Topical Encyclopedia
Idolatry, the worship of idols or false gods, is strictly forbidden to the Jewish people throughout the Scriptures. The prohibition against idolatry is a central tenet of the Jewish faith, reflecting the monotheistic nature of their covenant with Yahweh, the one true God. This entry explores the biblical injunctions against idolatry as they pertain to the Jewish people, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for scriptural references.
The First CommandmentThe foundation of the prohibition against idolatry is laid in the Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The first commandment explicitly forbids the worship of other gods: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (
Exodus 20:3). This commandment establishes the exclusive worship of Yahweh as a fundamental aspect of the Jewish faith.
Prohibition of IdolsThe second commandment further elaborates on the prohibition by forbidding the creation and worship of idols: "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath" (
Exodus 20:4). This commandment underscores the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, without the use of physical representations.
Covenant WarningsThroughout the Torah, God repeatedly warns the Israelites against the dangers of idolatry. In
Deuteronomy 4:15-19 , Moses cautions the people: "So be very careful, since you saw no form on the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Otherwise, you might corrupt yourselves by making an idol in any form." This warning highlights the spiritual corruption that idolatry brings and the importance of maintaining purity in worship.
Consequences of IdolatryThe consequences of idolatry are severe, as outlined in
Deuteronomy 28. The chapter details the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, including idolatry. In
Deuteronomy 28:36 , it is stated: "The LORD will bring you and the king you appoint over you to a nation neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone." This passage illustrates the exile and suffering that result from turning away from God.
Historical InstancesDespite the clear prohibitions, the history of Israel is marked by periods of idolatry. The golden calf incident (Exodus 32) is an early example where the Israelites, in Moses' absence, fashioned a calf from gold and worshiped it, incurring God's wrath. Similarly, the books of Kings and Chronicles recount the repeated lapses into idolatry by various kings and the resulting divine judgment.
Prophetic CondemnationsThe prophets of Israel consistently condemned idolatry and called the people back to faithfulness.
Isaiah 44:9-20 ridicules the futility of idol-making, emphasizing the absurdity of worshiping man-made objects. Jeremiah and Ezekiel also deliver strong rebukes against idolatry, warning of impending judgment if the people do not repent.
Renewal and ReformPeriods of renewal and reform, such as those under King Josiah (2 Kings 23), demonstrate the efforts to eradicate idolatry and restore true worship. Josiah's reforms included the destruction of high places, idols, and altars dedicated to foreign gods, reflecting a return to covenant faithfulness.
ConclusionThe prohibition against idolatry is a defining aspect of the Jewish relationship with God, emphasizing exclusive devotion and the rejection of all forms of idol worship. The biblical narrative consistently reinforces this command, illustrating both the spiritual dangers of idolatry and the blessings of faithfulness to Yahweh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 20:1-5And God spoke all these words, saying,
Torrey's Topical TextbookExodus 23:24
You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but you shall utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Paul in Ephesus.
... order of nature, to patronise idolatry, and encourage ... a profane science, which was
expressly forbidden by their ... present scene, were "vagabond Jews," or persons ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm
Bourdaloue -- the Passion of Christ
... that this pleasure is criminal and forbidden of God ... the Jews were never further from
idolatry nor more ... same sentence of death which the Jews pronounced against ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bourdaloue the passion of.htm
The Conversion of Cornelius.
... from that of his countrymen, and was forbidden by the ... shadow of death." The altars
of idolatry were overthrown ... which have been transferred to us from the Jews. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm
Rom. Ii. 17, 18
... sacrilege?" [1249] For it was strictly forbidden them to ... There was a time when the
Jews were carried ... will you say, Forsake idolatry, acknowledge God, and draw ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vi rom ii 17.htm
On Prayer and The Contemplative Life
... Latria, 30, 34, 44. Leo the Great, St., on the Jews, 56. ... Seneca: on petitions, 74;
on idolatry, 46. ... Socrates on prayer, 84. Solicitude, how far it is forbidden, 90 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/index 2.htm
The Treatise
... there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. ... as He says, John 6.When the
Jews asked Him ... not keep this Commandment, and practise real idolatry, even if ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm
Conclusion
... like the Passover of the Jews, which they ... and drinks what is forbidden him by the ...
Adultery fornication uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/conclusion.htm
section second.
... consecrated race, from the nations abandoned to idolatry and its ... and from that of
the sign-seeking Jews, of whom ... Not all human care is forbidden by Paul, who ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm
Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... Caring for temporal things forbidden, [634]504. ... Christians, nominal, described,
[807]311; more numerous than Jews and Pagans united [in the Roman empire,] [808 ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm
An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... or together, as such, is to commit most gross and horrible idolatry: For albeit
we ... to God no longer than while he kept himself from eating forbidden fruit; in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm
Resources
What is ministry idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some modern forms of idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgIdolatry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
