Topical Bible: Idolatry: Israel

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Topical Encyclopedia

Idolatry in ancient Israel is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, reflecting a persistent struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the allure of foreign gods. The term "idolatry" refers to the worship of idols or images as gods, which was strictly prohibited by the Mosaic Law. The first and second commandments explicitly forbid the making and worshiping of idols: "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" (Exodus 20:3-4).

Historical Context

The Israelites' propensity for idolatry can be traced back to their time in Egypt, where they were exposed to a polytheistic culture. Upon their exodus, God sought to establish a covenant with them, emphasizing His exclusive worship. Despite this, the Israelites frequently turned to idolatry, influenced by neighboring nations and their gods.

The Golden Calf Incident

One of the earliest and most notable instances of idolatry occurred at Mount Sinai. While Moses was receiving the Law from God, the people grew impatient and demanded Aaron make them gods. Aaron fashioned a golden calf, and the people declared, "These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" (Exodus 32:4). This act of idolatry provoked God's wrath, leading to severe consequences for the Israelites.

The Period of the Judges

During the time of the Judges, Israel repeatedly fell into cycles of idolatry, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 2:11-12 states, "And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt." The worship of Baal and Ashtoreth became prevalent, leading to moral and spiritual decline.

The Monarchy and Idolatry

The establishment of the monarchy did not eradicate idolatry. King Solomon, despite his wisdom, succumbed to idolatry under the influence of his foreign wives. 1 Kings 11:4 records, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been." This led to the division of the kingdom and set a precedent for future kings.

The Northern Kingdom of Israel, under Jeroboam, institutionalized idolatry by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). This act was a direct violation of God's commandments and contributed to the eventual downfall of the kingdom.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets of Israel consistently condemned idolatry, warning of divine judgment. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, among others, spoke against the futility and sinfulness of idol worship. Isaiah 44:9-10 declares, "Those who fashion idols are all nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame."

The Exile and Return

The Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, serving as a divine response to persistent idolatry. 2 Kings 17:7-8 explains, "All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt... They had feared other gods and walked in the customs of the nations." The exile purged much of the idolatrous practices, and upon their return, the Israelites showed a renewed commitment to monotheism.

Conclusion

Idolatry in Israel serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of turning away from God. It underscores the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of spiritual infidelity. The biblical narrative of Israel's struggle with idolatry highlights the need for unwavering devotion to God and adherence to His commandments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 32:1
And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron, and said to him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 17:12
For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said to them, You shall not do this thing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Fact that Idolatry Has Been Subverted by the Name of Christ ...
... of the gospels.Book I. Chapter XXVI."Of the Fact that Idolatry Has Been ... 41. Who,
then, has effected the demolition of these systems but the God of Israel? ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxvi of the fact that.htm

Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience
... The history of Israel's idolatry is not the least conclusive proof of the
supernatural revelation which made Israel's religion. II. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/israels obstinacy and gods patience.htm

A Statement in vindication of the Doctrine of the Apostles as ...
... Statement in Vindication of the Doctrine of the Apostles as Opposed to Idolatry,
in the ... denomination of the devil and the demons, the very God of Israel is now ...
/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxxii a statement in vindication.htm

On Idolatry
... For since Jeroboam is frequently accused of having made Israel to sin and of increasing
the crime of idolatry; (1 Kings 12:30; xiv, 16;) and since the children ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Chapter xlvi
... Safeguarded thus against idolatry, Israel was at the same time outside of the reach
of Canaanite immorality and its contaminations, a very real danger as ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Thyatira
... to Thyatira we have the reference to another and more intensified form of idolatry
as developed and established in the days of Ahab, king of Israel; another who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/thyatira.htm

Pergamos
... Balaam" (Numbers 31:16, etc.) Israel was entrapped and led into the worst form of
Midianitish idolatry, when "Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor" (Numbers 25 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/pergamos.htm

A Kingdom's Epitaph
... that verses 7-23 are 'an interpolation by the Deuteronomic writer,' apparently for
no reason but because they trace Israel's fall to its cause in idolatry. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a kingdoms epitaph.htm

Of Jeroboam, who Profaned the People Put under Him by the Impiety ...
... But Jeroboam king of Israel, with perverse mind, not believing in God, whom he had ...
and return to David's line as the seed royal; and set up idolatry in his ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of jeroboam who profaned.htm

The Designation of the one God in the Prophetic Scriptures ...
... He says, then, that there is no God besides Himself in respect of the idolatry both
of the Gentiles as well as of Israel; nay, even on account of our heretics ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xviii the designation of the.htm