Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of Described as Dumb Stones

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, idolatry refers to the worship of idols or images as gods, which is strictly prohibited in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The Bible frequently describes idols as lifeless and powerless objects, often using the term "dumb stones" to emphasize their inability to speak, hear, or act. This description serves to highlight the futility and absurdity of worshiping inanimate objects instead of the living God.

The prophet Habakkuk provides a vivid depiction of idols as "dumb stones" in his denunciation of idolatry. In Habakkuk 2:19 , the prophet declares, "Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it teach? Look, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all." Here, Habakkuk underscores the irrationality of attributing life or divine power to objects that are inherently lifeless and incapable of imparting wisdom or guidance.

The portrayal of idols as "dumb stones" is not limited to the Old Testament. Throughout Scripture, there is a consistent theme that contrasts the impotence of idols with the omnipotence of the one true God. In Psalm 115:4-7 , the psalmist writes, "Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot utter a sound with their throats." This passage further illustrates the concept of idols as "dumb stones," emphasizing their inability to interact with the world or respond to the needs of their worshipers.

The biblical narrative consistently warns against the folly of idolatry, urging believers to recognize the sovereignty and supremacy of God over all creation. In Isaiah 44:9-20, the prophet Isaiah delivers a powerful critique of idol makers and their creations, pointing out the absurdity of crafting gods from the same materials used for mundane purposes. Isaiah 44:19 states, "No one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, 'I burned half of it in the fire; I even baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?'"

The depiction of idols as "dumb stones" serves as a stark reminder of the emptiness and deception inherent in idolatry. It calls believers to reject the worship of false gods and to place their trust in the living God, who alone possesses the power to save and sustain. The biblical admonition against idolatry is a call to fidelity and devotion to God, who is described as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, in contrast to the lifeless and impotent idols crafted by human hands.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Habakkuk 2:19
Woe to him that said to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the middle of it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ...
... how aid is implored from dead and senseless objects, by beings ... pretexts in defence
of the execrable idolatry in which ... in the very way which has been described. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 impiety of attributing.htm

The So-Called Letter to Diognetus
... The Stupidity of Idolatry. ... latter think that they are offering something to objects
which in ... In the rite of baptism described in Hippolytus' Apostolic Tradition ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the so-called letter to diognetus.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... to emerge from the waters, and became the originator of idolatry. ... day be slain by
a shower of stones cast upon ... I understand the dumb, and hear the silent speak ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

A Discourse
... The tower of Lebanon is described as looking towards ... debauchery, inhumanity, profaneness,
superstition, and idolatry,' will be ... the eye out at, to objects at a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Concerning Worship.
... For this kind of idolatry, whereby man loveth, idolizeth, and ... waiting upon him, not
to present such objects as give ... or his books, and he must be dumb: for they ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... But, if our adversary objects that this saying relates to ... and the consecration of
twelve stones at the ... thy table." Therefore his grave is described as placed ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Among the many striking objects to which Bunyan directs our ... nigh to their blind,
deaf, and dumb deities, might ... people of God from committing of idolatry; to wit ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... I described it as the opinion of another: moreover, I used the expression they ... idol
temple?" Here of course he brings himself in guilty of idolatry; for if ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

part ii
... We love everything brilliant on earth: gold, silver, precious stones, crystal, bright
clothing ... the soul is single, it cannot love two opposite objects"God and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

part i
... on the contrary, no such sonlike voice to be heard in our hearts, which are deadened
by the vanities of this world and attachments to its objects and pleasures ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm