The Holy Spirit is not merely a mystical presence but the very breath, wisdom, and power of God working in and through believers. Isaiah 11:2 offers one of the clearest biblical outlines of the Holy Spirit's attributes, describing seven distinct manifestations—often called the seven powers or spirits of the Holy Spirit. These powers were fully embodied in Jesus Christ and are given to believers to live godly and victorious lives. Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) " And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. " Let’s look at each power in detail: 1. The Spirit of the Lord This is the foundational presence of the Holy Spirit—the sovereign power of God that rests upon a person for divine assignment. It represents God’s anointing, approval, and presence. ...
In biblical times, altars were places of spiritual transaction—platforms where divine or demonic powers were invoked. While godly altars honored the Lord and established covenantal relationships, evil altars were the opposite—they provoked God’s wrath and opened doors to curses, bondage, and idolatry. These altars were often raised in rebellion against God's authority and were associated with false gods, witchcraft, and ungodly sacrifices. Let’s explore the different types of evil altars mentioned in Scripture:
1. Altars of Idolatry
One of the most common forms of evil altars was that built for idol worship. These altars diverted the hearts of the people from the living God to lifeless images and demonic spirits.
Biblical Example:
● King Ahab built an altar for Baal in Samaria and led Israel into gross idolatry (1 Kings 16:32-33).
● Jeroboam set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent Israelites from going to Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12:28-30).
Spiritual Implication:
These altars promoted false worship and brought national corruption. God always condemned idolatry because it represented covenant betrayal and spiritual adultery.
2. Altars for Child Sacrifice
Perhaps the most horrifying altars in the Bible were those where children were sacrificed to pagan gods like Molech. These practices were abominations in God’s sight.
Biblical Example:
● In the Valley of Hinnom (Topheth), children were burned alive in sacrifice to Molech (Jeremiah 7:31, 2 Kings 23:10).
● Even some kings of Judah, like Ahaz and Manasseh, engaged in this vile practice (2 Chronicles 28:3; 2 Kings 21:6).
Spiritual Implication:
Child sacrifice was not only wicked but invited divine judgment. It symbolized the highest form of satanic dedication.
3. High Places
High places were elevated sites used for unauthorized or syncretistic worship. Though sometimes initially used to worship Yahweh, they often became centers for idol worship.
Biblical Example:
● Solomon, under the influence of his foreign wives, built high places for Chemosh and Molech (1 Kings 11:7).
● Despite reforms by some kings, these high places often remained standing (2 Kings 14:4).
Spiritual Implication:
High places represent compromise—mixing the worship of the true God with pagan practices. They symbolize spiritual pride and disobedience.
4. Altars of Witchcraft and Sorcery
Though not always physical, these altars existed where individuals practiced occult rituals to summon spiritual powers for manipulation or control.
Biblical Example:
● King Manasseh practiced sorcery, divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists (2 Kings 21:6).
● Jezebel brought witchcraft and Baal worship into Israel, opposing God's prophets (2 Kings 9:22).
Spiritual Implication:
These altars invite demonic presence and empower spiritual oppression. God warned against any form of sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
5. Ancestral or Family Altars
These were altars established within families or clans, often for idol worship, and they carried generational consequences.
Biblical Example:
● God instructed Gideon to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and build an altar to the Lord in its place (Judges 6:25-26).
● The sins of Jeroboam became generational patterns, affecting multiple kings after him (1 Kings 15:34).
Spiritual Implication:
These altars often create spiritual strongholds and patterns of bondage that continue from one generation to the next.
6. Altars of False Prophets
False prophets often operated through counterfeit altars to deceive and mislead people.
Biblical Example:
● The 450 prophets of Baal built an altar to call fire from heaven but failed (1 Kings 18:26-29).
● God warned against prophets who speak lies in His name (Jeremiah 23:16-21).
Spiritual Implication:
Such altars promote deception, spiritual manipulation, and rebellion against God’s truth.
God’s Command Regarding Evil Altars
God’s instruction to His people was clear:
"You shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and burn their wooden images with fire..." — Deuteronomy 12:3
Evil altars are not just Old Testament relics—they manifest today through idolatry, occult practices, family curses, and spiritual compromises. As believers, we must tear down any altar in our lives that opposes God's will and rebuild righteous altars of prayer, worship, and obedience.
Comments
Post a Comment