Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionTeraphim, often translated as "household gods" or "idols," are small figurines or images that were used in ancient Near Eastern cultures for domestic worship and divination. Within the biblical narrative, teraphim are frequently associated with idolatry and are condemned as contrary to the worship of Yahweh, the one true God of Israel. The account of Jacob's disposal of teraphim is a significant moment in the patriarchal narratives, illustrating a decisive rejection of idolatry in favor of exclusive devotion to God. Biblical Context The account of Jacob and the teraphim is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in the context of Jacob's departure from the household of his father-in-law, Laban. As Jacob prepares to return to the land of Canaan, an incident involving teraphim occurs, highlighting the tension between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatrous practices of surrounding cultures. Genesis 31:19-35 In Genesis 31, Rachel, Jacob's wife, secretly takes her father Laban's teraphim as Jacob and his family flee from Laban's household. "Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols" (Genesis 31:19). Laban pursues Jacob and accuses him of theft, leading to a confrontation. Jacob, unaware of Rachel's actions, declares, "If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live" (Genesis 31:32). Rachel, however, conceals the teraphim by sitting on them and deceives her father by claiming she cannot rise due to her menstrual period (Genesis 31:34-35). Condemnation and Disposal The narrative of the teraphim reaches a critical point in Genesis 35, when God commands Jacob to purify his household as they prepare to go to Bethel. "So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, 'Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments'" (Genesis 35:2). In response, Jacob's family surrenders all foreign gods and earrings, which Jacob buries under the oak near Shechem (Genesis 35:4). This act symbolizes a renunciation of idolatry and a commitment to worshiping Yahweh alone. Theological Significance The disposal of the teraphim by Jacob is emblematic of the broader biblical theme of rejecting idolatry and affirming the exclusive worship of God. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly warned against the dangers of idolatry, which is seen as a violation of the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). Jacob's actions serve as a model for the faithful, demonstrating the necessity of purging idolatrous influences to maintain a covenant relationship with God. Cultural and Historical Insights Teraphim were common in the ancient Near East and were often associated with household protection, fertility, and divination. Their presence in the biblical narrative underscores the pervasive influence of surrounding pagan cultures on the patriarchal family. The biblical condemnation of teraphim reflects a polemic against syncretism and the blending of Yahwistic worship with pagan practices. Conclusion The account of Jacob's disposal of the teraphim is a pivotal moment in the Genesis narrative, illustrating the patriarch's commitment to the worship of Yahweh and the rejection of idolatry. This episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against idolatrous influences and the call to exclusive devotion to God, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 35:2-4Then Jacob said to his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: Nave's Topical Index Genesis 31:35-39 Library How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ... The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources What are teraphim? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did people keep family idols in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.org Teraphim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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