The Prophets About Idolatry, Social Injustice, and Religious Ritualizm

THE PROPHETS ABOUT IDOLATRY, SOCIAL INJUSTICE, AND RELIGIOUS RITUALIZM

In northern Israel there was a lot of idolatry, they would worship idols that were made of inanimate objects. When the northern kingdom became economically prosperous the turned from God, and started to worship idols. Dr Ed Hinson wrote “The northern kingdom began to worship calf idols shortly after breaking away from Judah and the Jerusalem temple.” Amos in chapter 13:14 proclaims to the people that the Lord Jehovah will cut off the horns at the alters of Beth-el. This is another example were the Lord had to remind his people that he is God, and that they should not waste their time with idols. In our modern culture this from of worship still happens today. One of the main reasons why I decided at a young age to leave Catholicism, is I feel they have a tendency to idolize other people. Albeit they were good people, I feel there is no need to pray to a saint or mother Mary, because they are not the Lord.

Another problem that the prophets spoke about is social injustice. During the time of the Minor Prophets social injustice was running ramped in the culture. This social injustice had a lot to do with the vast amount of wealth that accumulated throughout the land. One of the many examples of social injustice is where the wealthy and powerful persons used their wealth and power to influence the poor. The influence that the wealthy and powerful has was used against the poor, for greedy and selfish reasons, usually for personal gain, and pleasure. This over time made a great disparity between the wealthy and the poor people. The prophet Micah stated in chapter 2:2 “And they covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and take them away: and they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.” Micah was declaring Gods judgments on the people who did social injustice, such as desiring another man’s home, and property. The wealthy corrupt individuals in this era of Israel’s society,...