Topical Bible: Idolatry: Punishment of Banishment

◄ Idolatry: Punishment of Banishment ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Idolatry, the worship of idols or false gods, is a recurring theme in the Bible, consistently condemned as a grievous sin against the one true God. The punishment for idolatry often included severe consequences, one of which was banishment. This punishment served both as a direct consequence for the sin and as a means to preserve the purity of the community of God's people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly warned against idolatry. The First Commandment explicitly states, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). Despite these clear instructions, the Israelites frequently fell into idol worship, influenced by surrounding nations. The punishment of banishment was a tool used by God to deal with idolatry and its corrupting influence.

One of the most notable instances of banishment due to idolatry is found in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Israelites' persistent idolatry led to their exile by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The Bible records, "All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt and had feared other gods" (2 Kings 17:7). This exile served as a divine judgment and a form of banishment from the Promised Land.

Similarly, the Southern Kingdom of Judah faced exile to Babylon as a result of idolatry and other sins. The prophet Jeremiah warned of this impending judgment, stating, "I will banish from them the voice of joy and gladness, the voice of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp" (Jeremiah 25:10). The Babylonian exile was a direct consequence of Judah's failure to remain faithful to God.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention banishment as a punishment for idolatry, the early Christian community was urged to separate themselves from idolatrous practices. The Apostle Paul admonished the Corinthians, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14). The call to flee can be seen as a form of self-imposed banishment from environments or practices that lead to idolatry.

The Book of Revelation also addresses the consequences of idolatry, warning of eternal separation from God for those who persist in such practices. Revelation 21:8 states, "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." This ultimate form of banishment underscores the seriousness with which idolatry is viewed in the biblical narrative.

Theological Implications

The punishment of banishment for idolatry highlights the holiness of God and the necessity for His people to remain distinct and devoted to Him. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, the call to reject idolatry and remain true to God is a central theme, emphasizing the need for purity and devotion in the life of believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 8:3
And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places where I have driven them, said the LORD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 8:5-8
Your calf, O Samaria, has cast you off; my anger is kindled against them: how long will it be ere they attain to innocence?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 5:26,27
But you have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which you made to yourselves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

the life of constantine
... of those who had suffered Banishment or Confiscation ... he wrote a Letter in Condemnation
of Idolatry. ... Manifold Forms of Torture and Punishment practiced against ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/the life of constantine/

Knox in the War of the Congregation: the Regent Attacked: Her ...
... nobles interfering, the threatened capital punishment was not ... did their work in
suppressing idolatry and promoting ... for the first offence, banishment from the ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xii knox in the.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... to be compelled to conform to the rites of idolatry. ... When all such expedients failed,
the punishment of death ... the pastors were driven into banishment, and the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

Bourdaloue -- the Passion of Christ
... bear to this day, that universal banishment, that exile ... which incontestably prove
that a punishment as exemplary ... Jews were never further from idolatry nor more ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bourdaloue the passion of.htm

Epistle Li. To Antonianus About Cornelius and Novatian.
... many brethren who were departing to banishment and flight ... up wrath against himself,
and the punishment of the ... held guilty of the crime of idolatry, according to ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle li to antonianus about.htm

"But it is Good for Me to Draw Near to God: I have Put My Trust in ...
... men's transgressions can cry for punishment of sinners ... whoredom from God, and spiritual
idolatry, because the ... and so remain in everlasting banishment from his ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v but it is.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers.
... of the English Church as monuments of idolatry, and they ... the church never took harm
by the punishment of heretics ... 443) He was sentenced to banishment from the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers
... the English Church as monuments of idolatry, and they ... church never took harm by the
punishment of heretics ... He was sentenced to banishment from the colonies, and ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

Book 18 Footnotes
... [11] Of the banishment of these ... next section informed, was not in part as a punishment
for the ... were done in order to prevent their relapse into that idolatry. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 18 footnotes.htm

The Life of Mr. George Wishart.
... down that fabric of superstition and idolatry, which they ... not be afraid either for
burning or banishment. ... bring Mr. Wishart to condign punishment.""Thus was ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george.htm