Topical Bible: Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Baal

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Topical Encyclopedia

Baal, a prominent idol mentioned throughout the Old Testament, represents one of the most significant challenges to the worship of Yahweh among the Israelites. The name "Baal" means "lord" or "master" and was used to refer to various local deities in the ancient Near East, particularly among the Canaanites. Baal worship was characterized by rituals that often included sacrifices, feasting, and sometimes immoral practices, which were in direct opposition to the commandments given by God to the Israelites.

Historical Context and Worship Practices

Baal was considered a fertility god, associated with rain, storms, and agricultural productivity. This made Baal an attractive deity for agrarian societies dependent on the cycles of nature. The worship of Baal often involved elaborate ceremonies, including the building of altars and high places, as well as the use of sacred pillars and Asherah poles. These practices were strictly forbidden by Yahweh, who commanded the Israelites to worship Him alone and to destroy all forms of idolatry.

Biblical References

The worship of Baal is first mentioned in the context of the Israelites' interactions with the Moabites and Midianites. In Numbers 25:3 , it is recorded, "So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the LORD’s anger burned against them." This incident led to a severe plague as a divine judgment against the Israelites for their unfaithfulness.

One of the most notable confrontations with Baal worship occurred during the reign of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who actively promoted Baal worship in Israel. In 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Elijah's prayer to the LORD results in fire from heaven consuming his sacrifice, demonstrating the power of Yahweh over Baal. 1 Kings 18:21 states, "Elijah approached all the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people did not answer a word."

The persistence of Baal worship is further evidenced during the reign of Jehu, who eradicated Baal worship from Israel, as recorded in 2 Kings 10:28 : "Thus Jehu eradicated Baal from Israel." Despite Jehu's efforts, the allure of Baal worship continued to resurface throughout Israel's history, often leading to periods of spiritual decline and divine judgment.

Theological Implications

The worship of Baal represents a recurring theme of idolatry and spiritual adultery in the Old Testament. It serves as a stark reminder of the Israelites' struggle to remain faithful to the covenant with Yahweh amidst the surrounding pagan cultures. The prophets frequently condemned Baal worship, emphasizing the exclusive worship of Yahweh as the one true God. Jeremiah 2:23 captures this sentiment: "How can you say, 'I am not defiled; I have not run after the Baals'? See how you behaved in the valley; consider what you have done."

Baal worship is emblematic of the broader biblical theme of idolatry, which is consistently portrayed as a violation of the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). The struggle against Baal and other idols underscores the call for God's people to maintain purity in worship and allegiance to Him alone.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 2:11-13
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 6:25
And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said to him, Take your father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the grove that is by it:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Idolatry
... been accused of having committed idolatry; for, by ... impious and unlawful adoration
of idols, by the ... who resembles the "adulterous woman" mentioned in Proverbs 30 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
... hvbiw] never occurs in the first-mentioned signification ... Pg 241] the zeal in idolatry;
compare Jeremiah ... They discover the nothingness of their idols, and return ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.htm

The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints
... Or, if any of them be mentioned, are they not a by-word ... Hath not that idolatry passed
away ... yesterday, to-day, and for ever." One generation of idols hath passed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the desolations of the lord.htm

The Prophet Hosea.
... It is expressly mentioned in 2 Kings 15:20, that ... worship was very speedily followed
by idolatry,"which is ... light and darkness, the worship of idols with that ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet hosea.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... The grossest vice here prohibited is external idolatry. ... and, therefore, that the
moment idols appear, true ... a promise which is frequently mentioned in Scripture ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... and never bow his knee before the abhorred idols of the ... You and I do not want to
be mentioned if we are ... but he felt that without yielding to idolatry he could ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts
... someone may say, "Corn and wine are here mentioned first of ... surely come to the very
abyss of absurdity and idolatry. ... Oh, that you would cast away your idols! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the unknown giver and the.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... which he has committed, shall not be mentioned to him ... while punished him that was
addicted to idols, and had ... There is no sin more grievous than idolatry, for it ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... in that it hath been often mentioned, especially by ... from which so much error,
superstition, idolatry, and all ... that the temple of God hath agreement with idols? ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

The Bible
... world) and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.". ... harlot signifying fornication,
and fornication, idolatry"image worship ... of God is not once mentioned; but it ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm