"Veneration, Not Worship" Series PART 3: Explanation of Psalm 105:36

 

Biblical Asherah pole

Continuing where we left off in Part 2 , we will next consider verse 36 as an explicit description of idolatry.   

Explanation of Psalm 105:36 

(105:36) And they served their graven images; and it became an offence to them.

This verse refers to Israel’s repeated idolatry, particularly their worship of pagan deities through carved idols (graven images). Throughout their history, the Israelites were influenced by the Canaanite, Egyptian, Moabite, and Babylonian religious systems, all of which involved the worship of deities represented by physical statues, figurines, and cultic objects. The phrase "it became an offense to them" suggests that their idol worship ultimately led to destruction, enslavement, and divine punishment—as seen in their repeated conquest and exile.

Archaeological Evidence of Graven Images

Excavations throughout the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Egypt have uncovered numerous graven images that match the biblical description of idol worship. The following artifacts provide concrete evidence of these cultic practices:

1. Canaanite Idols and Statues (El, Baal, and Asherah Worship)

• Baal and El Figurines: Archaeologists have uncovered small bronze and clay figurines of Baal, the Canaanite storm god, often depicted holding a lightning bolt or with raised arms in a victorious stance. One famous example is a bronze statuette of Baal from Ugarit (modern Ras Shamra, Syria, c. 1400 BC). Baal worship was widespread among the Israelites despite God's prohibitions (Judges 2:11-13, 1 Kings 18).

• Asherah Poles and Pillars: Many clay figurines of Asherah, the Canaanite fertility goddess, have been found in Israelite households, particularly from the Iron Age II period (900–586 BC). Asherah was often worshipped alongside Baal, and sacred wooden poles or trees (called Asherim in the Bible) were erected in her honor (Deuteronomy 16:21, 1 Kings 14:23).

• Temple at Tel Arad (Judah, 9th–8th century BC): This temple, found in southern Israel, contained two standing stones (masseboth) believed to represent Yahweh and Asherah, suggesting syncretism in early Israelite worship.

2. Egyptian Influence (Golden Calf and Egyptian Deities)

• The Golden Calf (Exodus 32) was likely inspired by Egyptian bull cults, particularly Apis (Memphis) and Mnevis (Heliopolis). Egyptian reliefs depict bull worship, and a bronze bull idol from Samaria (12th century BC) suggests similar practices in early Israel.

• Hathor and Isis Amulets: Excavations in Israel, including sites like Lachish and Hazor, have uncovered Egyptian-style figurines of goddesses like Hathor (cow deity) and Isis, showing cultural-religious influence.

3. Mesopotamian Idols and Practices

• Babylonian and Assyrian Influence: The exile of Israel (722 BC) and Judah (586 BC) led to greater exposure to Mesopotamian religious practices. Statues of Marduk, Ishtar, and Tammuz were central to Babylonian worship, and Ezekiel 8:14 specifically condemns Israelite women for "weeping for Tammuz," a fertility god.

• Cuneiform Tablets from Babylon (6th Century BC): Babylonian records describe forced participation in idol worship, including bowing to Marduk and Nebo, which aligns with Daniel 3 (Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image).

Expectations of Service to the Image

Worshiping a graven image in the ancient Near East typically involved several ritualistic obligations:

1. Bowing and Prostration – Worshippers physically knelt or lay prostrate before the idol. This is seen in Daniel 3 when Nebuchadnezzar commands people to bow before the golden image.

2. Sacrificial Offerings – Animals (oxen, sheep, doves) and sometimes human sacrifices (especially among the Moabites, see 2 Kings 3:27) were offered to idols. Archaeological evidence from Topheth (Carthage, related to Phoenician-Moabite worship) suggests child sacrifices to gods like Moloch.

3. Incense and Libations – Altars with charred remains of incense and wine containers have been found at Canaanite sites, confirming ritual burning of incense (Jeremiah 44:17-19).

4. Oracular and Divinatory Practices – Priests used omens, astrology, and casting lots to interpret the will of the gods through the idols. Mesopotamian temples had clay tablets documenting divine revelations through idols.

5. Sacred Prostitution – Worship of fertility deities like Baal and Asherah often involved sexual rites in temple complexes (Hosea 4:13-14), confirmed by Canaanite and Mesopotamian temple structures with separate chambers for priestesses and prostitutes.

Summary

Psalm 105:36 describes Israel’s downfall through idol worship, which led to moral and national ruin. Archaeological discoveries confirm the existence of graven images, sacrificial altars, fertility cult figurines, and ritual texts, providing strong evidence of the physical objects and religious obligations tied to idolatry. These findings align with biblical accounts, showing how the Israelites fell into pagan worship despite God's commandments, leading to their eventual exile and suffering.