Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8769 idolatry, in OT

8769 idolatry, in OT

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8768 idolatry » 8769 idolatry, in OT

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.

Idolatry among the Gentiles

Judges 11:24; Judges 16:23-24; 2 Kings 5:18; Isaiah 36:18-20; Isaiah 37:38; Isaiah 46:1; Ezekiel 8:14; Acts 14:11-13; 1 Corinthians 8:5

Idolatry among God's people

In patriarchal times

Joshua 24:2 See also Genesis 31:30,34 these household gods may have been either masks or statuettes; Genesis 35:2

In the Mosaic period

Exodus 32:4

In the period of the judges

Judges 17:5 See also Judges 10:6

In the early monarchy

1 Kings 11:10 See also 1 Kings 12:28 The golden calves were perhaps pedestals on which the LORD was thought to sit.

In the middle monarchy

1 Kings 16:33 An Asherah pole was probably a crude carved wooden image of a Canaanite fertility goddess. See also 1 Kings 11:7-8; Kings 16:32

In the late monarchy

2 Kings 21:2-6

After the fall of Jerusalem

Ezekiel 8:10 See also Ezekiel 8:3,14,16

Objects of false worship

The sun, moon and stars

Deuteronomy 4:19 See also Deuteronomy 17:3; Job 31:26

Other objects of worship

Deuteronomy 4:28 See also Deuteronomy 16:22 sacred stones; 1 Kings 12:31 high places; Isaiah 1:29 oaks

Practices associated with idolatry

The burning of children

2 Kings 23:10

The superstitious use of religious symbols

2 Kings 18:4 See also Judges 8:27 The ephod was a priestly garment sometimes subject to excessive veneration.

Sexual deviance

Deuteronomy 23:17 See also 1 Kings 14:24; Hosea 4:14