Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of Described as Images of Abomination

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Idolatry, in the biblical context, refers to the worship of idols or images as gods, which is strictly forbidden in the Scriptures. The Bible frequently describes these objects of idolatry as "images of abomination," highlighting their detestable nature in the sight of the Lord. This entry explores the biblical references and descriptions of such objects, emphasizing their spiritual and moral implications.

Biblical Prohibition and Description

The Ten Commandments explicitly prohibit the making and worshiping of idols. In Exodus 20:4-5 , God commands, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them." This command underscores the severity of idolatry as a violation of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Throughout the Old Testament, idols are often referred to as "abominations." In Deuteronomy 7:25-26 , the Israelites are instructed, "You must burn up the images of their gods. Do not covet the silver or gold that is on them, or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the LORD your God. You must not bring any abomination into your house, or you will be set apart for destruction like it. You are to utterly detest and abhor it, because it is set apart for destruction."

Examples of Idolatrous Objects

1. Golden Calf: One of the most infamous examples of idolatry in the Bible is the golden calf made by the Israelites at Mount Sinai. In Exodus 32:4 , it is described how Aaron fashioned the calf from gold, and the people declared, "These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" This act of idolatry provoked God's wrath and led to severe consequences for the Israelites.

2. Asherah Poles and Baal: The worship of Canaanite deities such as Baal and Asherah involved the use of idols and sacred poles. Judges 3:7 states, "And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs." These objects were considered abominations and were repeatedly condemned by the prophets.

3. Household Gods (Teraphim): In Genesis 31:19 , Rachel steals her father Laban's household gods, or teraphim, which were small idols used for divination and household worship. These objects were seen as contrary to the worship of the one true God.

4. Idols of the Nations: The prophets often spoke against the idols of surrounding nations. In Isaiah 44:9-10 , the futility of idol-making is mocked: "Those who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?"

Spiritual and Moral Implications

Idolatry is not merely the physical act of bowing to an image; it represents a deeper spiritual adultery and rebellion against God. The prophets frequently equated idolatry with unfaithfulness, as seen in Jeremiah 2:11-13 : "Has a nation ever changed its gods, though they are no gods at all? Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols. Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror, declares the LORD. For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water."

The New Testament continues this theme, warning believers to flee from idolatry. In 1 Corinthians 10:14 , Paul exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." The apostle John also cautions in 1 John 5:21 , "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

Idolatry, as described in the Bible, is a profound offense against God, characterized by the worship of created things rather than the Creator. The "images of abomination" serve as a stark reminder of the spiritual dangers and moral corruption associated with turning away from the true worship of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 7:20
As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... of a people who should be objects of this ... he shall be my son."[553] Jacob, described
as the ... me."[554] Israel, by falling into idolatry, manifestly disregarding ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

The Case of all the Protestant or Reformed Churches, With
... it is necessary, that certain external things, which are objects of the ... 2:3-8.) The
reformed say, that the personage thus described is the ... (2.) Idolatry of The ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 22 the case of.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... of the prince's of Judah, and allowed free scope to idolatry. ... The object of joy is
here described, first, figuratively ... Amos 7:4, 5, where, as objects of hostile ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
... increases [Pg 241] the zeal in idolatry; compare Jeremiah ... and return are in a touching
manner described by our ... that Hosea enumerates the three objects, just in ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... in themselves, has been partly described and will ... Table, expunge the commandment
concerning images from the ... grossest vice here prohibited is external idolatry. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Concerning Worship.
... For this kind of idolatry, whereby man loveth, idolizeth, and ... upon him, not to present
such objects as give ... mind, as they call it, from all images and thoughts ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... all upon the word,"the characters are described who are ... holiness in us, are the
delightful objects of this ... It is possible to commit idolatry even with God's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... they made them idols.' The sin of idolatry threw their ... your minds and affections
upon other objects, and let ... see the fruits of repentance as described by the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

part ii
... envy of the same demon; the abomination of fornication ... can you, then, not worship
the living images of God ... 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