Topical Bible: Israel: Idolatry of

◄ Israel: Idolatry of ►

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The idolatry of Israel is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, reflecting the nation's struggle to remain faithful to Yahweh amidst the cultural and religious influences of surrounding nations. This tendency towards idolatry is depicted as a significant spiritual failing, often leading to divine judgment and calls for repentance.

Historical Context

The roots of Israel's idolatry can be traced back to their time in Egypt, where they were exposed to a polytheistic culture. Upon their exodus and subsequent settlement in Canaan, the Israelites encountered the Canaanite pantheon, which included deities such as Baal and Asherah. Despite clear commandments against idolatry, the Israelites frequently adopted these foreign gods, leading to cycles of apostasy and renewal.

Biblical Prohibitions

The prohibition against idolatry is central to the Mosaic Law. The first two commandments explicitly forbid the worship of other gods and the creation of idols: "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath" (Exodus 20:3-4). These commandments underscore the exclusive covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel.

Instances of Idolatry

1. The Golden Calf: One of the earliest and most infamous instances of idolatry occurred at Mount Sinai. While Moses was receiving the Law, the people fashioned a golden calf, proclaiming, "These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" (Exodus 32:4). This act of rebellion resulted in severe punishment and highlighted the Israelites' propensity to revert to idolatrous practices.

2. The Period of the Judges: The Book of Judges records repeated cycles of idolatry, oppression, and deliverance. The Israelites "did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals" (Judges 2:11), leading to their subjugation by neighboring peoples. Each cycle ended with a judge delivering Israel, only for the pattern to repeat.

3. The Divided Kingdom: After the reign of Solomon, the kingdom split into Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom). Jeroboam, the first king of Israel, established golden calves at Bethel and Dan to prevent his subjects from worshiping in Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:28-30). This institutionalized idolatry persisted throughout the northern kingdom's history.

4. The Reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah: In Judah, kings like Hezekiah and Josiah attempted to eradicate idolatry. Hezekiah "removed the high places, shattered the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles" (2 Kings 18:4). Josiah's reforms were even more extensive, as he "smashed the altars and idols to powder" (2 Kings 23:12), seeking to restore true worship.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets consistently condemned idolatry, viewing it as spiritual adultery. Isaiah lamented, "They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 1:4). Jeremiah warned of the consequences of idolatry, declaring, "My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols" (Jeremiah 2:11). Ezekiel vividly depicted Israel's idolatry as harlotry, emphasizing the nation's unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 16:15-17).

Consequences and Exile

The persistent idolatry of Israel ultimately led to divine judgment. The northern kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BC, a direct result of their idolatrous practices (2 Kings 17:7-18). Judah's continued idolatry resulted in the Babylonian exile in 586 BC, as foretold by the prophets (Jeremiah 25:8-11).

Post-Exilic Period

Following the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people returned to their land with a renewed commitment to monotheism. The experience of exile served as a powerful deterrent against idolatry, and the post-exilic community focused on the restoration of temple worship and adherence to the Law.

The idolatry of Israel serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative, illustrating the dangers of syncretism and the importance of faithfulness to God.

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Exodus 32:1
And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron, and said to him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.
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Deuteronomy 9:17-21
And I took the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and broke them before your eyes.
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Library

Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience
... The history of Israel's idolatry is not the least conclusive proof of the
supernatural revelation which made Israel's religion. II. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/israels obstinacy and gods patience.htm

Of the Fact that Idolatry Has Been Subverted by the Name of Christ ...
... of the gospels.Book I. Chapter XXVI."Of the Fact that Idolatry Has Been ... 41. Who,
then, has effected the demolition of these systems but the God of Israel? ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxvi of the fact that.htm

A Statement in vindication of the Doctrine of the Apostles as ...
... Statement in Vindication of the Doctrine of the Apostles as Opposed to Idolatry,
in the ... denomination of the devil and the demons, the very God of Israel is now ...
/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxxii a statement in vindication.htm

On Idolatry
... For since Jeroboam is frequently accused of having made Israel to sin and of increasing
the crime of idolatry; (1 Kings 12:30; xiv, 16;) and since the children ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Thyatira
... to Thyatira we have the reference to another and more intensified form of idolatry
as developed and established in the days of Ahab, king of Israel; another who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/thyatira.htm

The Second Commandment
... For Israel's idolatry he suffered their army to be routed, their priests slain,
the ark taken captive, of the returns of which to Shiloh we never read any more ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 2 the second commandment.htm

A Kingdom's Epitaph
... that verses 7-23 are 'an interpolation by the Deuteronomic writer,' apparently for
no reason but because they trace Israel's fall to its cause in idolatry. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a kingdoms epitaph.htm

An Unfulfilled Desire
... Midian has seduced Israel to idolatry and its constant companion, sensual sin. The
old lawgiver has for his last achievement to punish the idolater. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/an unfulfilled desire.htm

Of Jeroboam, who Profaned the People Put under Him by the Impiety ...
... But Jeroboam king of Israel, with perverse mind, not believing in God, whom he had ...
and return to David's line as the seed royal; and set up idolatry in his ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of jeroboam who profaned.htm

The Designation of the one God in the Prophetic Scriptures ...
... He says, then, that there is no God besides Himself in respect of the idolatry both
of the Gentiles as well as of Israel; nay, even on account of our heretics ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xviii the designation of the.htm