Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture provides illustrations of idolatry from various periods in the history of the people of God. Idolatry is seen as a constant temptation for believers, especially in times of national or personal stress. Judges 11:24; 16:23-24Idolatry among the Gentiles 2 Kings 5:18Isaiah 36:18-20; 37:38; 46:1 Ezekiel 8:14 Acts 14:11-13 1 Corinthians 8:5 Joshua 24:2 Idolatry among God's people See also In patriarchal times Genesis 31:30,34Genesis 35:2 these household gods may have been either masks or statuettes Exodus 32:4In the Mosaic period Judges 17:5See also In the period of the judges Judges 10:61 Kings 11:10 See also In the early monarchy 1 Kings 12:281 Kings 16:33 The golden calves were perhaps pedestals on which the LORD was thought to sit. In the middle monarchy See also 1 Kings 11:7-8; 16:32An Asherah pole was probably a crude carved wooden image of a Canaanite fertility goddess. 2 Kings 21:2-6In the late monarchy Ezekiel 8:10See also After the fall of Jerusalem Ezekiel 8:3,14,16Deuteronomy 4:19 Objects of false worship See also The sun, moon and stars Deuteronomy 17:3Job 31:26 Deuteronomy 4:28 See also Other objects of worship Deuteronomy 16:221 Kings 12:31 sacred stones Isaiah 1:29high places oaks 2 Kings 23:10Practices associated with idolatry The burning of children 2 Kings 18:4See also The superstitious use of religious symbols Judges 8:27Deuteronomy 23:17 The ephod was a priestly garment sometimes subject to excessive veneration. See also Sexual deviance 1 Kings 14:24Hosea 4:14 See also 4160 driving out4284 sun 5206 archers 5948 shrewdness 6245 stubbornness 7314 blood 7376 high priest 7386 incense 7444 sin offering 7474 Tent of Meeting 8747 false gods 8753 favouritism |
    |