Do you really have no realistic art? no representational art?
No, I read it and recognized it as what it is - bunk. An image is a likeness. I'm an artist. I can find more semantic acrobatics than you'll ever find in a million years. My art teacher - a Catholic btw - used to hold up portraits I did and say, it was a better likeness than a photograph. (I'm an exceptional portrait artist). Needless to say, I haven't done a portrait in quite some time now.
Have you bothered reading the parts of the Old Testament concerning the Ark of the Covenant? God commanded images (not idols or likenesses) of cherubim be made to adorn it.
Uh, no. I have read the verses in question. God commanded a house made to his specifications. It was commanded that it be made for Him. And as a commandment from God, it was to be followed as surely as the commandments against image making for ourselves is to be followed.
Do you think the ancient Jews did not venerate the Ark of the Covenant? Think again.
They respected God's house. If any worshipped God's house rather than God, they are rotting in hell. And their example is one to learn from that we may avoid the same fate.. Not an excuse to lead others to their fate.