We Become

What We Worship

A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF IDOLATRY

G. K. Beale

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InterVarsity Press

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© 2008 by G. K. Beale

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To my children,

Stephen, Nancy, and Hannah,

and to Eric, my son-in-law:

may they become increasingly “conformed

to the image of” Christ

ROMANS 8:29

Contents

Abbreviations

Preface

1: Introduction

What Is Idolatry?

Other Literature on Idolatry

A Brief Comment on the Interpretive Approach of This Book

2: A Foundational Example of Becoming Like What We Worship

The Theological Problem Posed by Isaiah 6

Isaiah 6:9–10 as a Judgment for Idolatry

The Effect and Extent of the Judgment on Idolatry: Isaiah 6:11–12

The Further Effect and Extent of the Judgment on Idolatry: Isaiah 6:13

Conclusion

Excursus: Consideration of an Ancient Near Eastern Background to Isaiah 6

3: Becoming Like What We Worship

Deuteronomy

Analogical Relevance of the Golden Calf Episode to the Idolatry of Deuteronomy 29:4

Other Old Testament References Related to Israel’s Worship of the Golden Calf

More Reflections on Idolatry in Other Parts of the Old Testament

Conclusion

4: The Origin of Idolatry in the Old Testament

Genesis 1–3

Portrait of Adam in Ezekiel 28

5: Becoming Like What We Worship

Early Judaism

Judaism’s View of Israel Becoming Like the Calf That They Worshiped

6: Becoming Like What We Worship

The Use of Isaiah in the Synoptic Gospels

The Use of Other Old Testament Idolatry Passages

Conclusion on the Use of Isaiah’s Idolatry Texts in the Gospels

The Use of Isaiah in John

Conclusion

7: Idolatry in Acts

Acts 7

Acts 17:24–25

Acts 28:25–28

Conclusion

8: Becoming Like What We Worship

Paul’s View of Idolatry in Romans 1

The Old Testament Background of Romans 1:21–25...