John Gill Commentary Deuteronomy 16:22

"Neither shalt thou set thee up a pillar; which Jehovah thy God hateth." — Deuteronomy 16:22 (ASV)

Neither shall you set up any image
Graven or molten, of man, beast, fish, or fowl; the word signifies a "statue or pillar" ^F3 which was set up for idolatry; for, as Aben Ezra observes, what was not set up for idolatry was not forbidden, as when erected in memory of any action or remarkable event; see (Joshua 22:10)

which the Lord your God hates ;
as he does every species, of idolatry, or that has any tendency to it; it being so opposite to his being, perfections, and glory; and therefore nothing should be done like it, because it is so hateful to him.

---

FOOTNOTES:

• F3: (hbum) (sthlhn) , Sept. "statuam", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Tig. vers. Fagius, Drusius, Grotius, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; so Ainsworth.