Final answer:
In Deuteronomy 4, Moses warns against idolatry because God is described as a jealous God who forbids worship of other gods as demonstrated in Exodus 20:4-6. Creating idols, like the golden calf, violates the covenant with Yahweh and reverting to Egyptian pagan practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Deuteronomy 4, Moses argues that the Israelites must not make carved idols because the Lord is a jealous God, as expressed in the commandments. Specifically, the commandment from Exodus 20:4–5 states, "You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them." This is reiterated in Exodus 20:5-6, where it is emphasized that worshipping idols is an act of hatred towards God and that such actions have consequences that affect future generations. Additionally, the text suggests that by making a golden calf, the Israelites were reverting to the pagan practices of the Egyptians from whom they had been delivered. This act was a direct violation of the covenant they had with Yahweh, who had just liberated them from slavery and demonstrated His power and exclusivity.