Idolatry
Summary
The worship of false gods or images, strictly forbidden in Scripture as a violation of the first and second commandments.
☩The Sin Defined
Idolatry is the worship of idols or false gods, whether in the form of images, celestial bodies, animals, or human rulers. The first and second commandments explicitly forbid both the worship of false gods and the making of images for worship. The prophets consistently condemned idolatry as spiritual adultery, portraying Israel's unfaithfulness to God through the imagery of marital infidelity.
☩Forms of Idolatry
Idolatrous worship took many forms: human sacrifices, including the offering of children to Molech; licentious rituals associated with fertility cults; offering of burnt offerings, libations, and incense to false gods; prayers and praise directed to idols; cutting of the flesh; and kissing and bowing before images. The prophets mocked the absurdity of worshiping objects made by human hands that cannot see, hear, or act.
☩Israel's Idolatry
Despite their covenant with Yahweh, the Israelites repeatedly fell into idolatry. The golden calf at Sinai, the worship of Baal introduced through Jezebel, and the high places that persisted throughout the monarchy all demonstrate Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. This idolatry ultimately led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, which God declared was punishment for their worship of false gods.
☩New Testament Teaching
The New Testament broadens the concept of idolatry beyond image worship to include covetousness—the worship of material things—and anything that displaces God in human affections. Paul warned that idolatry is connected with demonic worship and forbidden to Christians, who must flee from it. The book of Revelation depicts the ultimate judgment on the idolatrous world system symbolized by Babylon.
Related Verses278 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Idolatry," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).