Topical Bible: Idolatry: Other Customs of Libations of Wine

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In the context of biblical idolatry, the practice of offering libations of wine is a significant ritual that reflects the broader theme of worshiping false gods and engaging in pagan customs. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of idolatry, warning the Israelites against adopting the religious practices of surrounding nations, which often included the pouring out of wine as offerings to deities.

Biblical References and Context

The practice of pouring out libations is mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament. In Jeremiah 7:18 , the prophet condemns the people of Judah for their idolatrous practices: "The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead dough to make cakes for the queen of heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to provoke Me to anger." This verse highlights the communal nature of idolatrous worship, involving entire families in the act of offering libations to false gods, specifically the "queen of heaven."

Similarly, in Jeremiah 44:17-19 , the people of Judah, living in Egypt, openly admit to their idolatrous practices: "But we will do everything we have vowed, make offerings to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her, just as we and our fathers, our kings and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem." This passage underscores the persistence of idolatrous customs, even in exile, and the people's belief that such practices brought them prosperity.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the offering of libations of wine to idols represents a direct violation of the First Commandment, which demands exclusive worship of the one true God. The act of pouring out wine to false gods is seen as a form of spiritual adultery, betraying the covenant relationship between God and His people. In Deuteronomy 32:37-38 , God challenges the Israelites' reliance on idols: "He will say: 'Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge, who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you; let them give you shelter.'"

The use of wine in idolatrous rituals also contrasts sharply with its role in legitimate worship practices prescribed by God. In the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, wine was used in drink offerings to the Lord, symbolizing joy and fellowship with God (Numbers 15:5-10). The perversion of this practice in idolatrous worship highlights the distortion of true worship and the substitution of human invention for divine ordinance.

Cultural and Historical Context

Historically, the pouring out of libations was a common practice in the ancient Near East, often associated with fertility cults and the worship of deities such as Baal and Asherah. These rituals were believed to invoke the favor of the gods, ensuring agricultural prosperity and personal well-being. The Israelites, surrounded by nations that engaged in such practices, were repeatedly tempted to incorporate these customs into their own religious life, despite the clear prohibitions outlined in the Law.

The persistence of libation offerings in idolatrous worship serves as a reminder of the human tendency to seek tangible expressions of spirituality, often at the expense of true faith and obedience to God. The biblical narrative consistently calls God's people to reject these practices and to remain faithful to the covenant, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 32:38
Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City.
... such marriages lead us back to idolatry and superstition ... the Piazza di Termini, although
devoted to other purposes ... The customs and practices of the classical age ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter i the transformation of.htm

Reform
... with the false gods of this world's idolatry. ... when Episcopacy, Independency, Wesleyanism,
and every other system, must ... to be burned, then sinful customs are to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/reform.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... from the waters, and became the originator of idolatry. ... a pile of frankincense, myrrh,
and other aromatic herbs ... might no longer serve the lawless customs of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... gods that you do, and do not bring libations and offerings ... and have turned away from
the old customs in which ... For all the other nations of mankind are called ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... It was mixed up with the customs of the North African church, whereby the ... Aptunga,
the consecrator of Caecilianus, who had been elected by the other party, had ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... their entrails devoutly on the fire, with libations.". ... empires, the history of no
other has suffered ... invented an explanation consonant with their own customs. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm