Topical Bible: Rulers: Wicked in Permitting Baal-Worship

◄ Rulers: Wicked in Permitting Baal-Worship ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity, is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with the apostasy and moral decline of Israel. Several rulers of Israel and Judah are noted for their wickedness in permitting or even promoting Baal-worship, leading the people away from the worship of Yahweh, the one true God.

Ahab and Jezebel

King Ahab of Israel, along with his wife Jezebel, is perhaps the most infamous ruler associated with the promotion of Baal-worship. Ahab's reign is marked by a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh, as he actively encouraged the worship of Baal. The Bible records, "Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the sight of the LORD than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30). Jezebel, a Phoenician princess and ardent devotee of Baal, further influenced Ahab, leading to the establishment of Baal worship as a state religion. This is evidenced by the construction of a temple for Baal in Samaria (1 Kings 16:32).

Jehoram of Israel

Jehoram, the son of Ahab, continued in the ways of his father, albeit with some reforms. While he removed the sacred pillar of Baal, he did not fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which included idolatry (2 Kings 3:2-3). His reign is characterized by a half-hearted attempt to return to the worship of Yahweh, yet he allowed the remnants of Baal worship to persist.

Ahaziah of Judah

Ahaziah, the son of Jehoram and Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, reigned in Judah and followed the ways of the house of Ahab. His mother’s influence led him to walk in the wicked paths of his maternal grandparents, promoting Baal worship in Judah (2 Kings 8:27). His short reign was marked by continued idolatry and apostasy.

Manasseh of Judah

King Manasseh of Judah is another ruler notorious for his promotion of idolatry, including Baal worship. The Bible states, "He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done" (2 Kings 21:3). Manasseh's reign is characterized by a complete reversal of his father Hezekiah's reforms, leading Judah into deep spiritual corruption.

Jehoiakim of Judah

Jehoiakim, another king of Judah, is noted for his evil practices, including the shedding of innocent blood and idolatry. While the Bible does not explicitly mention Baal worship during his reign, his general wickedness and disregard for the prophetic warnings suggest a tolerance for various forms of idolatry, including Baal worship (2 Kings 23:36-37; Jeremiah 22:17).

Consequences of Permitting Baal-Worship

The allowance and promotion of Baal worship by these rulers had dire consequences for the nation of Israel and Judah. It led to moral decay, social injustice, and ultimately, divine judgment. The prophets, such as Elijah and Jeremiah, frequently confronted these rulers, warning them of the impending consequences of their idolatry. The persistence in Baal worship contributed to the eventual downfall and exile of both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

The rulers who permitted Baal worship serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithful adherence to the worship of Yahweh. Their actions underscore the biblical principle that leadership carries the responsibility of guiding the people in righteousness and truth.

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2 Kings 17:1,2,7-18
In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years.
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