Graven Images and Idols:
What Your Pastor Never Told You About The Second Commandment
As Bible Believers and as Parents, we need to raise our children according to the Faith of Yahuweh, and not according to the ways of the world, and certainly not under the influence of devils. When Yahuweh commanded His people that "no graven images" were to be made, acquired, or kept, He was not being cruel and heartless. He knew the great harm these objects could do to His people.
Notice what we are told in the Second Commandment:
Thou shalt not make <06213> unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (Exodus 20:4)In the above verse, the Hebrew word asah is Strong's number <06213>, and means "make, acquire, keep, use, prepare, work, execute, accomplish, fashion," and a host of other meanings, depending on context. From this word we get the idea that graven images are off-limits to Yahuweh's children, in every way. Since this is one of the greatest sources of problems between Yahuweh and His people, we will look at what a graven image is.
What Is A Graven Image?
Mankind is always trying to justify his own actions by attempting to re-define Bible words and meanings. Man would define a Graven Image or idol as something that one would physically bow down to. Yahuweh, on the other hand, is very specific about His definition:Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (Exodus 20:4)
Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the watersbeneath the earth: (Deuteronomy 4:16-18)Notice that Yahuweh's definition of a graven image in the above verses is not dependent on what a man does, or does not do, with that object. In the above Scripture passages, Yahuweh makes no distinction between an object that is worshipped, and one that is not worshipped. These are simply Graven Images by Yahuweh's definition.
Yahuweh's definition is simply based on a clear explanation of being an image or likeness of a living creature, as given in general in the Exodus verse, and in greater detail in Deuteronomy, as we see above. The term 'likeness' narrows it down to a 3-dimensional object, since a 2-dimensional object bears no likeness to a 3-dimensional object.
Examples of these objects today are abundant, and can be in the form of art objects or figurines in the likeness of people, animals, or angels. They can likewise take the form of stuffed animals and other toys; and also brass eagles, carved birds, fish, horses, and other animals as found in homes and offices; and ceramic sun and moon objects, carved and cast statues, statuettes, African and other native masks, and many others. We will look at what Scripture reveals about the great danger to our wellbeing, and to the wellbeing of our families, as a result of having these items.
Why Do Objects Attract?
Visible, physical objects often appeal to the senses, delight the flesh, and have great attraction to man's soulish realm. However, we need to be cautious, and realize that such objects can carry with them unseen spiritual realities that can actually bring a curse to the one who has the object in his home or office. Notice what Yahuweh warns us about:Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing. (Deuteronomy 7:26)It is clear throughout Scripture that graven images and idols were among the many forms of abominationsthat were off-limits to Yahuweh's people. We see in the above passage that if an abomination were to be brought into our place of habitation, whether home or office, it will put the same curse upon us, that that object is under.
We have been clearly warned. These are not simply figurines, art objects, or toys, as the world sees them. In the spiritual realm, these objects are abominations, and are the equivalent of spiritual 'dog dung.' They not only stink, but they attract spiritual 'flies' or demons, and the curses that go along with the demons. Do we want our homes full of these demons? It is these demons that can cause uncurable sicknesses, and all types of troubles in the home, which take the form of curses.
Bible-Believing families should be shocked to learn these things that their Pastors and Leaders never told them, but that affect our lives so greatly. We should check our homes for any objects that fit the Scriptural definitions, and we ought to destroy them, or burn them, or throw them out immediately!
"Housecleaning" is what we call getting rid of anything in our homes that may cause demonic problems. We must look throughout our homes, and pray diligently, seeking Yahuweh's guidance about any items that need to be destroyed — items that are graven images by the Bible definition, and are idols or abominations in Yahuweh's eyes. This covers all statues, figurines, dolls, stuffed animals, and the like. There comes a great freedom and healing in all areas of our home — in the health of our bodies, in our emotional wellbeing, and in the peace in our home — when we begin to be obedient to the Second Commandment.
The Second Commandment says to NOT MAKE or ACQUIRE a graven image of any living being. Yahweh knew if we were to make them or have them, we would become attached to them, and that is a form of worshipping them. Through our natural sentimentality toward an object, we can create an attachment to that object, and an eventual stronghold of idolatry.
Besides this, having something in our home that Yahweh has told us NOT TO MAKE or ACQUIRE is disobedience. Yahweh knows that having forbidden graven images leads to idolatry.
Our disobedience becomes idolatry when we practice 'our own understanding' of the Scriptures, rather than what the Scriptures actually say. Our own understanding becomes an idol, when it becomes a substitute for Yahweh's Word. Thus many Believers today are unknowingly practicing idolatry, when they make or have a forbidden object, yet do not 'bow down' to it.
Simply having these things in our homes give the demons a legal right to enter our homes, and to remain, until we repent of all disobedience! This is the source of much sorrow today in homes and families of otherwise faithful Believers. They are simply ignorant of the importance of obedience to the Second Commandment!
In Romans 1:25, the Scripture points out that there are MANY who change the truth of Yahuweh into a LIE, and by doing so they worship and serve a creature more than the Creator. Think about it. If Yahushua came to your door and said, "Get rid of your carved images," could you readily discard them and trash them? Would you hesitate, aching over the value and sentiment that they represented and held to you?
The Family Toybox
The Holy Spirit has revealed a tactic of the enemy against our children. This attack is presented in the form of dolls, stuffed animal toys, and figures of toy soldiers, heroes, monsters, and objects imitating other life forms, whether real or imaginary. These are graven images by Yahuweh's definition!As parents, we desire the obedience of our children. So it is with Yahuweh. He desires the trusting obedience of His children. Are you one of His children? He has told you very simply, "to obey is better." (1Sam.15:22) Those who love their heavenly Father, are those who will obey Him.
What Are Dolls?
Most parents like to give their daughters dolls to play with. But what are dolls? Have we ever looked at the history of dolls?Let's look at this example. One encyclopedia says that the origin of dolls is witchcraft and magic; in other words — demonic. In many early societies, only witch doctors or medicine men were allowed to handle them, because of their close association with demonic influence and curses. To this day, multitudes of idol (demon) worshippers use dolls in pagan religious ceremonies.
The dictionary gives one definition of a doll as "a small carved or molded figure that served as a cult object or representation of a nursery story, cartoon, or puppet character." Much of the history of dolls includes the reputation of dolls as being used to bring good luck to their owners. Children were not allowed to touch the dolls, because they were thought to have magical powers.
These 'Good luck' dolls were supposed to bring rain or food when there was a desperate need. Sometimes it was believed that such dolls could make goats give more milk or could help win wars. Some thought dolls could make sick people become well. In voodoo practice, dolls are supposed to bring curses on people, and also to make healthy people become sick. Since they are accursed by Yahuweh, they actually can and do bring these and other bizarre results.
Some primitive tribes would make wooden dolls that looked like ugly elves. They were supposed to frighten people. When an Egyptian died, dolls would be buried with the dead person, to become friends and servants for him in the spirit world.
Every time the Israelites started worshipping idols, Yahuweh sent them into captivity and bondage as punishment. Phrases such as, "lest your corrupt yourselves," (Deut. 4:16); "the anger of the LORD burned against Israel," (Judges 3:7); "it is abomination," (Deut 7:25,26); "the LORD thy God hateth," (Deut 16:22); "provoked him to anger," (Ps 78:58); and "moved him to jealousy," (Ps 78:58) — all these phrases are associated with graven (carved) images.
Homes Under A Curse
Today many homes of Bible Believers are under a curse, and the inhabitants are not even aware of it. The Proverbs tell us that the curse does not come without a cause (Prov 26:2). The moment we bring a forbidden object into our house or building, we establish a legal cause for a curse to come into that realm of our authority.As a result, problems and difficulties that arise with your children or other inhabitants, in the form of unusual discipline problems, out-of-the-ordinary or chronic sickness, accidents, emotional problems, and many others, may be likely caused by an accursed object in the home. Parents and children alike may need DELIVERANCE from the demonic influence, and from the curse of idolatry of these graven images (formed, carved, fashioned images).
Enemy Strongholds In Our Homes
Objects, including some that are not graven images of living things, can become enemy strongholds; and it is because of these strongholds, that many of Yahuweh's people are not able to stand before their enemies (Josh 7:11-12; Jud 2:14-17). These can be in the form of a trinket, jewelry, or sentimental object, received as a gift or memento, or inherited from someone previously involved in occult practices of any kind, as far back as the third and fourth generation (Deut 5:9). Having such objects give the demons the legal right to remain.These strongholds must be removed from the house or building. The parents must repent, by destroying the object. If possible, it should be burned, so that no one else may find or retrieve the object, and become accursed likewise.
Once the legal right to remain has been removed from the house, an eviction must take place, by commanding these spiritual 'flies' or demons, in the name of Yahushua Messiah, to leave, and never return.
Acknowledging to Yahuweh our sin of idolatry is an important step in gaining deliverance from demonic strongholds. A simple confession and renouncing of our sin, and coming out of agreement with idolatry, and coming into agreement with Yahuweh, is often the key to freedom. Both children and parents may need to do this.
It is our repentance and obedience that restores our household and our authority in Yahushua. Once we are restored, we can then exercise our authority in the name of Yahushua. We may then command the demons to leave, and break the curse.
Demons know exactly when someone has authority, and when they do not. This is not a game; and a flippant attitude may create a problem seven times worse than before (Matt 12:43-45). It is safe to first remove the object, then through prayer, receive direction on any further steps to be taken.
If these steps do not result in a sense of peace and freedom, then you may need to seek the help of others. There are many deliverance ministries today that have a heart to help those who are seeking freedom from demonic strongholds.
Idols of the Heart
One consequence of having de jure idols (idols by legal definition only) is that they later become de factoidols, or idols of the heart. Are we attached in any way to our collection of graven images — our figurines, dolls, or toys? Our flesh will scream out against obedience to the Second Commandment. Nevertheless, this is the sin of idolatry, which is a stronghold in many lives, and is forbidden. Idolatry manifests itself in many ways. First, let's look at what Scripture tells us about idols and idolatry:Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. (1Corinthians 10:14)
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1John 5:21)Beloved, we are to flee from idols, and from idolatry. In the New Testament times, most knew what idols and idolatry were. It is only the gentiles, the heathen, that had no background in the Commandments of Scripture, and were ignorant. Today there are multitudes of Believing ones, who likewise are ignorant of the commandments in Scripture, and the effects of disobedience. Their Pastors and Leaders have simply not told them anything about this Truth of Scripture, because it would not 'fit into' the theology they learned from their Theological Seminaries and Bible Schools.
Notice what else Yahuweh tells us about idolatry:
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry (<08655> 'teraphim' = "household images"). Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (1Samuel 15:23)This example spoken to Saul, reveals the same result He will have for us today, if we refuse to allow "Messiah-in-us" to walk in obedience to the Second Commandment, just as Messiah did when He walked the earth 2,000 years ago in His own body.
Yahuweh does not need us to have or to use any graven images, idols, or statues of any kind to sell and promote His Kingdom. All that is required is walking in the Truth of the Bible. Our simple obedience to the true teachings of the Word of Yahuweh will result in signs, wonders, and miracles following. Our Saviour said that if you do not believe Me, then believe My miracles. He brought deliverance and set the captives free.
"Taste and see" the goodness of Yahuweh, when we begin to obey the Second Commandment. He will give us victory over demonic strongholds, and the peace that surpasses our ability to understand how great it is. These are blessings that the disobedient, and those of the world, can never taste.
Conclusion
The world's way of raising children is NOT Yahuweh's way. Love your children the way Yahuweh wants you to love them. Remove the graven images from their toybox, and from their rooms, and from your home — and deliver them out of the hand of the enemy. Repent of your lack of knowledge of Yahuweh's Word, and love your children enough to remove the curses that continue to come upon them, simply because we as parents have been as disobedient children of Yahuweh (Eph 5:5-6; Col 3:5-6).Any type of collection of figurines, art objects, dolls, toys, or any other likeness of living things (such as owls and frogs especially, which are stated as abominations to Yahuweh), unicorns, birds, elephants, mice, fish, bears, soldiers — any object which depicts one of Yahuweh's created living beings, as well as likenesses of the heavenly bodies — are graven images, and are idols.
Yahuweh strictly forbids the MAKING or ACQUIRING of them. You may have just one or two of these items in your home or office, but only a few are just as deadly as a whole collection.
Because of idols, many of Yahuweh's people become deceived, and thus they prevent themselves from making progress and attaining victory in many little ways in their walk with Yahuweh. Refusing to clean out the home of graven images causes a blockage in their progress, therefore they begin to lack the willingness to 'do what it takes' to grow and mature further — to become a mighty overcomer. This deception often begins with the thought, "Oh, Yahuweh knows my heart; He knows I love Him, and these objects are insignificant, and nothing to concern myself over."
Pastors, do you experience a lack of prayer results, or perceive a blockage in your ministry? Perhaps you might want to consider whether you have unknowingly allowed forbidden objects into your home or office.
Many Bible Believers have given testimony of deliverance from curses brought on by these objects. Many have testified of what these objects can do, and of the curses these objects bring on individuals and entire households — until they begin to walk in obedience to the Second Commandment.
Articlefrom:
http://www.thewayprepared.com/studies/2nd-commandment.html
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