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The Worship of Baal The Problem of Elijah: Idolatry / Baalism. Understanding Baalism. ‘Baal’ a means “lord, master, or owner.” Baal was the most popular because he was considered the god of fertility in all aspects of life--human, animal, and vegetable. The Problem of Elijah: Idolatry / Baalism. Understanding Baalism. ‘Baal’ a means “lord, master, or owner.” Baal was the most popular because he was considered the god of fertility in all aspects of life--human, animal, and vegetable.
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The Worship of Baal1 Kings
05/11/2008Dr. Dane Boyles
The Worship of BaalIntroduction• God’s backslidden people were in a state of
ambivalence. • They believed in the true God and they
believed in Baal. • They were doing a little bit of Baal and doing
a little bit of God.• Neutrality with God is like treason or
disloyalty.
The Worship of BaalThe Problem of Elijah: Idolatry /
Baalism.• Understanding Baalism.
‘Baal’ a means “lord, master, or owner.” Baal was the most popular because he
was considered the god of fertility in all aspects of life--human, animal, and vegetable.
The Worship of Baal• The background of 1 Kings 17-19.
Worship was localized so that each area worshipped its own Baal.
In Elijah’s time, Israel worshipped Baal at Tyre.
Jezebel, a Tyrian princess, introduced the worship of Baal into Israel.
The Worship of Baal• Baal worship included the following:
The offering of incense and burnt sacrifices.
9 “ ‘Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known (Jer 7:9, NIV)
The Worship of BaalSometimes the offering of human
sacrifices5 They have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind. (Jer 19:5, NIV)
The Worship of BaalIt especially included licentious
sexual activity—including sodomy (cf. 1 Kings. 14:23-24; 15:12; with 22:46).
• This was one of the darkest hours of Israel’s history.
The Worship of BaalWhy the Israelites had fallen into
spiritual compromise:• It carried the appeal of royal sanction.
It was en vogue and stylish.• There was an appeal to tradition and
history. It was culturally relevant.
The Worship of Baal• Baal worship offered an appeal of
relevance, an ability to touch felt needs.
The Worship of BaalNote how similar 9th century Israel
and 21st century America are.• Religious pluralism is the rage. • Cultural diversity is the mantra of our
society, especially in the field of education.
• Pragmatism is the name of the game.
The Worship of BaalConclusion• Elijah, standing on Mount Carmel nearly
3000 years ago, poses a question we need today:
“How long will we waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him. If not, follow someone else.”
