Topical Encyclopedia
Idolatry, the worship of idols or false gods, is a recurring theme in the history of the Israelites, particularly during their time in Egypt. The practice of idolatry among the Jews in Egypt is a significant aspect of their spiritual journey and is addressed in various biblical texts.
The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus, was a period marked by exposure to Egyptian religious practices, which were heavily polytheistic. The Egyptians worshiped a pantheon of gods, each associated with different aspects of life and nature. This environment influenced the Israelites, leading some to adopt idolatrous practices.
Ezekiel 20:7-8 provides insight into the idolatry practiced by the Israelites in Egypt: "And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen. They did not cast away the abominations before their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and vent My anger against them in the land of Egypt."
This passage highlights God's command to the Israelites to abandon the idols of Egypt and His displeasure with their rebellion. Despite witnessing the power of the God of their forefathers, many Israelites clung to the idolatrous practices they had observed in Egypt.
The influence of Egyptian idolatry is further evidenced in the incident of the golden calf, which occurred shortly after the Exodus. In
Exodus 32:1-4 , the Israelites, in Moses' absence, pressured Aaron to create a golden calf, proclaiming, "These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" This act of idolatry was a direct reflection of the Egyptian religious influence, as the calf was a common symbol in Egyptian worship.
The persistence of idolatry among the Israelites, even after their deliverance from Egypt, underscores the deep-rooted nature of these practices. It also highlights the ongoing struggle between the worship of the one true God and the allure of surrounding pagan cultures.
Throughout their history, the Israelites were repeatedly warned against idolatry. The first and second commandments given at Mount Sinai explicitly prohibited the worship of other gods and the creation of idols (
Exodus 20:3-4). Despite these clear directives, the temptation to revert to idolatrous practices remained a constant challenge for the Jewish people.
In summary, the practice of idolatry by the Jews in Egypt is a testament to the pervasive influence of surrounding cultures and the enduring struggle to maintain faithfulness to the covenant with God. The biblical narrative consistently calls the Israelites to repentance and a return to the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Joshua 24:14Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve you the LORD.
Torrey's Topical TextbookEzekiel 23:3,19
And they committed prostitutions in Egypt; they committed prostitutions in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ...
... of Rome, which, characteristically, was chiefly practised in the ... be thus summarised:
To prevent Jews from being inadvertently led into idolatry; to avoid ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in palestine -.htm
Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... way to perfection, [46]190; if fully practised would remove ... 282]313; have greater
privileges than Jews had, [283 ... 498]402; now uses it to defend idolatry, [499]ib ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm
Jeremiah
... of many Jews to Egypt against the advice of Jeremiah, who was forced to accompany
them, the prophet's denunciation of the idolatry practised in Egypt and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/jeremiah.htm
Isaiah's Prophecies Considered the virginity of Christ's Mother a ...
... as that city was shameful for its idolatry, through which it ... He calls the chief men
of the Jews "rulers of ... as we have said) they had practised idolatry as did ...
/.../chapter xiii isaiahs prophecies considered the.htm
Judaism.
... discord and growing apostasy to idolatry, was carried ... and Sadducees reappears among
modern Jews, who are ... They practised communion of goods, wore white garments ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 9 judaism.htm
Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
... It was practised in the family of Abraham prior to his call. ... to God for our deliverance
from that gross idolatry, which once ... among all nations except the Jews. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xv paul and barnabas.htm
Ezekiel
... out for her malicious joy over the destruction of the temple and her mockery of
the captive Jews. ... Idolatry of many kinds had been practised (viii.); and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezekiel.htm
The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
... so many great intellects "wholly given to idolatry[22]." [Sidenote ... was also full
of those who practised "magical arts ... first, as ever, to the Jews, and afterwards ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter iii the extension of.htm
Index of Subjects.
... Abominations alleged to have been practised by the Manich??ans, the legitimate result
of ... Idolatry, the result of apostacy, [411]261; did the Jews practice it ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm
Origen Against Celsus
... Chapter V. Treating of the regulations respecting idolatry as being peculiar to ... Now
the reason why circumcision is practised among the Jews is not the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/
Resources
Why is idol worship such a powerful temptation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the true meaning of the second commandment? | GotQuestions.orgWho was John Knox? | GotQuestions.orgIdolatry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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Bible Thesuarus