Nehushtan a Piece of Bronze ∙∙∙
Hezekiah broke up the bronze serpent that Moses had made because the people of Israel had been offering sacrifices to it. The bronze serpent was called Nehushtan. – 2 Kings 18:4
Ezekiel 14:3-6
Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will lead them into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?
Therefore, tell the people of Israel, “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent and turn away from your idols, and stop all your detestable sins.”
The Subtle Reality of Modern Idolatry
As humans, we are inherently drawn to worship and cherish things, yet we often fail to recognize this inclination within ourselves. The notion of being idol worshipers may seem absurd to many. “Idols? Me? I don’t have any idols!” we might insist, dismissing idolatry as a relic of ancient, uninformed cultures bowing before lifeless, carved images. However, idolatry is neither confined to the past nor limited to primitive societies.
Could it be that we, too, are guilty of idolatry in more subtle forms? While we may not kneel before physical statues, we frequently elevate other things, money, status, technology, or personal ambitions, to a position of first importance in our lives. This modern manifestation of idolatry is just as real and just as perilous as the ancient practices we so readily dismiss.
The Father’s Timeless Warnings
In His infinite wisdom, the Father anticipated humanity’s enduring struggle with idolatry. For this reason, He issued strong warnings in the first two of the Ten Commandments. Far from being harsh restrictions, these commandments serve as compassionate guidance, intended to shield us from the destructive consequences of misplaced devotion.
Deuteronomy 5:7-9:
“You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.
You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.”
The Father’s intention is not to impose limitations but to preserve our relationship with Him and shield us from the destructive impact that idols, whether ancient or modern, can have on our lives.
What Is an Idol?
Webster defines idolatry as “the worship of a physical object as a god.” However, the concept extends far beyond this definition. “An idol is anything we place above the Father in our hearts.” It can encompass things we hold dear, like success, a person, a hobby, a sports team, social media, or even ourselves. Yes, self-worship is a form of idolatry.
The Bronze Serpent: A Biblical Example
The story of the bronze serpent illustrates how even good things can become idols. In Numbers 21:4-9, the Father instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent to save the Israelites from death by fiery serpents. After it served its purpose, the people kept it as a relic instead of discarding it. Over time, this lifeless object became an idol.
The Hebrew word Nehushtan translates to “a bronze serpent,” “a brass thing,” or simply “a piece of bronze.” Despite its original purpose, the people began to worship it. When Hezekiah became king, he recognized the idolatry and ordered its destruction, purging the land of idols.
This story reminds us that even good intentions can become harmful when they take the Father’s place in our hearts.
The Deceptive Nature of the Human Heart
The human heart is prone to self-deception, often leading us to elevate things beyond their rightful place.
Jeremiah 17:9: “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?”
To align ourselves with the Father, we must take a personal inventory of our lives, identify anything we prioritize above Him, and remove any idols we discover.
REFLECT & PRAY
When something good becomes corrupted and takes the place of the Father, it is time to eradicate it. As Charles Stanley wisely notes, “When we take something made to be good and turn it into something vile, it is time to eliminate it entirely.”
Father, my heart is indeed deceitful and wicked. Protect me from self-deception and help me to recognize and remove anything that I have placed above You.
INSIGHT
The Hidden Idols of the Heart
Discussions on idolatry often center around physical idols crafted from stone, wood, or precious metals. However, a far more insidious form of idolatry exists, idols hidden within our hearts. These unseen idols do not rest on visible pedestals but are instead elevated internally, taking over the sacred space reserved for the Father.
The Father demands exclusive allegiance, not only in outward actions but, more importantly, in the depths of our hearts. In Ezekiel 14, He warns ancient Israel about the danger of “idols in their hearts.” These internal idols subtly put distance between them and the Father, paving the way for sin and lawlessness.
Ezekiel 14:3: “They set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin.”
The Meaning Behind the Idols
The Hebrew term Ezekiel uses for “idols” is gillulim, “a word with a deeply contemptuous, derogatory connotation.” It is often translated “detestable idols” and refers to “something round, clod-like, or refuse-like, dung pellets” (Vine) or “dung-idols” (NIDOTTE). “This imagery underscores the worthlessness and defilement of these idols.” Ezekiel’s use of gillulim highlights the prophet’s disdain for idolatry and underscores the spiritual corruption and futility of worshiping anything other than the one true God.
The irony for the people of Israel was striking. While their outward devotion to the Lord seemed unwavering, inwardly they were afflicted by a spiritual heart disease. Their souls grew lean, starved by misplaced priorities and misguided beliefs.
What they perceived as beneficial was, in truth, leading them further from the Father. Rather than rejecting these flawed thoughts and practices, they clung to them, ultimately paving the way for their spiritual collapse.
Solomon explained in Proverbs 28:26: “Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.”
The prophet Obadiah recognizes the foolishness of self-deception in Obadiah 1:3: “Your own pride and arrogance have deceived you.”
Searching for Hidden Nehushtans
Do you have any old “bronze or brass” idols lingering in your heart? These hidden Nehushtans, objects or ideas we elevate to a place of worship, can be difficult to identify. The Father calls us to reflect deeply and to search for these concealed idols, asking for His guidance in removing them.
Psalms 139:23-24:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
The Pain of Idolatry
The Hebrew word otseb, translated as “wicked” (KJV), “grievous” (ESV), “hurtful” (NAS), or “offensive” (NLT, NIV), refers to “an act that causes pain or offense to another.” This term originates from the Hebrew verb asab, which can be literally translated as “a way of pain.”
Who feels this pain? The Father does. When we allow idols to take root in our hearts, we grieve Him deeply. The psalmist’s plea, “Point out anything in me that offends you,” reflects the Father’s desire for us to remove these idols and restore our relationship with Him.
Interestingly, the word otseb is also translated as “idol” in Isaiah 48:5: “My idol has done it.” This connection highlights the profound offense idolatry causes to the Father.
The Father’s Grief
What could cause the Father greater sorrow than witnessing those who profess to love Him bow to idols they have erected within their hearts? These concealed idols, whether rooted in pride, self-reliance, or misplaced priorities, not only damage our own well-being but deeply wound the One who loves us unconditionally. We must earnestly seek His guidance to uncover and eliminate anything that usurps His rightful place in our lives.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯3-16-4
© Dr. H 2026
Dr H Reflections 