What does "the nations will no longer stream to him" teach about idolatry? Setting the Scene “I will punish Bel in Babylon. I will make him spew out what he has swallowed. The nations will no longer stream to him, and even the wall of Babylon will fall.” The Picture Behind the Phrase • Bel (Marduk) was the chief god of Babylon—his temples overflowing with tribute from every corner of the empire. • “Nations streaming” paints crowds pouring in with offerings, loyalty, and praise. • God announces Babylon’s collapse, and with it the end of Bel’s influence. What the Line Teaches About Idolatry • Idolatry draws a crowd—until the true God intervenes. • False gods depend on human approval; once their image shatters, their worship dries up. • An idol can swallow wealth, time, and allegiance (“what he has swallowed”), yet it cannot protect itself from judgment. • When God acts, idolatry’s international popularity evaporates: “the nations will no longer stream to him.” • The fall of Babylon’s wall underscores that idols fall with the cultures that house them. Key Truths in Bullet Form – Idolatry is always temporary (Jeremiah 10:11). – God personally confronts idols (Isaiah 46:1–2). – He liberates people once mesmerized by them (Jeremiah 51:44c). – Only the LORD warrants universal gathering (Isaiah 2:2–3; Revelation 21:24). Cross-References That Echo the Lesson • Psalm 115:4–8—Idols are “silver and gold, the work of men’s hands…those who make them will be like them.” • Isaiah 45:20—“They have no knowledge who carry about their wooden idols.” • Revelation 18:2–3—End-time Babylon collapses, and merchants’ devotion dries up. Living the Truth Today • Spot modern “Bels”: wealth, career, pleasure, technology—anything receiving devotion meant for God. • Measure where your resources “stream.” Offer them back to the One who cannot fall. • Remember that every idol will one day stand silent; only Christ will still be worthy of a global gathering (Philippians 2:10–11). |
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