Bowing and Serving Idols Are Two Separate Offenses

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 287:1

"You shall not bow down to them, nor serve them" (Exodus 20:5). Why is this said? Because it says, "and went and served other gods" (Deuteronomy 17:3), to render one liable for the service on its own and for the bowing on its own. Or perhaps one is not liable until he both serves and bows down? Therefore it says "you shall not bow down," to render him liable for the service on its own and for the bowing on its own.

Themes