Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of, Carried in Procession

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Idolatry, as depicted in the Bible, often involves the worship of physical objects or images that are carried in procession. This practice is a significant aspect of pagan worship and is consistently condemned in Scripture. The carrying of idols in procession highlights the futility and powerlessness of these objects, contrasting sharply with the omnipotence of the God of Israel.

In Isaiah 46:1-2 , the prophet Isaiah vividly describes the burden of idols carried by their worshipers: "Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary. They stoop and bow down together; unable to rescue the burden, but they themselves go into captivity." Here, the idols of Babylon, Bel and Nebo, are depicted as powerless objects that must be carried by animals, emphasizing their inability to save or deliver.

Jeremiah also addresses the futility of idolatry in Jeremiah 10:5 : "Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good." This passage underscores the lifelessness of idols, which require human effort to be moved and are incapable of action.

The carrying of idols in procession is not only a physical act but also a symbolic one, representing the spiritual burden and deception of idolatry. In the ancient Near Eastern context, processions were often part of religious festivals and rituals, intended to display the glory and power of the deities represented by the idols. However, the Bible consistently portrays these processions as empty and vain, highlighting the contrast between the living God and lifeless idols.

In Acts 19:24-28 , the account of the silversmith Demetrius in Ephesus provides insight into the economic and social aspects of idolatry. Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, stirred up a riot against Paul, fearing that the apostle's message would undermine the worship of Artemis and, consequently, their trade. The passage illustrates how idolatry was deeply intertwined with commerce and cultural identity, with processions serving as public affirmations of devotion to these false gods.

The biblical condemnation of idolatry, particularly the carrying of idols in procession, serves as a powerful reminder of the emptiness of worshiping anything other than the one true God. The prophets and apostles consistently call God's people to reject idolatry and to worship Him alone, who is not carried by human hands but who upholds all things by His power.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 46:7
They bear him on the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he stands; from his place shall he not remove: yes, one shall cry to him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
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Amos 5:26
But you have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which you made to yourselves.
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Acts 7:43
Yes, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which you made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
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Library

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... the place where the sacrifices were carried on continually ... rotten rags, called relics,
are the objects of adoration ... and in one shape or another idolatry is the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

Let us Pass on Now to Theatrical Exhibitions, which we have ...
... the first, among other evils of idolatry, the pollutions ... binding him to their own
service, carried out their ... provision and preparation for the objects they had ...
/.../tertullian/the shows or de spectaculis/chapter x let us pass.htm

Christianity Misunderstood by Believers.
... grace, and even proximity to these objects, touching them ... a hideous idol which is
carried sacrilegiously about ... an external observance of the rites of idolatry. ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter iii christianity misunderstood by.htm

The Consensus and Dissensus of Creeds.
... III. Objects of Worship ... All other worship is gross or refined idolatry. ... of the
Incarnation.' But in practice the worship of the blessed Virgin is carried as far ...
/.../ 115 the consensus and.htm

A Royal Seeker after Wisdom
... and much wealth; but it brought, too, luxury and idolatry. ... thy God.' But we may believe
that she carried away some ... which men can make for lower objects are the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a royal seeker after wisdom.htm

Oration on the Holy Lights.
... the Sacrament) lighted torches or candles were carried by the ... even divine, taking
refuge in the objects of his ... covetousness, which is a second idolatry; but he ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxix oration on the.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... a stanch Christian and anxious to abolish idolatry, left the ... and other curios and
interesting objects, many of ... carried it in a procession from the Lateran to S ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

The Empress Eudoxia from the Story of Christian Womanhood in Old ...
... husband, were still practised, though without idolatry, by the ... And he who carried
the child seeing this, and ... severely was their being made objects of censure ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ix the empress eudoxia from.htm

The Royal Marriage Feast.
... or writing, or act, he prosecutes his objects by a ... have been previously wedded to
the idolatry of covetousness ... they exhibited in the market or carried to their ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xii the royal marriage feast.htm

In Judaea
... and much more, were not only objects of hope ... that the innermost secret of that
kingdom"carried not in ... broken, except those in regard to idolatry, incest, and ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm