Sun-images, also referred to as solar idols or representations of the sun, are objects or symbols associated with the worship of the sun. In the context of the Bible, sun-images are often linked to idolatrous practices that were condemned by the prophets and leaders of Israel. The worship of the sun and other celestial bodies was prevalent among various ancient Near Eastern cultures, and the Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting these pagan practices.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 23:11 : "He removed from the entrance to the temple of the LORD the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun. They were in the court near the room of an official named Nathan-Melech. Josiah then burned the chariots dedicated to the sun." This passage describes King Josiah's reforms, where he eradicated elements of sun worship from the temple in Jerusalem. The horses and chariots dedicated to the sun were symbols of this idolatry, and their removal signified a return to the exclusive worship of Yahweh.

2. Ezekiel 8:16 : "So He brought me into the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the sun in the east." This vision given to the prophet Ezekiel highlights the abominations occurring within the temple, where leaders of Israel were engaging in sun worship, turning their backs on the temple of the LORD.

3. Deuteronomy 4:19 : "When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven." This commandment warns the Israelites against the temptation to worship celestial bodies, emphasizing that these creations are not to be objects of worship but are part of God's creation for all nations.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The worship of the sun was a common practice among the Canaanites and other neighboring cultures, often associated with deities such as Shamash in Mesopotamia and Ra in Egypt. These practices included the use of sun-images, which could be physical representations or symbols used in rituals and ceremonies. The Israelites, living amidst these cultures, were susceptible to adopting such practices, which led to repeated admonitions from their leaders and prophets.

Theological Implications:

The presence of sun-images and the associated worship practices were seen as direct violations of the first and second commandments, which call for exclusive worship of Yahweh and prohibit the making of idols (Exodus 20:3-4). The use of sun-images represented a departure from the covenant relationship between God and Israel, leading to spiritual and moral decay. The biblical narrative consistently portrays the eradication of such practices as necessary for the restoration of true worship and the renewal of the covenant community.

Reform and Restoration:

Throughout the history of Israel and Judah, various leaders undertook reforms to eliminate sun-images and other idolatrous practices. King Josiah's reforms, as noted in 2 Kings 23, are among the most comprehensive, demonstrating a commitment to purifying worship and returning to the laws given by God. These reforms were often accompanied by a renewed emphasis on the reading and teaching of the Law, aiming to restore the people's relationship with God and ensure their faithfulness to His commandments.SUN-IMAGES

See IMAGES.

Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory
... pillars,'"that is, stone columns; and 'Asherim,'"that is, trees or wooden poles,
survivals of ancient stone- or tree-worship; 'sun-images,'"that is ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture g/asas reformation and consequent peace.htm

Sunimages
Sunimages. Sung, Sunimages. Sun-images . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SUN-IMAGES. See IMAGES. Sung, Sunimages. Sun-images . Reference Bible.
/s/sunimages.htm - 6k

Sun-images (6 Occurrences)
Sun-images. Sunimages, Sun-images. Sun-jewels . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(See JPS ASV BBE DBY). Sunimages, Sun-images. Sun-jewels . Reference Bible
/s/sun-images.htm - 8k

Ashe'rim (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 34:4 And they broke down the altars of the Baalim in his presence;
and the sun-images, that were on high above them, he hewed down; and the Asherim ...
/a/ashe'rim.htm - 12k

Asherahs (23 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 17:8 And he will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, nor have
regard to what his fingers have made, neither the Asherahs nor the sun-images. ...
/a/asherahs.htm - 13k

Hewed (22 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 34:4 And they brake down the altars of the Baalim in his presence;
and the sun-images that were on high above them he hewed down; and the Asherim ...
/h/hewed.htm - 14k

Sung (13 Occurrences)

/s/sung.htm - 10k

Pillars (132 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 34:4 He had the altars of the Baals broken down, while he himself was
present; and the sun-images which were placed on high over them he had cut ...
/p/pillars.htm - 39k

Poles (58 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 17:8 He will not be looking to the altars, the work of his hands,
or to the wood pillars or to the sun-images which his fingers have made. ...
/p/poles.htm - 22k

Asherah (40 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 17:8 And he will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, nor have
regard to what his fingers have made, neither the Asherahs nor the sun-images. ...
/a/asherah.htm - 24k

Crushed (199 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 34:4 He had the altars of the Baals broken down, while he himself was
present; and the sun-images which were placed on high over them he had cut ...
/c/crushed.htm - 37k

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