Topical Bible: Idolatry: Temples Built For

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In the biblical narrative, the construction of temples for idolatry is a recurring theme that highlights the spiritual infidelity of the people of Israel and other nations. These temples, often grand and elaborate, were dedicated to various deities and served as centers for idol worship, which was strictly forbidden by the God of Israel.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous accounts of temples built for idolatrous worship. One of the most notable examples is the temple constructed by King Solomon for the worship of foreign gods, influenced by his foreign wives. Despite Solomon's initial dedication to the LORD, his heart turned away, leading to the construction of high places for deities such as Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech. As recorded in 1 Kings 11:7-8 , "At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods."

The northern kingdom of Israel, under King Jeroboam, also engaged in idolatry by establishing temples at Bethel and Dan. These sites housed golden calves, which Jeroboam declared to be the gods that brought Israel out of Egypt (1 Kings 12:28-30). This act of idolatry was a direct violation of the first two commandments and led Israel into sin.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets of Israel consistently condemned the construction and use of idolatrous temples. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, among others, spoke against the practice, warning of divine judgment. Isaiah 44:9-11 states, "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?"

Jeremiah, in his prophetic ministry, decried the idolatry of Judah, which included the building of altars to Baal and the offering of sacrifices to other gods. Jeremiah 19:4-5 records, "For they have forsaken Me and made this a place of foreign gods; they have burned incense in it to gods that neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah ever knew, and they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent. They have built high places to Baal to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it ever enter My mind."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts from physical temples to the spiritual temple of the believer's body and the church. However, the issue of idolatry remains pertinent. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, warns against idolatry and the dangers of participating in pagan temple rituals. In 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 , Paul admonishes believers to "flee from idolatry" and not to partake in the "cup of demons."

The Book of Acts also records instances of idolatrous worship, such as the temple of Artemis in Ephesus, which was a significant center of pagan worship. The uproar caused by Paul's preaching against idols in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41) underscores the deep entrenchment of idolatry in the culture and the economic implications tied to temple worship.

Theological Implications

The construction of temples for idolatry in the biblical narrative serves as a stark reminder of the human propensity to turn away from the worship of the one true God. It underscores the biblical teaching that idolatry is not merely the worship of physical idols but represents a deeper spiritual adultery and rebellion against God. The call to worship God alone and to avoid idolatry is a central tenet of biblical faith, emphasizing the need for purity and devotion in the believer's relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 8:14
For Israel has forgotten his Maker, and builds temples; and Judah has multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire on his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Temples Built by Constantine the Great; the City Called by his ...
... was not polluted by altars, Grecian temples, nor sacrifices ... Julian authorized the
introduction of idolatry for a ... the most remarkable church was that built in a ...
/.../chapter iii temples built by constantine.htm

How He Built Churches in Honor of Martyrs, and Abolished Idolatry ...
... Chapter XLVIII."How he built Churches in Honor of ... to be distinguished by his own
name from idolatry of every ... might be worshiped there in the temples of those ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xlviii how he built churches.htm

That a Place in Phoenicia Also was Made a City, and in Other ...
... made a City, and in Other Cities Idolatry was abolished, and Churches built. ... held
most sacred; voluntarily demolished the lofty temples and shrines ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxxix that a place in.htm

Other Arts Made Subservient to Idolatry. Lawful Means of Gaining a ...
... How many the temples and shrines which are built for idols ... to the remedies so often
used, I think we are not free of the contagion of idolatry, we whose ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter viii other arts made subservient.htm

Christian Worship,
... of the old heathen temples were turned into churches, but temples were not built
in a ... ornaments of the kind, lest they should fall into idolatry like the ...
/.../chapter xviii christian worship.htm

From the Flood to Abraham
... by Nebuchadnezzar and was used as one of the great temples. It was built of brick
and was oblong in form ... marks may indicate the prevalence of idolatry and have ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iii from the flood.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... Adoration offered to other than God, is idolatry. ... And as temples were built, and
images consecrated chiefly to inferior deities, who were worshipped as ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

Acts XVII
... of human philosophy, and the debasement of refined idolatry had overpowered the ... The
times of ignorance, in which they had built these temples and carved ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvii.htm

Egypt
... A rival temple to that of Jerusalem was built at Onion ... a god is met with in the temples
of Hatshepsu ... also a land of popular superstition and idolatry, and the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Book 15 Footnotes
... Babylon" by Josephus, seems to be one which was built by some ... in his Grecian cities,
as to those plays, and shows, and temples for idolatry, mentioned above ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 15 footnotes.htm