VER-BAAL PLENARY PRESERVATION

VER-BAAL PLENARY PRESERVATION (VPP)

In the Old Testament, the Israelites’ relationship with Baal (a Canaanite storm and fertility deity) was marked by repeated cycles of idolatry, divine judgment, and repentance. Their treatment of Baal often reflected spiritual unfaithfulness to Yahweh, provoking God’s anger and corrective discipline. Below is a summary of their interactions with Baal, grounded in biblical accounts:

After settling in Canaan, the Israelites frequently adopted Baal worship, blending it with their devotion to Yahweh (Judges 2:11–13; 3:7). This syncretism violated the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3) and reflected spiritual adultery (Hosea 2:13).

Under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31–33), Baal worship became institutionalized, with temples, prophets, and Asherah poles established in Israel.

Baal was seen as a guarantor of agricultural prosperity (rain, crops, livestock). In times of drought or crisis, Israelites turned to Baal instead of trusting Yahweh (Jeremiah 2:23–25; Hosea 2:5).

The prophet Elijah directly challenged Baal worship on Mount Carmel, proving Yahweh’s supremacy over Baal through fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:16–40). This led to a temporary revival, but idolatry persisted.

Prophets like Hosea, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel rebuked Israel for “playing the harlot” with Baal (Hosea 2:8–13; Jeremiah 7:9; Ezekiel 16:15–19), warning that such idolatry would bring covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:15–68).

Divine Judgment for Baal Worship came, exile as Consequence. The Northern Kingdom (Israel) fell to Assyria in 722 BC, and Judah later fell to Babylon (586 BC), largely due to idolatry, including Baal worship (2 Kings 17:7–18; Jeremiah 19:5). Kings like Ahab (1 Kings 22:38) and Athaliah (2 Kings 11:18–20) faced divine judgment for promoting Baal. Jehu’s purge of Baal worshipers (2 Kings 10:18–28) was a rare but incomplete reform.

There were some occasional reforms, Jehoiada destroyed Baal’s temple in Judah (2 Kings 11:18). Josiah eradicated Baal altars and Asherah poles during his reforms (2 Kings 23:4–5). These efforts were temporary, however, as idolatry often resurfaced.

The conflict between Yahweh and Baal underscored God’s exclusivity. Baal’s supposed control over rain and fertility was mocked by Yahweh’s sovereignty (1 Kings 17–18; Jeremiah 14:22).

Baal worship symbolized Israel’s broken covenant with God (Hosea 2:16–17). Yahweh demanded wholehearted loyalty: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

Lessons for Today

A Modern Baal, Ver-Baal Plenary Preservation is what we are battling. Some theologians are fusing and blending God-worship with Islamic customs and ideology. Muslims consider their Quran to be perfect, flawless and error-free. It appears that these theologians convey this concept to Bible College because they find it so appealing. To put it mildly, it is a grave sin to put your faith in "modern Baals" rather than God. When our spirituality wanes, we should turn back to Yahweh (Joel 2:12–13).