Topical Bible: Protection: Not to be Found in Idols

◄ Protection: Not to be Found in Idols ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the theme of protection is a recurring motif, often juxtaposed against the futility of idol worship. The Scriptures consistently affirm that true protection and security are found in the Lord alone, while idols are depicted as powerless and ineffective.

The prophet Isaiah vividly contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, emphasizing their inability to provide protection or deliverance. In Isaiah 44:9-10 , it is written: "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?" This passage underscores the futility of relying on man-made objects for security.

The Psalms also highlight the impotence of idols. Psalm 115:4-8 states: "Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear; noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel; feet, but cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them." Here, the psalmist points out the lifelessness of idols and the folly of those who trust in them, contrasting them with the living God who is active and responsive.

The prophet Jeremiah also addresses the issue of idolatry and its inability to provide protection. In Jeremiah 10:5 , idols are described as "like scarecrows in a cucumber patch; they 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 imagery reinforces the idea that idols are not only powerless to protect but are also incapable of any action, whether beneficial or harmful.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates the theme of the futility of idols in providing protection. In 1 Corinthians 8:4 , he writes, "We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one." Paul emphasizes the nonexistence of idols in the spiritual realm and affirms the singularity of God as the true source of protection and power.

Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is that protection is not to be found in idols, which are mere creations of human hands and devoid of life or power. Instead, believers are called to place their trust in the Lord, who alone is capable of providing true security and deliverance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 32:37-39
And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 46:7
They bear him on the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he stands; from his place shall he not remove: yes, one shall cry to him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Against those who Say that it is not Right to Rank the Holy Spirit ...
... rather be ground for great groaning if we are found now further ... [935] And whoever
does not always and ... keep to and hold fast as a sure protection the confession ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter x against those who.htm

India as Carey Found It
... he may think necessary for the protection and welfare ... elements and deified heroes,
but heard not one voice ... personifications of sin; and they found this animal ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter iii india as carey.htm

That after Reflecting on the Downfall of those who had Worshiped ...
... on what God he might rely for protection and assistance. ... last had met with an unhappy
end, while not one of ... Supreme God during his whole life, had found him to ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxvii that after reflecting on.htm

Luke of Prague and the High Church Reaction. 1473-1530.
... sent letters to the parishes he could not visit, and ... As the storm of persecution
raged, he found time to ... the Brethren were under the special protection of God ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi luke of prague.htm

Letter Xlvii. (AD 398. )
... of their false gods, but all things which enjoy the protection secured by ... Since in
this question it is not assumed that the food thus found was offered to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xlvii a d 398.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... about to die: for I have not found thy works ... Christians, and to seek instruction
and protection from them ... reason to suppose that it was not literally fulfilled. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

Israel Returning
... to Assyria for help, nor to seek protection from Egypt's ... of the fourth clause"'From
Me is thy fruit found'? ... and feel that, after all, they are not ours, but ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/israel returning.htm

Martin Destroys Heathen Temples and Altars.
... to put to flight the rustic multitude, and to furnish protection to Martin ... an
intervention of the Divine will, that they might not be found fighting against ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xiv martin destroys heathen.htm

Notes on Secular and Church History During the Latter Part of the ...
... Ambrose, however, was not of this number, but whether ... his legations to Maximus, for
the protection of those ... Ambrose will be found entered under the different ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/ii notes on secular and.htm

The 'education Question' in Trinidad
... must have found in the Convent a protection for her ... inferiority which is certainly
not to be found in ... the human mind"as some hold, not without weighty ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xiv the education question.htm