The Torah in Parashat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:13) says about foreign deities, “Ve’lo Yishama Al Picha” – that these gods should not be mentioned by our mouths. The Sages understood this as referring to an attempt to persuade others to worship an idol. Such a person, who lures others to worship foreign gods, is referred to in Halachic literature as a “Madiah” (“lurer”). The Torah here warns against speaking to people about a foreign god in an effort to convince them to worship it. Even if the person himself does not worship the idol, or even believe in it, luring people to worship an idol transgresses this prohibition. This command refers specifically to a “Madiah”; there is a separate command regarding one who is “Mesit” (“incites”). Several differences exist between these two prohibitions. First, a “Madiah” is one who lures at least two people to worship a foreign deity; luring just one individual falls under the category of “Mesit.” Secondly, the prohibition of “Mesit” is violated by the mere attempt to convince somebody to worship an idol, whereas the prohibition of “Madiah” is transgressed only if one succeeds in convincing two or more people to worship. If they refuse, then the prohibition of “Madiah” has not been violated. This violation is punishable with the severest of all punishments – execution by Sekila (stoning). Needless to say, it applies to both men and women, in all places and at all times. In discussing this command, the Sefer Ha’hinuch notes the observation made by the Rambam that in reference to idol worshippers, the Torah speaks of G-d becoming “angry,” “incensed,” “jealous,” “vengeful,” and an “enemy” of such people. The Rambam noted that these descriptions are unique to the context of idol worship; in response to no other sin is G-d described as becoming angry, vengeful and jealous. The Sefer Ha’hinuch clarifies that G-d does not experience any emotions. We should not think for a moment that our actions have any impact upon Him, and can make Him angry, jealous, vengeful, or hate us. G-d does not need human beings, and nothing we do has any effect on Him. When the Torah speaks of G-d in these terms, the Sefer Ha’hinuch explains, it seeks to express the severity of idol worship by depicting G-d as though He is angry and vengeful. The Torah warns us that He will act toward one who worships an idol the way somebody would act if, Heaven forbid, somebody had a relationship with his wife. Just as the husband would be enraged, and would be driven to curse the adulterer and bring calamity upon him, this is how G-d will respond to punish an idol worshipper. Clearly, however, G-d does not actually become angry and does not experience emotions such as jealousy and enmity.