Acts 7:42

"They made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands."

Key Reflection

In Acts 7:42, Stephen highlights how the Israelites, despite receiving miracles and divine guidance through Joshua, quickly reverted to worshipping a physical idol—a calf—showing a lack of faith and a tendency to idolize their own works rather than relying on God's provision and sovereignty. This spiritual failure foreshadows the ongoing struggle with idolatry throughout Israel’s history.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 42. Then God turned. That is, turned away from them; abandoned them to their own desires. The host of heaven. The stars, or heavenly bodies. The word host means armies. It is applied to the heavenly bodies, because they are very numerous, and appear to be marshalled or arrayed in military order. It is from this that God is called JEHOVAH of hosts, as being the Ruler of these well-arranged heavenly bodies, Isa 1:9. The proof that they did this, Stephen proceeds to allege by a quotation from the prophets. In the book of the Prophets. Am 5:25,26.

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