Topical Bible: Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Jews

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Iconoclasm, the deliberate destruction of religious icons and symbols, has been a recurring theme throughout religious history. Within the context of the Bible, the Jewish people are depicted as engaging in acts of iconoclasm, particularly in their efforts to maintain the purity of worship and adherence to the commandments given by God.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation for Jewish iconoclasm is rooted in the Ten Commandments, specifically the second commandment, which prohibits the making of graven images. Exodus 20:4-5 states, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God..." This commandment underscores the importance of worshiping God alone and avoiding the idolatry that was prevalent among neighboring cultures.

Historical Instances

Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous instances where the Israelites are commanded to destroy idols and high places associated with pagan worship. One notable example is found in the account of King Hezekiah, who enacted significant religious reforms. 2 Kings 18:4 records, "He removed the high places, shattered the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it; it was called Nehushtan."

Similarly, King Josiah is celebrated for his zealous efforts to eradicate idolatry from the land. 2 Kings 23:4-6 describes his actions: "Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests of the second order, and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the LORD all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron Valley and carried their ashes to Bethel. He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the temple of the LORD, where the women were weaving for Asherah."

Theological Implications

The acts of iconoclasm carried out by the Jewish people were not merely political or cultural gestures but were deeply theological. They were a response to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the need for exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The destruction of idols was a physical manifestation of the spiritual commitment to uphold the holiness and uniqueness of God.

Prophetic Condemnation of Idolatry

The prophets of Israel consistently condemned idolatry and called the people back to faithfulness. Isaiah 44:9-11 highlights the futility of idol-making: "Those who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will be brought to terror and shame."

Cultural and Religious Context

The Jewish commitment to iconoclasm can be understood within the broader cultural and religious context of the ancient Near East, where idol worship was widespread. The Israelites' rejection of idolatry set them apart as a people dedicated to the worship of the one true God, a distinction that was both a source of identity and a means of preserving the integrity of their faith.

In summary, the destruction of idols by the Jewish people as recorded in the Bible reflects a profound theological conviction rooted in the commandments of God. It serves as a testament to their commitment to monotheism and the rejection of idolatry, which was seen as a direct violation of their covenant with Yahweh.

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2 Chronicles 30:14
And they arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the brook Kidron.
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Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... Accordingly, when the controversy with the East over Iconoclasm broke out, the Roman
Church became practically independent of the Eastern imperial authority ...
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