Kiyyun is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Amos, and is often associated with idolatry practiced by the Israelites during their periods of apostasy. The name appears in Amos 5:26, where the prophet Amos rebukes the Israelites for their unfaithfulness to Yahweh, highlighting their worship of foreign deities. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as follows: "You have lifted up the shrine of your king and the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god, which you made for yourselves."

Historical and Cultural Context

The context of Amos 5:26 is a period of spiritual decline in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Amos, a prophet from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, was called by God to deliver a message of judgment against Israel for their social injustices and religious infidelity. The Israelites had adopted the worship of foreign gods, which was strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law. This syncretism was a result of political alliances and cultural exchanges with neighboring nations, leading to the incorporation of pagan practices into Israelite worship.

Interpretation of Kiyyun

The term "Kiyyun" is often linked to the worship of astral deities, possibly representing a star god. The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, translates Kiyyun as "Rephan," which is echoed in the New Testament in Acts 7:43, where Stephen, the first Christian martyr, references this idolatry in his speech before the Sanhedrin: "You took along the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore, I will send you into exile beyond Babylon."

The association of Kiyyun with astral worship suggests that the Israelites may have been influenced by Mesopotamian or Canaanite religious practices, where celestial bodies were often deified. This idolatry was a direct violation of the First Commandment, which prohibits the worship of any gods other than Yahweh.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the mention of Kiyyun in Amos serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of exclusive devotion to God. The prophets consistently warned Israel that their unfaithfulness would lead to divine judgment and eventual exile. The worship of Kiyyun and other foreign deities was symptomatic of a deeper spiritual malaise, reflecting a departure from the covenant relationship established between God and His people.

The prophetic message of Amos, including the reference to Kiyyun, underscores the call to repentance and the need for Israel to return to the worship of Yahweh alone. It highlights the dangers of compromising one's faith through the adoption of pagan practices and the inevitable judgment that follows such disobedience.

Conclusion

While the specific identity of Kiyyun remains somewhat obscure, its mention in the biblical text serves as a powerful illustration of the recurring theme of idolatry in Israel's history. The prophetic critique of such practices is a call to faithfulness and a reminder of the centrality of worshiping the one true God.3594. Kiyyun -- a heathen god
... 3593, 3594. Kiyyun. 3595 . a heathen god. Transliteration: Kiyyun Phonetic
Spelling: (kee-yoon') Short Definition: Kiyyun. Word ...
/hebrew/3594.htm - 6kKiyyun (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kiyyun (1 Occurrence). Amos 5:26 You also carried
the tent of your king and the shrine of your images, the ...
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Kittites (2 Occurrences)

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Knave (2 Occurrences)

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