Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, altars for idolatrous worship represent a significant deviation from the worship of Yahweh, the one true God. These altars were often erected by the Israelites and surrounding nations to honor false gods, leading to spiritual apostasy and divine judgment. The Bible consistently commands the destruction of such altars as a means of purifying the land and restoring proper worship.Old Testament Commandments and Actions The command to destroy altars dedicated to idols is rooted in the Mosaic Law. In Deuteronomy 7:5, the Israelites are instructed: "But this is how you are to deal with them: Tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire." This directive underscores the necessity of eradicating all forms of idolatry to maintain covenantal faithfulness. The Book of Exodus also emphasizes this command. In Exodus 34:13, God instructs, "Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles." These actions are not merely physical but symbolize a rejection of the spiritual corruption associated with idol worship. Historical Instances of Destruction Throughout Israel's history, faithful leaders took decisive action against idolatrous altars. One notable example is King Josiah, who initiated a comprehensive religious reform. In 2 Kings 23:12, it is recorded, "He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had erected on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz, and he smashed them to pieces." Josiah's reforms were marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the removal of all idolatrous practices. Similarly, Gideon, a judge of Israel, was commanded by God to destroy the altar of Baal. Judges 6:25-26 recounts, "That night the LORD said to Gideon, 'Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.'" Gideon's obedience led to a significant victory over the Midianites, demonstrating the power of faithfulness to God. Prophetic Denunciations The prophets of Israel frequently denounced the construction and use of idolatrous altars. The prophet Hosea warned of the consequences of such practices, stating in Hosea 10:2, "Their heart is deceitful; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will demolish their altars and destroy their sacred stones." This prophetic message highlights the inevitable judgment that follows idolatry. Isaiah also spoke against the altars of false gods, declaring in Isaiah 17:8, "They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands, and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles and the incense altars their fingers have made." The prophets consistently called the people back to exclusive devotion to Yahweh, warning of the futility and danger of idol worship. Theological Significance The destruction of altars for idolatrous worship is a recurring theme that underscores the holiness and exclusivity of God. It serves as a reminder of the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). The eradication of these altars is not only a physical act but a spiritual cleansing, reaffirming the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the New Testament, the principle of destroying idolatry continues in a spiritual sense. Believers are called to "flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14) and to "demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5). The call to destroy idolatrous altars, therefore, remains relevant as a metaphor for rejecting anything that competes with the worship of the true God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 34:13But you shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 7:5 Library The Kingdom of Judah. National Apostasy Chapter xiii 'Fruit which is Death' The Fall of the House of Ahab Knox and the Scottish Revolution, 1559 Book 4 Footnotes The Persecutions of the Church. The Assyrian Captivity The Book of the Law Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Manasseh in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altars for Idolatrous Worship, often Erected on Roofs of Houses Altars for Idolatrous Worship, to be Destroyed Altars of Brick, Hateful to God Altars of Reubenites East of Jordan Altars of the People of Israel Altars of the Temple of Solomon Altars were not to Have Steps up to Them Altars: Afforded No Protection to Murderers Altars: Designed for Sacrifice Altars: Idolaters Planted Groves Near Altars: Natural Rocks Sometimes Used As Altars: Probable Origin of Inscriptions On Altars: Protection Afforded By Altars: The Jews not to Plant Groves Near Altars: To be Made of Earth, or Unhewn Stone Related Terms |
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