Right. Since there's no trap or other threat the real issue is how much time it takes and whether a wandering monster or something might show up before they've found it.
I would have read "I command it to open the way" as basically a bullying attempt.This is where understanding the actual intent (bullying the statue? Tricking it?) comes into play. You don't need to speak the words, but let me know the angle you're going for.