularly to take heed of the sin of idolatry. He shows how weak the temptation would be to those who thought aright; for these pretended gods, the sun, moon, and stars, were only blessings which the Lord their God had imparted to all nations. It is absurd to worship them; shall we serve those that were made to serve us? Take heed lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your God. We must take heed lest at any time we forget our religion. Care, caution, and watchfulness, are helps against a bad memory.