1. Leviticus 19:4 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does the Lord specifically mention metal?

Leviticus 19:4 (ESV)

4 Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the LORD your God.

The noun metal (mǎssēḵāh) is derived from the verb which means to pour into a cast. It is the same term that was used of the golden calf at Sinai (Exodus 32:4, Exodus 32:8). The same terminology is also used of the calves that Jeroboam sets up in Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 14:9).