What does the Bible say about iconoclasm?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God’s people must reject idolatry and remove objects that invite false worship, preserving wholehearted devotion to him alone. Israel was commanded to tear down pagan altars, pillars, and images rather than adopt the worship practices of surrounding nations (Exodus 23:24; Exodus 34:13; Deuteronomy 7:5). They were even forbidden to desire the precious materials of idols, lest such things become a snare (Deuteronomy 7:25-26). Deuteronomy 12:1-4 calls for the destruction of places devoted to false gods, while Genesis 35:2-4 shows Jacob’s household putting away foreign gods before seeking the Lord. These commands do not authorize careless destruction, but uphold true worship, which belongs to God alone.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Idols to be destroyed Exodus 23:24; Exodus 34:13; Numbers 33:52; Deuteronomy 7:5; Deuteronomy 7:25; Deuteronomy 7:26; Deuteronomy 12:1-4; Judges 2:2; Jeremiah 50:2
- Destroyed by
- Jacob Genesis 35:2-4
- Moses Exodus 32:19; Exodus 32:20
- Gideon Judges 6:28-32
- David 2 Samuel 5:21; 1 Chronicles 14:12
- Jehu 2 Kings 10:26-28
- Jehoiada 2 Kings 11:18
- Hezekiah 2 Kings 18:3-6
- Josiah 2 Kings 23:4-20
- Asa 2 Chronicles 14:3-5; 2 Chronicles 15:8-16
- Jehoshaphat 2 Chronicles 17:6; 2 Chronicles 19:3
- Jews 2 Chronicles 30:14
- Manasseh 2 Chronicles 33:15
- See IDOLATRY
See also
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