Daily Word: Idolatry Part 4

For the last three days, we have examined some types of things that could be considered idols. Our text is Shemoth (Exodus) 20:3-4 which says: You have no other mighty ones against My face. You do not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of that which is in the heavens above, or which is in the earth beneath, or which is in the waters under the earth.... (The Scriptures) Today, we look at the word in our English Bibles translated as "holy." There are entire denominations that are called holiness denominations. They stress dress codes and restrictions on certain entertainments such as television and movies. However, the word holy is not the correct translation for either the Hebrew word qadesh or the Greek word hagios. Qadesh means separation, being set apart, or apartness. The words do not mean to be pious as most people believe. But, does it really make a difference? It does if the word "holy" is a reference to a pagan deity.

The Oxford English Dictionary tells us that the origin of holy found its application in heathen deities found in the Old Norse religious practices. The Dictionary of Mythology Folklore and Symbols states: "HOLY: In practically all languages, the word for holy has been derived from the divinely honored sun." The Encyclopedia of Religions states: "HOLI: The Great Hindu spring festival held in honor of Krishna, as the spring sun-god." The point made is that an effort was made in the fourth century to infiltrate true Christianity with the practices of the sun-god religion. We have seen it previously in reference to the cross. Today, we see it in reference to the word holy (and it would also include references to sanctified or hallow since they are derivatives of qadesh and hagios).

Idolatry must be resisted. We can not "Christianize" pagan festivals and references to pagan gods. We must make a stand to be true to YHWH. Are you prepared to make a stand against idolatry wherever it is found?