Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of Described as Molten Images

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In the biblical context, idolatry is the worship of idols or images as gods, which is strictly forbidden in the Scriptures. One specific form of idolatry mentioned in the Bible is the creation and worship of "molten images." These are idols crafted from metal, often through a process of melting and casting, and are frequently condemned throughout the biblical narrative.

The term "molten images" is used to describe these objects of idolatry, emphasizing their man-made nature and the futility of worshiping something crafted by human hands. The Bible repeatedly warns against the creation and veneration of such images, highlighting the spiritual adultery and rebellion against God that they represent.

Exodus 32:4 : "He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf, which they said, 'These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!'"

This passage recounts the infamous incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites, under Aaron's leadership, created a molten image while Moses was on Mount Sinai. This act of idolatry provoked God's anger, as it represented a direct violation of the first two commandments given to Moses, which prohibited the worship of other gods and the making of graven images (Exodus 20:3-4).

Leviticus 19:4 : "Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods. I am the LORD your God."

Here, the command is clear and unequivocal. The Israelites are instructed not to create or turn to molten images, reinforcing the exclusive worship of Yahweh as their God. This command is part of the Holiness Code, which outlines the ethical and religious conduct expected of God's people.

Deuteronomy 27:15 : "Cursed is the man who makes a carved or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret. And all the people shall say, 'Amen!'"

This verse underscores the severity of the sin of idolatry, pronouncing a curse upon anyone who creates or secretly worships a molten image. It reflects the communal responsibility of the Israelites to uphold the covenant and reject idolatry in all its forms.

Judges 17:3-4 : "When he returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, 'I solemnly consecrate my silver to the LORD for my son to make a carved image and a molten idol. I will give it back to you.' So he returned the silver to his mother, and she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who made them into a carved image and a molten idol. And they were placed in the house of Micah."

This narrative illustrates the pervasive nature of idolatry among the Israelites during the time of the Judges. Despite the clear prohibitions, individuals continued to create and worship molten images, leading to spiritual and moral decline.

Isaiah 44:9-10 : "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 a molten image, which profits him nothing?"

The prophet Isaiah mocks the absurdity of idol-making, pointing out the futility and shame associated with creating and worshiping molten images. This passage highlights the contrast between the living God and lifeless idols, emphasizing the foolishness of idolatry.

Throughout the Bible, molten images serve as a symbol of humanity's tendency to turn away from the true God and seek security in the works of their own hands. The consistent biblical message is one of warning and admonition against such practices, calling God's people to exclusive devotion and worship of Him alone.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 27:15
Cursed be the man that makes any graven or molten image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and puts it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Habakkuk 2:18
What profits the graven image that the maker thereof has graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusts therein, to make dumb idols?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Idolatry
... the gods of foreign nations as objects of worship ... of the two-fold idolatry which
has now been described. ... have been accused of having committed idolatry; for, by ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Original Sin
... Satan behind; we run into an idolatry whereof he ... that neither grand nor beautiful
objects please any ... of the ancient Heathens have largely described the vices ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 44 original sin.htm

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

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... attributes are such as they are described, while, if ... sense, from the beauty of the
objects of contemplation ... by reason of the prevalence of idolatry, and making ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.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
... How can you, then, not worship the living images of God, the children and friends
of ... And as the soul is single, it cannot love two opposite objects"God and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm