MAJOR IDOLS IN THE BIBLE

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Bel was the chief deity of the Babylonians; Nebo was the god of science and learning. These "gods," however, needed animals and people to carry them around and could not even save themselves from being taken into captivity. They have no power at all. In contrast to gods who must be hauled around by people, our God created us and cares for us. His love is so enduring that he will care for us throughout our lifetime and even through death.

b) Below are the major idols mentioned in the Bible.




1. Name: "Bel (Marduk)"

a) Where they were worshipped

@1. Babylon

b) What they stood for

@1. Weather, war, sun god

c) What the worship included

@1. Prostitution, child sacrifice

2. Name: "Nebo (Son of Marduk)" 

a) Where they were worshipped

@1. Babylon

b) What they stood for

@1. Learning, astronomy, science

c) What the worship included

@1. None

3. Name: "Ashtoreth (Asherah)" 

a) Where they were worshipped

@1. Canaan

b) What they stood for

@1. Goddess of love, childbirth, and fertility

c) What the worship included

@1. Prostitution

4. Name: "Chemosh"

a) Where they were worshipped

@1. Moab

b) What they stood for

@1. None

c) What the worship included

@1. Child sacrifice

5. Name: "Molech"

a) Where they were worshipped

@1. Ammon

b) What they stood for

@1. National god

c) What the worship included

@1. Child sacrifice

6. Name: "Baal"

a) Where they were worshipped

@1. Canaan

b) What they stood for

@1. Rain, harvest, symbolized strength and fertility

c) What the worship included

@1. Prostitution

7. Name: "Dagon"

a) Where they were worshipped

@1. Philistia 

b) What they stood for

@1. Harvest, grain, success in farming

c) What the worship included

@1. Child sacrifice

The End ...