On the Fence – YHVH and Asherah • Prophets of Baal | Idolatry

Welcome to a teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, where we explore the depths of biblical narrative and history, often uncovering fascinating archaeological evidence that supports the biblical accounts. In this session, we delve into a critical period in the history of Israel and Judah, focusing on the pervasive issue of idolatry and the pivotal moments when individuals and leaders called the people back to true worship of Yahweh. Matthew Vander Els guides us through this exploration, highlighting the consequences of divided loyalties and the enduring call for complete devotion to God.

Historical Context

Following the reign of Solomon, the unified kingdom of Israel tragically split into two separate entities: the northern kingdom of Israel (also known as Ephraim) and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division had significant geographical and economic implications. The northern kingdom, encompassing regions like Galilee and Samaria, was characterized by fertile land, making it ideal for agriculture and vineyards. This abundance opened up opportunities for trade with neighboring nations such as the Ammonites, Edomites, and Philistines. Archaeology reveals that despite periods of conflict, there was also considerable trade and interaction between these groups. The southern kingdom of Judah, in contrast, was largely a desert region with some greenery, particularly during the rainy season. Jerusalem, with the Temple of Solomon, remained in the southern kingdom.

The Introduction of Idolatry

The economic prosperity of the northern kingdom led to increased interaction with their neighbors, including the Phoenicians, who were renowned maritime traders and manufacturers. To strengthen alliances and trade relationships, royal marriages became common. A significant turning point occurred when King Ahab of Israel married Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who did not worship Yahweh. Jezebel actively promoted the worship of Baal, a storm god associated with rain and thunder, and Asherah, a mother goddess associated with blessing and fertility. These deities were central to Canaanite mythology, often viewed as consorts. Jezebel brought prophets and priests of Baal and Asherah to Israel, actively seeking to supplant the worship of Yahweh and even persecuting the prophets of Yahweh. This was a time when the people of Israel had already strayed from exclusive devotion to Yahweh, establishing their own altars and golden calves in places like Dan and Bethel. Jezebel’s influence intensified this idolatry, creating a climate of spiritual compromise.

Elijah’s Confrontation on Mount Carmel

In this context of widespread idolatry, the prophet Elijah emerged as a powerful voice calling the people back to Yahweh. Elijah confronted King Ahab and instigated a dramatic contest on Mount Carmel between himself, representing Yahweh, and the hundreds of prophets of Baal. Elijah challenged the people, asking, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, then follow him.” The people remained silent, highlighting their indecisiveness. The challenge involved each side preparing a bull sacrifice on an altar, with the true God demonstrating power by sending fire to consume the offering. The prophets of Baal called out to their god for hours, even engaging in self-mutilation, but there was no response. Elijah then built an altar with twelve stones, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing a return to the foundational unity of the nation. He dramatically soaked the altar and the sacrifice with twelve jars of water, even filling a trench around it, to make the subsequent fire a clear demonstration of divine power. Elijah’s prayer to Yahweh was a plea to vindicate him as God’s prophet and to turn the hearts of the people back to Him. The Lord answered Elijah’s prayer with a powerful fire that consumed everything, including the water and the stones. Witnessing this undeniable display of divine power, the people fell prostrate and declared, “The Lord, he is God! The Lord, he is God!” Following this victory, Elijah, with the support of the people, had the prophets of Baal brought down to the Kishon Valley and executed.

Idolatry in Judah

Despite the powerful demonstration of Yahweh’s power on Mount Carmel, the problem of idolatry persisted not only in Israel but also in Judah. Even with the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem and the Levitical priesthood, the people of Judah began to incorporate the worship of other gods alongside Yahweh. Archaeological discoveries, such as the temple found at Tel Arad, south of Jerusalem, reveal the extent of this syncretism. Within the holiest of holies of this Judahite temple, archaeologists uncovered two standing stones (stele) and incense altars. The larger stone and altar were likely dedicated to Yahweh, while the smaller ones are believed to have been dedicated to Asherah, considered by some to be Yahweh’s consort or wife. Inscriptions on artifacts like the Corbet El Khom burial stone and pottery shards from Kutelet al-Jarud further suggest the common practice of associating Asherah with Yahweh. This archaeological evidence corroborates the biblical accounts of the people’s confusion about their God and their tendency to blend the worship of Yahweh with pagan deities. This mixing of worship is precisely what Elijah had challenged on Mount Carmel.

Josiah’s Reform

It was not until the reign of King Josiah that a significant and comprehensive effort was made to eradicate idolatry from Judah and recentralize the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem. Josiah is described as an exceptionally righteous king who was deeply committed to honoring God. He undertook a thorough reform, removing idolatrous priests and dismantling the high places and altars dedicated to Baal, the sun, the moon, the constellations, and all the hosts of heaven. Josiah even removed the Asherah pole from the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, demonstrating the extent to which pagan worship had infiltrated even the central place of Yahweh’s presence. His actions aimed to bring the people back to the covenant with Yahweh and to re-establish exclusive worship in the manner prescribed in the scriptures.

Relevance Today

The historical struggles of Israel and Judah with idolatry hold profound lessons for believers today. The temptation to waver in our commitment to God, to incorporate other priorities or beliefs alongside our faith, is a timeless challenge. Just as the Israelites were drawn to Baal for material blessings and Asherah for fertility, we can be tempted to seek fulfillment and security in things other than God. The narrative of Elijah’s confrontation calls us to examine where our ultimate allegiance lies. Are we fully devoted to Yahweh, or do we hobble between different “crutches,” relying on God for some things while seeking satisfaction elsewhere?

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Application for Everyday Life

• Examine Your Loyalties: Identify any areas in your life where your allegiance might be divided.
• Commit to Full Devotion: Make a conscious decision to fully follow Yahweh.
• Reject False Idols: Recognize that idols are not always physical statues.
• Pursue True Worship: True worship involves obedience, justice, and mercy.
• Stand for Truth: Be willing to stand up for godly justice and truth.
• Centralize Your Focus on God: Ensure that God is the central focus of your life.
• Learn from History: Reflect on Israel’s failures to avoid repeating mistakes.
• Allow the Holy Spirit to Work: Be open to the Holy Spirit revealing areas of divided loyalty.

References

• 1 Kings 18:19
• Mark 11:15
• The Bible