This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 14:20 describes the progression of idolatry, and how people come to worship objects and, by extension, the creators of those objects. Let's break it down:
"And the multitude...": This refers to a large group of people, the general population.
"...allured by reason of the grace of his handywork...": This is the key to understanding the passage. People are captivated, seduced, or drawn in ("allured") by the beauty ("grace") and skill ("handywork") of something that someone has created. They are impressed by the craftsmanship and artistry of the object.
"...Now accounted as an object of devotion him that a little before was honored as a man.": This shows the shift in perception. The creator ("him") was once simply respected as a human being, perhaps for their skill or artistry. But now, because of the alluring beauty of their creation, they are treated as a god or an object of worship ("an object of devotion"). The distinction between the creator and the creation blurs, and the creator is elevated to divine status.
In essence, the verse explains how idolatry can arise:
1. Admiration for Art: People are initially impressed by the beauty and skill displayed in a crafted object.
2. Elevation of the Artisan: This admiration for the creation leads to an exaggerated reverence for the creator.
3. Deification: The creator is then treated as more than just a skilled human; they are elevated to a godlike status and worshiped.
The message of this verse (and chapter) within the Wisdom of Solomon is a critique of idolatry. It highlights the irrationality and dangers of worshiping something created by human hands, rather than the true God. It suggests that idolatry stems from a misplaced admiration and a failure to distinguish between the creator and the creation.
In modern terms, this verse can be seen as a warning against the tendency to become overly attached to material possessions or to idolize celebrities or other figures who create works that we admire. It calls for a balanced perspective and a recognition of the true source of value and worship.
This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 14:20 describes the progression of idolatry, and how people come to worship objects and, by extension, the creators of those objects. Let's break it down:
"And the multitude...": This refers to a large group of people, the general population.
"...allured by reason of the grace of his handywork...": This is the key to understanding the passage. People are captivated, seduced, or drawn in ("allured") by the beauty ("grace") and skill ("handywork") of something that someone has created. They are impressed by the craftsmanship and artistry of the object.
"...Now accounted as an object of devotion him that a little before was honored as a man.": This shows the shift in perception. The creator ("him") was once simply respected as a human being, perhaps for their skill or artistry. But now, because of the alluring beauty of their creation, they are treated as a god or an object of worship ("an object of devotion"). The distinction between the creator and the creation blurs, and the creator is elevated to divine status.
In essence, the verse explains how idolatry can arise:
1. Admiration for Art: People are initially impressed by the beauty and skill displayed in a crafted object.
2. Elevation of the Artisan: This admiration for the creation leads to an exaggerated reverence for the creator.
3. Deification: The creator is then treated as more than just a skilled human; they are elevated to a godlike status and worshiped.
The message of this verse (and chapter) within the Wisdom of Solomon is a critique of idolatry. It highlights the irrationality and dangers of worshiping something created by human hands, rather than the true God. It suggests that idolatry stems from a misplaced admiration and a failure to distinguish between the creator and the creation.
In modern terms, this verse can be seen as a warning against the tendency to become overly attached to material possessions or to idolize celebrities or other figures who create works that we admire. It calls for a balanced perspective and a recognition of the true source of value and worship.
