Topical Bible: Idolatry: Objects of Described as Vanities of the Gentiles

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Idolatry, in the biblical context, refers to the worship of idols or images as gods, and it is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. The objects of idolatry are often described as "vanities" or "worthless" by the biblical authors, particularly in reference to the practices of the Gentiles, or non-Israelite nations. This term underscores the futility and emptiness of worshiping anything other than the one true God.

The prophet Jeremiah speaks directly to this issue, highlighting the contrast between the living God and the lifeless idols of the nations. In Jeremiah 10:3-5 , he writes, "For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good."

This passage vividly illustrates the impotence of idols, crafted by human hands and devoid of any divine power or presence. The description of idols as "scarecrows" emphasizes their inability to act or influence the world, contrasting sharply with the omnipotent and omniscient nature of God.

The prophet Isaiah also addresses the futility of idol worship. In Isaiah 44:9-10 , he declares, "Those who fashion idols are all 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?" Isaiah's rhetorical questions underscore the absurdity of creating and worshiping objects that offer no real benefit or salvation.

The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Paul addressing the idolatry of the Gentiles in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 12:2 , Paul reminds the Corinthian believers, "You know that when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols." Here, Paul acknowledges the former practices of the Gentile converts, emphasizing the contrast between their past idolatry and their new faith in Christ.

Throughout Scripture, the term "vanities" is used to describe the objects of idolatry, highlighting their lack of substance and the deception inherent in idol worship. The biblical authors consistently call the people of God to reject these "vanities" and to worship the Lord alone, who is the source of all truth, power, and salvation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 14:22
Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? are not you he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait on you: for you have made all these things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... The associates of the Jews are described as "lewd ... existed in the earth; to abolish
idolatry, and withdraw ... and to raise them to eternal and invisible objects. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm

CHAPTER III.
... any figurative covering, the effect is described which will ... With regard to the other
two objects mentioned in ... Lord makes them disgusted with idolatry, and all ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chapter iii.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

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Fornication, worse than idolatry, its punishment, [954]234; persons ... 298; folly of
losing it, for vanities, [1009]ib ... 1015]17; impossible to be described, [1016]28 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... begins with an exhortation to the Gentiles to leave ... things ye worship and many other
vanities which it ... his eyes the abominations of Egyptian idolatry, and was ...
//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

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... His definition of the difference between grace and mercy is very striking: 'Mercy
signifies pitifulness to objects in a miserable condition. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... hence all things here are called vanities, nothings, less ... gospellers,[15] that from
among the Gentiles pretended themselves ... is as I have here described, is not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... (1 Peter 5:5, Acts 20:19). (5.) For zeal, where is that also? Zeal for
God against sin, profaneness, superstition, and idolatry. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... another way. He gives some up to idolatry; he gives some up to uncleanness,
to vile affections, and to a reprobate mind. Now these ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm