Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of, Worshipped by Cutting the Flesh

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Idolatry, the worship of idols or false gods, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a grievous sin against the one true God. Among the various practices associated with idolatry, the act of cutting the flesh as a form of worship is particularly noted in the Scriptures. This practice is seen as a physical manifestation of devotion to pagan deities, often involving self-mutilation as a means to invoke the attention or favor of these gods.

The most prominent biblical account of this practice is found in the confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. In 1 Kings 18:28 , it is recorded: "So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them." This dramatic scene illustrates the desperation and fervor of the Baal worshipers, who believed that such extreme acts would compel their god to respond with fire. The futility of their actions is underscored by the silence of Baal, contrasting sharply with the power of the God of Israel, who answers Elijah's prayer with fire from heaven.

The practice of cutting the flesh in idol worship is further condemned in the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 19:28 explicitly instructs the Israelites: "You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD." This command underscores the distinctiveness of Israel's worship and identity, setting them apart from the surrounding nations whose religious practices included self-harm as a form of devotion.

The prophets of Israel frequently denounced such idolatrous practices, emphasizing the spiritual adultery inherent in turning away from the covenant with Yahweh to follow other gods. Jeremiah 16:6 speaks to the futility and sorrow associated with these practices: "Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them."

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of idolatry in his letters, warning believers against the dangers of returning to pagan practices. While the specific act of cutting the flesh is not mentioned, the broader admonition against idolatry is clear. In 1 Corinthians 10:14 , Paul exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."

The practice of cutting the flesh as an act of worship is emblematic of the broader theme of idolatry in the Bible, representing a departure from the worship of the true God and a reliance on human effort and superstition. It serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual blindness and bondage that accompany the worship of false gods, contrasting with the freedom and truth found in the worship of Yahweh.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 18:28
And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out on them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... the rites of the Egyptians who worshipped the ram. ... blood denotes the uncleanness
of idolatry, on account ... was contracted even by inanimate objects; for whatever ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Oration on the Holy Lights.
... but even divine, taking refuge in the objects of his ... ran, and with the Magi we
worshipped, and with ... punished covetousness, which is a second idolatry; but he ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxix oration on the.htm

On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ.
... go forth beyond Itself to multiply the objects of Its ... that first and last of all
evils, idolatry and the ... Great God, Who in Trinity is worshipped and glorified ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxviii on the theophany.htm

Storming the Battlements
... wicked nation, who were yet the objects of his ... pious church of God, whose members
worshipped and bowed ... man has proceeded to a foolish fondness and idolatry. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/storming the battlements.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... Because we are led much by visible objects, and love ... By Egypt is meant a place of
idolatry and superstition ... faces (an expression of humility) and worshipped God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... There are two objects of spiritual mourning, sin and misery. ... They mourned for their
idolatry. ... church, but is now dug out of the grave, and by some worshipped! ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Christian Behavior
... 3. For the matter with which they worshipped. ... brought the lame, the torn, and the
sick; they would sanctify themselves in gardens, with swine's flesh and mice ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... old churches, adored the Host, worshipped the Virgin ... establishing dynasties, falling
down before objects of worship ... of the grossness of idolatry; they effected ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... him no gods must be either worshipped or imagined ... The grossest vice here prohibited
is external idolatry. ... The Lord, therefore, after cutting off the principal ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... devils took their place on earth as the objects of worship ... neither good nor bad,
pruning one and cutting off the ... was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm