Idol(gods)
Summary
An image or representation of a false god, or anything that receives the worship and devotion rightly due to the true God alone.
☩Definition and Hebrew Terms
Scripture uses various Hebrew terms for idols, each conveying contempt. Elilim means 'things of nought' or 'worthless things.' Gillulim, a term of strong contempt, possibly means 'logs' or 'dung pellets.' Teraphim were household idols, perhaps images of ancestors. Pesel denotes a carved image, while massekah refers to a molten or cast image. These varied terms express the prophets' disdain for objects of false worship.
☩Forms and Materials
Idols were made from various materials: gold, silver, bronze, wood, and stone. Isaiah vividly describes the craftsman who forms an idol from the same tree he uses for fuel—part he burns, part he worships. Idols ranged from crude household figurines to elaborate images overlaid with precious metals. Some were small enough to hide under a camel's saddle; others were monumental statues in temples.
☩Prophetic Ridicule
The prophets mercilessly ridiculed idols as deaf, dumb, and powerless. Idols must be carried because they cannot walk; they cannot speak or deliver anyone. Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal, suggesting their god was asleep or on a journey. The contrast between living God and dead idols appears throughout prophetic literature—idols are the work of human hands while God created both craftsman and materials.
☩Israel's Idolatry
Despite experiencing God's mighty acts, Israel repeatedly turned to idols. The golden calf at Sinai, worship of Baal under the judges and kings, and the high places that persisted throughout the monarchy show this persistent sin. The prophets traced Israel's calamities to idolatry, and the Babylonian exile finally purged the nation of this tendency. After the exile, Judaism never again succumbed to image worship.
☩New Testament Teaching
The New Testament broadens the concept of idolatry beyond images to include covetousness—making a god of wealth or anything that displaces God in human affections. Paul warned that behind idols stand demons, making idol worship participation with demonic forces. Christians are commanded to flee from idolatry and keep themselves from idols, warnings still relevant wherever materialism or false allegiances compete with devotion to Christ.
Related Verses326 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Idol," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Idol," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).