Topical Bible: Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Chemosh

◄ Idolatry: Idols Mentioned in Scripture: Chemosh ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Chemosh is a deity associated with the Moabites, an ancient people who lived in the region east of the Dead Sea. The worship of Chemosh is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, highlighting the idolatrous practices that were prevalent among Israel's neighboring nations and occasionally infiltrated the Israelite community.

Biblical References:

1. Introduction to Chemosh:
Chemosh is first introduced in the context of the Moabites, who are described as worshippers of this god. In Numbers 21:29 , the lament over Moab's defeat includes a reference to Chemosh: "Woe to you, O Moab! You are destroyed, O people of Chemosh! He has given up his sons as fugitives and his daughters into captivity to Sihon king of the Amorites."

2. Solomon's Apostasy:
The worship of Chemosh infiltrated Israel during the reign of King Solomon. Despite his wisdom and the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem, Solomon's heart was led astray by his foreign wives, who turned him toward idolatry. In 1 Kings 11:7 , it is recorded: "At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, and for Molech, the abomination of the Ammonites."

3. Josiah's Reforms:
The idolatrous practices introduced by Solomon were later eradicated by King Josiah, who sought to restore the worship of Yahweh in Judah. In 2 Kings 23:13 , Josiah's reforms are described: "The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, on the south of the Mount of Corruption, which Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites."

4. Moabite Stone:
Outside of the biblical text, the Moabite Stone (also known as the Mesha Stele) provides historical evidence of Chemosh's significance to the Moabites. This ancient inscription, dating to the 9th century BC, records the victories of King Mesha of Moab and attributes them to the favor of Chemosh.

Theological Significance:

The worship of Chemosh represents a significant challenge to the monotheistic faith of Israel. The repeated biblical injunctions against idolatry underscore the importance of exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The presence of Chemosh worship within Israel, particularly during Solomon's reign, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of syncretism and the influence of foreign religious practices.

The biblical narrative consistently portrays Chemosh as an "abomination," a term used to describe practices that are detestable and contrary to the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and His people. The eradication of Chemosh worship by Josiah is seen as a return to covenant faithfulness and a rejection of the idolatrous practices that had led Israel astray.

In summary, Chemosh is a prominent example of the idolatrous influences that surrounded ancient Israel and occasionally penetrated its religious life. The biblical account of Chemosh serves as a reminder of the constant struggle to maintain the purity of worship and the exclusive allegiance to the God of Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 21:29
Woe to you, Moab! you are undone, O people of Chemosh: he has given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity to Sihon king of the Amorites.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 11:33
Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in my eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.
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

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 Sixth vision "On Earth"
... 6; xvi.2; xx.7, 8). Doubtless the idols and idolatry ... head, and shown the source and
origin of all idolatry. ... The woman and the Beast are first mentioned in brief ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The prophets, their struggle against Phonician idolatry, the story ... and statue of
Dagon are mentioned in the ... harmony with history and other parts of Scripture. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... that are given them in scripture, demonstrate them ... to commit most gross and horrible
idolatry: For albeit ... copious heavens; for they are mentioned with respect ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm