Topical Bible: Idolatry: Forbidden

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Idolatry, the worship of idols or the excessive reverence for created things, is consistently condemned throughout the Bible. It is considered a grave sin that leads individuals away from the worship of the one true God. The prohibition against idolatry is a central tenet of biblical teaching, reflecting God's desire for exclusive devotion and the recognition of His sovereignty.

Old Testament Prohibitions

The Old Testament is replete with warnings against idolatry. The first and second commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai explicitly forbid the worship of other gods and the creation of graven images. Exodus 20:3-5 states, "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. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God."

The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. Leviticus 19:4 commands, "Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods. I am the LORD your God." Similarly, Deuteronomy 4:15-19 cautions against corrupting oneself by making an idol in any form, emphasizing that God revealed Himself without form to prevent such practices.

Consequences of Idolatry

The Old Testament narratives illustrate the severe consequences of idolatry. The Israelites' repeated lapses into idol worship led to divine judgment, including exile and destruction. For instance, the worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32) resulted in God's wrath and the death of many Israelites. The persistent idolatry of the Northern Kingdom of Israel ultimately led to its conquest by Assyria (2 Kings 17:7-18).

Prophetic Denunciations

The prophets of Israel were vocal in their denunciation of idolatry. Isaiah ridicules the futility of idol-making, emphasizing the absurdity of worshiping objects crafted by human hands (Isaiah 44:9-20). Jeremiah laments the spiritual adultery of Judah, equating idolatry with unfaithfulness to God (Jeremiah 2:11-13). Ezekiel vividly describes the abominations of idolatry within the temple itself (Ezekiel 8:5-18).

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues the condemnation of idolatry, expanding its definition to include any form of covetousness or misplaced devotion. The Apostle Paul warns the Corinthians to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14) and admonishes the Colossians to put to death whatever belongs to their earthly nature, including idolatry, which he equates with greed (Colossians 3:5).

In Acts 17:16-31, Paul addresses the idolatry of Athens, proclaiming the true God who does not dwell in temples made by human hands. The Apostle John concludes his first epistle with a succinct warning: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21).

Spiritual Implications

Idolatry is not merely the worship of physical idols but extends to anything that takes precedence over God in one's life. It represents a fundamental misalignment of priorities and affections, leading to spiritual adultery. The Bible calls believers to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and to love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).

Conclusion

The biblical prohibition against idolatry underscores the importance of exclusive devotion to God. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of allowing anything to usurp God's rightful place in the hearts of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 20:2,3
I am the LORD your God, which have brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 5:7
You shall have none other gods before me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Other Sins Forbidden.
... Other Sins Forbidden. ... for out of all these adulteries are engendered.4. My child,
be not an observer of omens, since it leadeth the way to idolatry; neither an ...
/.../various/the teaching of the twelve apostles/chapter iii name sins forbidden.htm

You have Therefore the Will of My God. ...
... good. I stoutly maintain that martyrdom is good, as required by the God
by whom likewise idolatry is forbidden and punished. For ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter v you have therefore.htm

The Right Understanding of the Law
... Where idolatry is forbidden, superstition is forbidden, or bringing any
innovation into God's worship, which he has not appointed. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/1 4 the right understanding of.htm

Connection Between Covetousness and Idolatry. Certain Trades ...
... Rather, is not that the principal idolatry? ... Hence I ought to understand that care
must be taken by me, lest what I am forbidden to do be done by my means. ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xi connection between covetousness and.htm

What are the Sins Forbidden in the First Commandment?
... Answer: The sins forbidden in the first commandment are, atheism, in denying or
not having a God; idolatry, in having or worshiping more gods than one, or any ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 105 0 0 what are the.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Communicate with Unbelievers?
... says: "It is so necessary to shun idolatry, that we should not come in ... I answer that,
Communication with a particular person is forbidden to the faithful, in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 2.htm

On the Second Command in the Decalogue
... between idols and resemblances or images has been produced from the dark cave of
horrid idolatry. X. In the same precept in which it is forbidden to fashion or ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lxxv on the second.htm

Whether Since Christ's Passion the Legal Ceremonies Can be ...
... of things strangled, that of violence and rapine; the prohibition of things offered
to idols, that of idolatry; while fornication is forbidden as being evil in ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether since christs passion the.htm

If, Therefore, it is Evident that from the Beginning this Kind of ...
... another god than the God of Israel, on the ground of the commandments relating to
an always forbidden, as well as of the judgments upon a punished, idolatry. ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter iv if therefore it.htm

Whether the First Precept of the Decalogue is Fittingly Expressed?
... Yet in the first precept three acts are forbidden: since we read first ... sin of
superstition." But there are many wicked superstitions besides idolatry, as stated ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the first precept of.htm