Looks like the expected topics have been covered on this one... So a personal ramble...
This photograph clearly shows a niche that originally contained a god or goddess. The idol, possibly made of silver or gold, stood on the pedestal inside the carved hollow. Archaeologists believe this niche dates to the time of Jesus. (from http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=4962)
The Hallel includes Psalms 113-118 and 135-136. In addition to all the Torah, Rabbi Yeshua would have memorized these psalms and recited/chanted/sung them during Jewish feasts. See if the end of Psalm 118 looks familiar (palm branches anyone? - Ps. 118:25)...
What does the Hallel have to do with "Idols" you might ask?
An excerpt from Psalm 115 includes the following:
"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.
Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases.
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; they make no sound in their throats.
Those who make them are like them; so are all who trust in them.
O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield."
"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.
Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases.
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; they make no sound in their throats.
Those who make them are like them; so are all who trust in them.
O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield."
I have been working with my kids to memorize the Hallel. It can be an arduous process, but this section is easy. By touching their mouths, noses, ears, etc. the text comes alive and can be fun. At the same time we try to talk about idols (i.e. basketballs, ponies, television...). Such a concept can be difficult (sigh).
The interesting thing is that the idols of biblical times were not just laying about one's home. Niches were carved. A place was made for the idol. How often do we carve places out places for idols? The idol can be thrown away, but the niche is more difficult to hide.
the niche can be more difficult to hide. hmm... interesting.
ReplyDeletei guess we tend to do that with our identities as well. we all want to have little areas that are holy - "set apart".