Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Sacrilege, in a biblical context, refers to the violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred. It involves treating holy things with irreverence or disrespect. The act of committing sacrilege is a serious offense in the biblical narrative, as it directly challenges the sanctity of what God has set apart as holy. Biblical Instances: 1. Desecration of the Temple: One of the most notable instances of sacrilege in the Bible is the desecration of the Temple. In the Old Testament, the Temple in Jerusalem was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence. In 2 Kings 21:4-7, King Manasseh committed sacrilege by setting up altars to pagan gods within the Temple, an act that provoked God's anger: "He built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, 'In Jerusalem I will put My name.'" 2. Belshazzar's Feast: In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar of Babylon committed sacrilege by using the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem Temple for a profane feast. This act of irreverence led to the famous writing on the wall, signaling the end of his reign: "They drank the wine and praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone" (Daniel 5:4). 3. Jesus Cleansing the Temple: In the New Testament, Jesus' cleansing of the Temple is a response to sacrilege. The money changers and merchants had turned the Temple courts into a marketplace, desecrating the sacred space. Jesus drove them out, declaring, "It is written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers'" (Matthew 21:13). Theological Implications: Sacrilege is not merely a breach of religious protocol; it is an affront to God's holiness. The Bible consistently portrays God as holy and deserving of reverence. The sacred objects, places, and practices associated with worship are to be treated with the utmost respect. Sacrilege, therefore, is a direct challenge to God's authority and sanctity. Moral and Ethical Considerations: From a moral and ethical standpoint, sacrilege underscores the importance of reverence in worship. It serves as a warning against complacency and irreverence in religious practices. The biblical narrative calls believers to approach God with humility and respect, recognizing the sacredness of what He has ordained. Contemporary Relevance: In contemporary Christian practice, sacrilege can manifest in various forms, such as the misuse of religious symbols, irreverent attitudes in worship, or the commercialization of sacred practices. The call to holiness and reverence remains relevant, urging believers to honor God in all aspects of life and worship. Conclusion: The biblical treatment of sacrilege highlights the seriousness with which God views the sanctity of His name, His dwelling, and His worship. It serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the reverence due to God and His sacred ordinances. Greek 2416. hierosuleo -- to rob a temple ... to rob a temple. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hierosuleo Phonetic Spelling: (hee-er-os-ool-eh'-o) Short Definition: I commit sacrilege Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2416.htm - 6k Library Whether Sacrilege Can be a Species of Lust? You Chose a Bad Introducer. If You Will Take My Counsel, Both You ... On the Sacraments in General Keeping the Law; the Jews' Glorying; the Fear of Punishment; the ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 52, "Therefore Every ... Temptations and Trials. On the Different Kinds of Voluntary Actions, and the Sins Thence ... Chambers of Imagery The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It. Of the Crimes of the Wicked, and the Torture Inflicted on the ... Resources Topical: Definitions ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgTopical Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.org What is sacrilege? What does it mean to be sacrilegious? | GotQuestions.org Sacrilege: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |