FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
IDOLATRY Idolatry is the worship or allegiance to anything other than God alone. If something holds a controlling force or position in your life, it is an idol. Idols can be materialism, pride, self-fulfillment, and power. We can even worship “our religion” instead of God. In the Old Testament, idol worship meant wor- shiping objects or images that represented various pagan deities. In the time between Joshua’s death and the Babylonian exile, Israel repeatedly fell into worship of the pagan gods of the peoples around them, especially Baal and Asherah. The first and second commandments instruct God’s people to wor- ship only God and not make or serve any idol (Ex. 20:3–5). Israel’s idolatry led to their judgment, captivity, and exile at the hands of the Babylonians. 4
3. Why is idolatry such an offense to God? In what way are you giving your time, money, allegiance, or effort to an idol that is holding you captive?
4. Exodus 34:5–7 reveals God’s covenantal commitment to Israel. “This ancient confession of faith is the basis for both the mercy and the justice of God.” 5 Read this passage. What is the key to God’s mercy?
4 “What is the definition of idolatry?” and “Why was the worship of Baal and Asherah a constant struggle for the Israelites?” Got Questions: Your Questions, Biblical Answers. March 2025. https://www.gotquestions.org/idola- try-definition.html and https://www.gotquestions.org/Baal-and-Asherah.html 5 What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About . Jason DeRouchie, pg. 306.
10 | Lesson 1
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