Idols, Idols, Everywhere
Ancient Babylon was characterized by many things…wealth, power, strength, sensuality, self-indulgence… the list goes on. Yet predominant even over all of these was her devotion to idol worship. Temples. Festivals. Sacrifices. Prayers. Oaths. Idolatry heavily flavored almost every historical remnant of Babylonian culture.
As we read Of Fire and Lions, our first encounter with idol worship happens before the five young captives even step foot into Babylon’s gates. In the captive encampment, Abigail asks Ashpenaz about the creature-like golden image positioned outside every tent. Bowing in reverence to the idol, he says it is Sirrush, the earthly representation of the Babylonian god Marduk.
Forty days later, upon arriving in Babylon, the five young captives come face to face with the late King Nabopolassar’s reconstructed Tower of Babel. Abigail is assigned to the Esagila temple to eventually serve as a priestess to the god, Marduk. And the Judean princes are given new names by Ashpenaz honoring the Babylonian gods of Bel, Aku and Nebo.
As the story progresses, we see idolatry continually at odds with the Judean captives while they seek to remain faithful to Yahweh alone. To stay alive Belili bows to the Median god of oaths. Nebuchadnezzar commands the officials of all provinces to worship his golden statue, which costs Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael a trip to the fiery furnace. Daniel faces the den of lions in his old age because he refuses to pray to Darius alone. Idols, idols everywhere.
With over 2000 years time between us and them, we might be tempted to think all that is ancient past. But maybe idols aren’t just lumps of wood or gold or stone. I’ve heard Mesu define an idol as, “anything we rely on more than God—or in place of God.”
For the duration of this lesson we will spend time focusing on what Scripture says about idolatry and how it relates to the people of God—then and now. My prayer is that we’ll have a renewed faith in Yahweh as the one true God and commit more passionately to follow Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Part One | Who is Yahweh?
Yahweh is the One True God
In considering what the Bible says about God being the one, true God, the best place to start is at the beginning. Turn in your Bible to Genesis 1:1-2.
Who is present at creation?
Who is doing the creating?
Is there any other god or created being also present and active in creating the world?
Before the creation of the world, God existed. He alone brought forth all of creation from Himself. When anyone worships anything created by God, instead of God, that is idolatry. Romans 1:25 says it this way, “…they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever!”
Now let’s take this a step further. Skip ahead to the next book of the Bible, Exodus, where we read how God revealed himself as the one, true God to His chosen people. Exodus 1 describes how His people—the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—had become bitterly enslaved in the land of Egypt under Pharaoh’s harsh rule and reign. God saw them in their bondage and heard their cries. With a heart of tender mercy and faithful love, He sent Moses to deliver His people up and out of slavery and to bring them to Himself.
He did this through a series of mighty acts of judgment, each one showcasing his powerful authority over the false gods of Egypt.
Read Exodus 6:6-7. What does God want His people to know?
Now read Exodus 7:5,17 and 8:10,22. Who else does God want to know that He is the LORD?
Look carefully at Exodus 12:12. Upon whom does God say He will execute judgments in the last plague? What do you think God is declaring about Himself in this statement?
Why do you think it was important for the Hebrew people to know and believe that God is the LORD, the one, true God as they were delivered from bondage and taken into the wilderness? (see Exodus 14:30-31)
In delivering His people out of bondage with powerful and mighty acts of judgment, God proclaimed to the world that He is the One true God and He is for His people. It was essential for the Hebrew people to know and believe this about God if they were to follow Him into the promised land and love and worship Him only. He was establishing Himself not only as their God, but as the one, true God. He knew in the promised land they would be confronted and surrounded by many forms of idol worship. They would need to look back and remember God’s unmistakable display of supreme power and authority so when tempted to turn to other gods they may remember to fear, love and serve Him only. He is trustworthy. And He is true.
Scripture has much to say in declaring Yahweh as the one, true God. Look up the following verses and jot down any additional thoughts about who God says He is.
Exodus 20:1-6
Isaiah 44:6-8
Isaiah 46:1-11
How important is it to Him that His people believe He is the one, true God and worship Him only?
Can you explain your answer?
Our final question turns our focus back to our own hearts in response to what we have just studied. What do you believe about Yahweh? What does it mean for you personally that He is the one, true God?
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