'Idols' in the Bible

My people consult their [lifeless] wooden idol, and their [diviner’s] wand gives them oracles.For a spirit of prostitution has led them astray [morally and spiritually],And they have played the prostitute, withdrawing themselves from their God.

Though you, Israel, play the prostitute [by worshiping idols],Do not let Judah become guilty [of the same thing];And do not go to Gilgal [where idols are worshiped],Or go up to Beth-aven (House of Wickedness),Nor swear [oaths in idolatrous worship, saying],“As the Lord lives!”

Ephraim is joined to idols,So let him alone [to suffer the consequences].

I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from Me;For now, O Ephraim, you have played the prostitute and have worshiped idols;Israel has defiled itself.

Ephraim is oppressed; he is broken and crushed by [divine] judgment,Because he was determined to follow man’s command (vanities, filth, secular precepts).

They set up kings, but not from Me [therefore without My blessing];They have appointed princes, but I did not know it.With their silver and their gold they made idols for themselves,That they might be cut off.

Israel is a luxuriant and prolific vine;He produces fruit for himself.The more his fruit,The more altars he made [to Baal];The richer his land,The better he made the [idolatrous] pillars.

When it is my desire [to defend My righteousness], I will chastise them;And [hostile] peoples will be gathered against themWhen they are bound and punished for their double guilt [their revolt against the Lord and their worship of idols].

And now they sin more and more,And make for themselves molten images,Idols skillfully made from their silver [as it pleased them],All of them the work of the craftsmen.They say of these [very works of their hands], “Let those who sacrifice kiss and show respect to the calves [as if they were living gods]!”

“Assyria will not save us;We will not ride on horses [relying on military might],Nor will we say again to [the idols who are] the work of our hands,‘You are our gods.’For in You [O Lord] the orphan finds love and compassion and mercy.”

O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?It is I who have answered and will care for you and watch over you.I am like a luxuriant cypress tree;With Me your fruit is found [which is to nourish you].