Final answer:
The phrase in question refers to the Biblical commandment against idolatry found in the book of Exodus. It outlines the prohibition of making and worshiping graven images. This commandment has been essential in shaping the moral and religious ethos of Judeo-Christian societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage 'You shall blot out the memory of _____ from under heaven - you shall not forget' is referring to the Biblical injunction against idolatry. This is part of the larger context of the Ten Commandments, which, according to the book of Exodus in the Old Testament, were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. In particular, this passage echoes the second commandment, which cautions against the making and worshiping of graven images or idols.
The commandments provided in these texts are meant to guide the Israelites in their worship and social interactions. They are part of the covenantal laws that form the ethos and morality of the Jewish faith and later Christianity. Moses, the leader of the Israelites, shatters the tablets upon which these commandments were inscribed when he descends from the mountain and finds the people worshiping a golden calf, in direct violation of God's mandate.
Throughout history, adherence to these commandments has been a profound aspect of Judeo-Christian heritage and has influenced the moral framework of societies that embrace these religious teachings. The prohibition of idolatry is a central tenet of these faiths, emphasizing monotheism and the worship of God without the intercession of physical representations.