Acts 7 42

Acts 7:42 kjv

Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?

Acts 7:42 nkjv

Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets: 'Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?

Acts 7:42 niv

But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon and stars. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: "?'Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel?

Acts 7:42 esv

But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: "'Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices, during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?

Acts 7:42 nlt

Then God turned away from them and abandoned them to serve the stars of heaven as their gods! In the book of the prophets it is written, 'Was it to me you were bringing sacrifices and offerings
during those forty years in the wilderness, Israel?

Acts 7 verses

Acts 7 42 Meaning

This verse describes the people of Israel turning to idolatry, specifically to the god of Moloch, and worshipping the "host of heaven." This act signifies a deep spiritual rebellion and a departure from God's covenant. It highlights the temptation for Israel to adopt the practices of surrounding nations.

Acts 7 42 Context

This verse occurs within Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, as recorded in Acts chapter 7. Stephen is recounting the history of Israel, from their patriarchs to the giving of the Law and the subsequent unfaithfulness of the people. This specific verse, Acts 7:42, follows Stephen's accusation that the Israelites, after being delivered from Egypt, worshipped the "host of heaven." This period Stephen is referencing is their time in the wilderness, immediately after receiving the Law at Mount Sinai. He has just spoken about their making a calf at Horeb (Sinai). This present verse describes a broader pattern of turning away from God to celestial bodies, which was a common practice among pagan cultures of that era. Stephen uses this historical narrative to show the consistent pattern of rebellion and idolatry in Israel's past, leading up to their rejection of Jesus.

Acts 7 42 Word Analysis

• "Then" (τότε - tote): Indicates a subsequent event or a continuation of the narrative, following their sin at Sinai.

• "God" (θεός - theos): Referring to the true God, Yahweh, whom they were supposed to worship exclusively.

• "turned" (ἀντέστρεψεν - antestrepsen): Literally "turned against" or "turned away from." This implies a deliberate rejection and opposition.

• "and gave them up" (καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτοὺς - kai edōken autous): "Gave them up" here signifies God's judicial abandonment. Because they persisted in sin, God withdrew His guiding presence and allowed them to fall into greater depravity. This is a common theme in Scripture where disobedience leads to God allowing individuals or nations to be consumed by their sin (Romans 1:24, 26, 28).

• "to worship" (λατρεύειν - latreuein): To serve, to do service to. This denotes active devotion and service, the very act that should be directed to God alone.

• "the host of heaven" (τὴν στρατιὰν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ - tēn stratian tou ouranou): This is a direct reference to the sun, moon, stars, and possibly angelic beings. The Old Testament strongly condemns worship of celestial bodies (Deut 4:19; 2 Kings 17:16, 21:3; Jer 19:13; Amos 5:26). This worship was prevalent among the surrounding Canaanites and Babylonians.

• Group Analysis:

  • "turned and gave them up to worship": This phrase emphasizes the active sin of turning away from God and the passive consequence of God allowing them to fall into further idolatry. It’s a cause-and-effect within the narrative of Israel’s spiritual history.

Acts 7 42 Bonus Section

The "host of heaven" (Hebrew: צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם - tsava ha-shamayim) is a term used in the Old Testament referring to celestial bodies or heavenly beings. Its inclusion here points to the widespread polytheistic and astrological practices of the ancient Near East. Stephen's argument implies that this outward adherence to Mosaic Law by his accusers was inconsistent with their historical roots of spiritual apostasy. The mention of "giving them up" underscores the severity of their sin, marking a point where God’s mercy withdraws, allowing them to follow their corrupt desires. The prophets frequently address this sin of worshipping the sun, moon, and stars, lamenting how Israel adopted the practices of their pagan neighbors, which always led to judgment.

Acts 7 42 Commentary

Stephen highlights that the Israelites' rebellion was not a single event but a recurring pattern. After God's deliverance, they quickly turned to idolatry. Their worship of "the host of heaven" was a specific rejection of God’s unique covenant, which demanded exclusive loyalty. This act of turning to celestial bodies is seen throughout Israel's history, even into Judah's decline. It signifies an attempt to find power and guidance apart from the true Creator, a characteristic spiritual failure. This sin is explicitly condemned in the Law as a betrayal of their covenant relationship with God.