Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of, Worshipped: On the Tops of Houses

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the practice of idolatry often extended to various locations, including the tops of houses. This practice is mentioned in the Bible as a part of the broader condemnation of idolatrous worship, which was prevalent among the Israelites and their neighboring cultures. The flat roofs of houses in ancient Israel provided a convenient and private space for various activities, including the worship of idols.

Biblical References:

One of the key references to this practice is found in the book of Zephaniah. The prophet Zephaniah, speaking the word of the LORD, condemns the idolatrous practices of the people of Judah, specifically mentioning the worship that takes place on the rooftops:

· Zephaniah 1:5 : "Those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom."

This verse highlights the syncretistic nature of the worship practices, where individuals would attempt to honor both the LORD and foreign deities, such as Milcom, a god of the Ammonites. The act of worshipping "the host of heaven" refers to the adoration of celestial bodies, a common form of idolatry in the ancient world.

Cultural and Religious Context:

The worship on rooftops can be understood within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern religious practices. The flat roofs of houses were easily accessible and often used for various domestic and religious purposes. In a time when temples and formal places of worship were not always accessible, the rooftop provided a private space for individuals to engage in personal or family worship.

The worship of celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, was widespread among Israel's neighbors, and this influence often seeped into Israelite practices despite the clear prohibitions in the Mosaic Law. The Law explicitly forbade the worship of any gods other than Yahweh, as seen in the Ten Commandments and other legal texts (Exodus 20:3-5, Deuteronomy 4:19).

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the worship of idols on the rooftops represents a direct violation of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The LORD demanded exclusive worship and allegiance, and the presence of idolatry signified a breach of this covenant. The prophets, including Zephaniah, were sent to call the people back to faithfulness and to warn of the impending judgment due to their idolatrous practices.

The practice of rooftop worship also illustrates the pervasive nature of idolatry, infiltrating even the private spaces of individuals and families. It serves as a reminder of the constant struggle against idolatry that the Israelites faced, a struggle that required vigilance and a steadfast commitment to the worship of the one true God.

Conclusion:

The biblical condemnation of worship on the rooftops underscores the seriousness with which God views idolatry. It serves as a historical and spiritual lesson on the dangers of syncretism and the importance of maintaining purity in worship. The call to exclusive devotion to the LORD remains a central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the need for faithfulness in every aspect of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 23:12
And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, did the king beat down, and broke them down from there, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zephaniah 1:5
And them that worship the host of heaven on the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Preface to the Commandments
... we are led much by visible objects, and love to ... It worshipped God after a false manner;
and it is ... of Israel, who, notwithstanding all the idolatry and tyranny ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... have known him to take away the objects of their ... one God; not polytheists whose creed
might excuse their idolatry. ... it is that they have not worshipped his gods ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... I.--- The prophets, their struggle against Phonician idolatry, the story ... in a list
of strange gods worshipped at Memphis ... of the sea-coast," as objects of God's ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... phenomena which were the chief objects of worship ... considers that the earliest
Achaemenids worshipped Ahura-mazda alone ... however, were erected on the tops of hills ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Spirit, enabled him to throw a new and beautiful light upon objects which are ... or
together, as such, is to commit most gross and horrible idolatry: For albeit ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm