Topical Bible: Joy: when They Turned Away from Idolatry

◄ Joy: when They Turned Away from Idolatry ►

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The theme of joy in the context of turning away from idolatry is a significant motif throughout the Bible. This joy is often depicted as a profound spiritual renewal and a return to the worship of the one true God. The Bible presents numerous instances where individuals and communities experience deep joy upon renouncing idols and embracing the worship of Yahweh.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently struggled with idolatry, often adopting the gods of surrounding nations. However, moments of repentance and turning back to God were marked by great joy and celebration. One notable example is found in the reign of King Hezekiah. After years of idolatrous practices under previous kings, Hezekiah initiated religious reforms, including the cleansing of the temple and the destruction of idols. The people of Judah responded with joy and renewed commitment to God. In 2 Chronicles 30:26, it is recorded, "So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel, there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem."

Similarly, during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, the return of the exiles from Babylonian captivity was accompanied by a rejection of idolatry and a recommitment to the covenant with God. Nehemiah 8:12 describes the people's reaction after hearing the Law: "Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of joy in turning away from idolatry is evident in the early church's mission to the Gentiles. The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, often encountered pagan cultures steeped in idol worship. His message of the gospel brought about radical transformations and joy among those who turned to Christ.

In Acts 19, we read about Paul's ministry in Ephesus, a city known for its devotion to the goddess Artemis. As many Ephesians turned away from their idols and believed in the Lord Jesus, a significant cultural and spiritual shift occurred. Acts 19:17-20 describes the impact: "When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power."

Theological Significance

The joy experienced when turning away from idolatry is deeply rooted in the understanding of true worship and the restoration of a right relationship with God. Idolatry, in biblical terms, is not merely the worship of physical idols but represents a broader departure from the worship of the Creator. The joy that follows repentance and the rejection of idols is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the fulfillment found in Him alone.

This joy is not only a personal experience but also a communal one, as entire communities are often depicted as rejoicing together. The Bible emphasizes that true joy is found in the presence of God and in living according to His statutes. Psalm 16:11 captures this sentiment: "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."

In summary, the joy that accompanies turning away from idolatry is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the profound spiritual renewal and communal celebration that occurs when individuals and communities return to the worship of the one true God.

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2 Chronicles 15:14,15
And they swore to the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.
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2 Chronicles 23:18,21
Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the LORD by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the LORD, to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained by David.
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2 Chronicles 29:30,36
Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise to the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.
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2 Chronicles 30:21,23,26
And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments to the LORD.
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Library

Hezekiah
... our God, and have forsaken Him, and have turned away their faces ... of David and of
Asaph were sung with joy, as the worshipers realized that they were being ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... upon the sins of the wicked, his heart was turned into a ... They laid aside all their
musical instruments ... the willows' (verse 2). We were as far from joy as those ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

"What Doest Thou Here?"
... efforts of consecrated workers, many will be turned from idolatry ... advantages, to
remove from places where they might be ... The joy set before Christ, the joy that ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 13 what doest thou.htm

The Gospel Message, Good Tidings
... in Samaria, the consequence was great joy in that ... They who believe this good report,
derive peace of ... wert justly angry, thine anger is turned away (Isaiah 12:1 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxi the gospel message.htm

The Love of the Brethren
... the same natural feeling which welcomed it with joy, will shrink ... themselves to think
that the Church they revered and ... to her trust, and had turned away from Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter vi the love of.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... I turn to mirth(644) And give them joy from their ... latter were of the breed that had
turned Temple and ... environment, and learn in particular how they had fallen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

Spiritual Idolatry
... it: And the Heathens, after they had once turned to the ... by touching our passions;
our love, desire, joy, pity ... for himself, so they cannot rest till they rest in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 78 spiritual idolatry.htm

A Warning Rejected.
... in the sweetest fellowship, and love and joy reigned supreme ... her confidence and
affection to be turned from Him ... thee, saith the Lord God."(629) But they fell by ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /21 a warning rejected.htm

Joy Born at Bethlehem
... My sighs are turned into songs,. ... Hence, where Jesus comes, even if men do not receive
him as the Saviour, and so miss the fullest joy, yet they get a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm

A Warning Rejected
... in the sweetest fellowship, and love and joy reigned supreme ... her confidence and
affection to be turned from Him ... upon thee, saith the Lord God." But they fell by ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 21 a warning rejected.htm