Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of, Numerous

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Idolatry, as depicted in the Bible, refers to the worship of idols or images as gods, and it is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. The objects of idolatry are numerous and varied, reflecting the diverse cultures and practices of the ancient Near East. These objects often include crafted images, natural elements, and celestial bodies, each representing a departure from the worship of the one true God.

Crafted Images and Statues

One of the most common forms of idolatry involves the creation and worship of crafted images and statues. These idols were often made of wood, stone, or metal and were believed to embody the presence of a deity. In Exodus 32:4, the Israelites famously fashioned a golden calf, proclaiming, "These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" . This incident highlights the temptation to create tangible representations of divine power, a practice strictly forbidden by the commandments given to Moses (Exodus 20:4-5).

Natural Elements

Idolatry also extended to the worship of natural elements such as trees, rivers, and mountains. These elements were often associated with fertility and life, leading people to venerate them as divine. In Deuteronomy 12:2-3, the Israelites are commanded to "destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—on the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree" . This directive underscores the prevalence of nature worship among the surrounding nations and the need for Israel to remain distinct in their worship of Yahweh.

Celestial Bodies

The worship of celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars, was another prevalent form of idolatry. These heavenly bodies were often deified and revered as powerful entities. In 2 Kings 23:5, King Josiah is noted for his reforms, which included the removal of "the idolatrous priests appointed by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and on the places around Jerusalem—those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven" . This passage illustrates the widespread nature of astral worship and the efforts to eradicate it from Israelite practice.

Household Gods and Amulets

Household gods, or teraphim, were small idols kept in homes for protection and blessing. These objects were often used in divination and were considered a source of personal or familial power. In Genesis 31:19, Rachel steals her father Laban's household gods, indicating their perceived value and importance. Similarly, amulets and charms were used as talismans to ward off evil and bring good fortune, further demonstrating the human inclination to seek security in physical objects rather than in God.

Cultural and Foreign Influences

The influence of surrounding cultures often led the Israelites into idolatry, as they adopted the gods and practices of their neighbors. This syncretism is evident in the worship of Baal, Asherah, and other Canaanite deities, which frequently drew the Israelites away from their covenant with God. Judges 2:11-13 recounts, "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. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them" . This pattern of assimilation and idolatry is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, highlighting the constant struggle to maintain faithfulness to God amidst external pressures.

Conclusion

The numerous objects of idolatry in the Bible serve as a testament to the human propensity to seek tangible representations of the divine. Despite the clear prohibitions against idol worship, the allure of these objects persisted throughout Israel's history, challenging the people to remain steadfast in their devotion to the one true God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 8:5
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Statement in vindication of the Doctrine of the Apostles as ...
... of the Apostles as Opposed to Idolatry, in the ... has prevailed over persecutors at
once so numerous, so violent ... of the prophets that all these objects which those ...
/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxxii a statement in vindication.htm

Paul in Athens.
... He gave them this character, because he had observed that their city was "wholly
given to idolatry." The objects of worship were more numerous in Athens, than ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xx paul in athens.htm

On Riches
... Indeed, all rich men have not a taste for grand objects; but they have for ... Now, how
numerous are the temptations to this kind of idolatry, which naturally ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 108 on riches.htm

The Uproar in Ephesus.
... the Ephesians placed in their houses as objects of private ... While the votaries of
idolatry and superstition have ... There still remained a numerous class of persons ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiii the uproar in.htm

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... author and the end: and from the numerous doctrines of ... tribunal in the heart: and,
while idolatry presents its ... those very truths which are the objects of our ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/saurin paul before felix.htm

Preface
... has long been one of my own objects to correct ... published; and then the details of
Hindu idolatry and cruelty ... the missions are so far more numerous and extended ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wilson-carmichael/things as they are/preface.htm

The Dignity of Woman.
... in His place, by a sort of idolatry, the object ... They are the special objects of God's
complacency ... several children, who in turn will found numerous families to ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter iv the dignity of.htm

Select Works and Letters or Athanasius
... Section 9. The various developments of idolatry: worship of the heavenly bodies,
the elements, natural objects, fabulous creatures ... The numerous oracles. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/

Against the Modern Free-Thinkers.
... by the contemplation or more numerous and distant ... pursuits, by more sublime and remote
objects. ... by exerting themselves against the idolatry and superstition of ...
/.../sect ix against the modern.htm

In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ...
... Rabbinic legislation kept certain definite objects in view ... very contact, was polluted
by idolatry; and there was ... the quotations would be too numerous, they will ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in palestine -.htm