Many are familiar with the phrase in this week’s Parsha “you shall guard your life exceedingly,” and its interpretation to watch one’s health.
However, in its simplest form, this was a command about creating “images,” which were not seen at Sinai.
Not merely a question of worshiping idols, this command includes forming images of certain Heavenly powers created by Hashem, and expecting them to affect your life with their assigned power (such as astrological signs – stars and planets...)
If the verses began with a general prohibition, why do they continue to specify different types of forms one may not make, such as animals, birds, or celestial bodies?
Perhaps we can say that when Hashem gave this command, we might be tempted to ask, “But what about this? Would this be included?”
Or we might say, “Surely this situation wasn’t intended to be precluded.”
Therefore, Hashem preempts the questions and says, “No, you may not make any forms or images at all. Even if you feel it makes sense to do so, or that I wasn’t referring to them, I was. They are not good for you, and the answer is still no.”
Just as at Sinai, Hashem revealed Himself to us without visual images, so should we “see” Him every day, and follow Him alone.
