Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:The term "strange gods" refers to deities that are foreign to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. These gods are often associated with the pagan nations surrounding Israel and are considered false and idolatrous according to biblical teachings. The worship of strange gods is strictly prohibited in the Bible, as it represents a departure from the covenant relationship between God and His people.
Biblical References:The concept of strange gods is addressed multiple times throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of exclusive devotion to Yahweh. In the Ten Commandments, God explicitly commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (
Exodus 20:3). This foundational command underscores the prohibition against idolatry and the worship of any deity other than the one true God.
In
Deuteronomy 32:16, the Israelites are warned against provoking God to anger with strange gods: "They provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods; with abominations they angered Him" . This verse highlights the spiritual adultery involved in turning to other gods and the resulting divine displeasure.
Historical Instances:Throughout Israel's history, the temptation to worship strange gods was a recurring issue. The influence of neighboring cultures often led the Israelites astray. For example, during the time of the Judges, the Israelites repeatedly fell into idolatry, worshiping the Baals and Ashtoreths (
Judges 2:11-13).
King Solomon, despite his wisdom, was led into idolatry by his foreign wives, who turned his heart after other gods (
1 Kings 11:4-8). This act of apostasy had significant consequences for the kingdom of Israel, leading to its eventual division.
Prophetic Warnings:The prophets consistently warned against the worship of strange gods, calling the people to repentance and a return to the worship of Yahweh.
Jeremiah 25:6 admonishes, "Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands. Then I will do you no harm" . The prophets emphasized that idolatry was not only a breach of the covenant but also a path to destruction.
Theological Implications:The worship of strange gods is seen as a fundamental violation of the first commandment and a rejection of God's sovereignty. It represents a spiritual infidelity that undermines the exclusive relationship between God and His people. The biblical narrative consistently portrays idolatry as a grave sin that leads to moral and spiritual decay.
New Testament Perspective:While the New Testament does not use the term "strange gods," it continues to affirm the principle of exclusive devotion to God. The Apostle Paul, addressing the Athenians, speaks against idolatry and proclaims the one true God who "does not live in temples made by human hands" (
Acts 17:24). The New Testament calls believers to flee from idolatry and to worship God in spirit and truth (
1 Corinthians 10:14,
John 4:24).
Conclusion:The biblical injunction against strange gods serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God. It calls believers to examine their own lives for any form of idolatry, whether overt or subtle, and to commit themselves wholly to the worship and service of the one true God.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Strange GodsSTRANGE GODS
SeeGOD, STRANGE.
Library
Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Distinguished...
... But that which is said at the beginning of the decalogue, "Thou shalt not havestrange
gods before Me," belongs to faith: and that which is added, "Thou shalt...
Whether the First Precept of the Decalogue is Fittingly Expressed?
... Yet in the first precept three acts are forbidden: since we read first: "Thou shalt
not havestrange gods before Me"; secondly, "Thou shalt not make to thyself...
On the First Commandment
... A. The First Commandment is: "I am the Lord thy God: thou shalt not havestrange
gods before Me."... How do we sometimes worship false orstrange gods?...
How Amon Reigned Instead of Manasseh; and after Amon Reigned...
... but quite vanished away; for the king went about the city, and the whole country,
and cut down the groves which were devoted tostrange gods, and overthrew...
The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
... other some"He seemeth to be a setter forth ofstrange gods, because he preached
unto them Jesus and the resurrection." [102:7] Upwards of four hundred years...
Manasseh's Sin and Repentance
... And he took away thestrange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and
all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and...
How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than...
... any flattery, said that he was himself the man, he and his house, which brought
such sad afflictions upon them, and that by introducingstrange gods into their...
Three Decisive Steps
... And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the
Lord with all your hearts, then put away thestrange gods and Ashtaroth from...
The National Oath at Shechem
... If ye forsake the Lord, and servestrange gods, then He will turn and do you
hurt, and consume you, after that He hath done you good.21....
The History of Solomon
... from me, ye and your sons, not following ne keeping my commandments and ceremonies
that I have showed tofore you, but go and worshipstrange gods, and honor...
Resources
Why didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.orgAre any mythological creatures mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Nadab and Abihu? | GotQuestions.orgStrange: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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