Topical Bible: The Wicked are Compared to Idols

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In the Bible, the wicked are often compared to idols, highlighting their futility, moral corruption, and ultimate end. This comparison serves as a powerful metaphor to illustrate the spiritual emptiness and ineffectiveness of those who turn away from God.

Idols as Symbols of Futility

Idols in the biblical context are man-made objects of worship, often crafted from wood, stone, or metal. They are lifeless and powerless, unable to see, hear, or act. The prophets frequently mocked the absurdity of idol worship, emphasizing the contrast between the living God and these inanimate objects. In Psalm 115:4-8 , the psalmist writes:

> "Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear; noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel; feet, but cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them."

This passage underscores the futility of idols and draws a parallel to those who place their trust in them, suggesting that the wicked, like idols, are spiritually dead and ineffective.

Moral Corruption and Idolatry

The comparison between the wicked and idols also extends to moral corruption. Idolatry is often associated with various forms of immorality and injustice. The prophets condemned the wickedness of idol worshipers, who not only turned away from God but also engaged in practices that were abhorrent to Him. In Isaiah 44:9-11 , the prophet declares:

> "All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will be brought to terror and shame."

Here, the prophet highlights the shame and terror that await those who engage in idolatry, equating their moral corruption with the worthlessness of the idols they create.

The Ultimate End of the Wicked

The Bible also uses the comparison to idols to emphasize the ultimate end of the wicked. Just as idols are destined for destruction, so too are those who reject God and pursue wickedness. In Jeremiah 10:14-15 , the prophet warns:

> "Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud; there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment, they will perish."

This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the fate that awaits the wicked, who, like idols, will face judgment and destruction.

Spiritual Blindness and Deafness

The comparison also highlights the spiritual blindness and deafness of the wicked. Just as idols cannot see or hear, the wicked are often depicted as being spiritually blind and deaf to God's truth. In Ezekiel 12:2 , God speaks to the prophet:

> "Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house."

This metaphor underscores the inability of the wicked to perceive and respond to God's revelation, further aligning them with the lifeless idols they worship.

In summary, the biblical comparison of the wicked to idols serves as a multifaceted metaphor that underscores their futility, moral corruption, spiritual blindness, and ultimate destruction. Through this imagery, the Scriptures convey a powerful message about the consequences of turning away from the living God to pursue false and empty paths.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 115:8
They that make them are like to them; so is every one that trusts in them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

This World is Ruled by the Providence of one God, who is Both ...
... with infinite justice to punish the wicked, and with ... degree of superstition with
regard to idols, being moved ... It may be compared to a severe remedy, extirpating ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxv this world is ruled.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Ephraim shall say, what have I to do any more with idols?' (Hosea 14:8). A child
of God has indeed to do with ... Therefore the wicked are compared to chaff ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

An Appendix to the Beatitudes
... From all your filthiness and from your idols will I ... fire is so inconceivably torturing
that the wicked do not ... The torment of the damned may be compared to a ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/an appendix to the beatitudes.htm

God's People Delivered.
... the idols of his silver, and the idols of his ... them His law; they might have compared
their characters ... discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... the idols of his silver, and the idols of his ... them His law; they might have compared
their characters ... discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More ...
... Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." Who ... into the next world; as
Acts 1:25 compared with Rev ... that I will cut off the names of the idols out of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the old and new testaments.htm

Whether Covetousness is the Greatest of Sins?
... continues: "There is not a more wicked thing than ... that covetousness is "a serving
of idols." Now idolatry ... to Objection 4: Covetousness is compared to idolatry ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether covetousness is the greatest.htm

Psalm XCVII.
... to be sacrificed to, because they abhorred to be compared to devils? ... our Lord is
exalted above all: not only above idols, not only ... [4486] Wicked men, robbers ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcvii.htm

Moral Insanity.
... Is he not mad upon his idols? ... but this is not half so bad as to have one of them
become wicked. ... Indeed, the former, compared with the latter, is as nothing. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/ix moral insanity.htm

On Admonition and Repentance.
... thou lovest to be angry, be angry with the wicked and it ... For this is the worship
of idols, the working of the ... for she is like one, and to be compared with such ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm