Topical Encyclopedia The term "Star-god" refers to deities associated with celestial bodies, particularly stars, which were worshiped by various ancient cultures. In the context of the Bible, the worship of such deities is consistently condemned as idolatry, a practice that leads the people of God away from true worship.Biblical References: 1. Amos 5:26 · The prophet Amos, speaking to the Israelites, highlights their idolatrous practices: "You have lifted up the shrine of your king and the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god, which you made for yourselves." . This verse indicates that the Israelites had adopted the worship of astral deities, which was prevalent among neighboring pagan cultures. The "star of your god" is often interpreted as a reference to a specific astral deity or a representation of celestial worship in general. 2. 2 Kings 17:16 · This passage describes the apostasy of the Northern Kingdom of Israel: "They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves, and an Asherah pole. They worshiped all the host of heaven and served Baal." . The phrase "host of heaven" is understood to include stars and other celestial bodies, indicating that the Israelites engaged in the worship of these entities, contrary to God's commandments. 3. Deuteronomy 4:19 · Moses warns the Israelites against idolatry: "And when you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven." . This warning underscores the temptation to worship celestial bodies, which were created by God and not to be revered as deities. Historical and Cultural Context: The worship of celestial bodies, including stars, was common in the ancient Near East. Cultures such as the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Canaanites had elaborate systems of astrology and star worship. These practices often involved attributing divine characteristics to stars and planets, believing them to influence earthly events and human destinies. In the biblical narrative, the Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting these pagan practices. The worship of the "host of heaven" is seen as a direct violation of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive worship of Yahweh, the one true God. The prophets frequently rebuked the people for turning to these false gods, emphasizing the futility and danger of such idolatry. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the worship of star-gods represents a fundamental misunderstanding of the created order. The Bible teaches that the stars and other celestial bodies are part of God's creation, serving specific purposes such as marking times and seasons (Genesis 1:14). They are not to be worshiped or revered as deities, as this detracts from the glory and sovereignty of the Creator. The condemnation of star-god worship in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining pure and undivided devotion to God. It highlights the dangers of syncretism, where the worship of the true God is mixed with pagan practices, leading to spiritual corruption and judgment. Conclusion: The biblical stance against the worship of star-gods is clear and unequivocal. It serves as a call to faithfulness and a reminder of the unique and unparalleled nature of the God of Israel, who alone is worthy of worship and adoration. Greek 798. astron -- a star ... 798 -- a single star, or a of stars viewed as one entity. [798 () is used for the image of Saturn, the ancient, pagan star-god referred to in Ac 7:43.]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/798.htm - 7k Library Christian Consolation in Loneliness The Apology of Aristides the Philosopher. Translated from the ... Thesaurus Star-god (1 Occurrence)Star-god. Star-gazers, Star-god. Staring . Multi-Version Concordance Star-god (1 Occurrence). Amos 5:26 And ye bare ... /s/star-god.htm - 6k Remphan (1 Occurrence) Staring (1 Occurrence) Star-gazers (1 Occurrence) Resources The Shack by William P. Young - a review | GotQuestions.orgHow can I have a closer relationship with God? | GotQuestions.org Is there anything God cannot do? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Star-god (1 Occurrence)Amos 5:26 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |