Acts 7:43

KJV

Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea {G2532}, ye took up {G353} the tabernacle {G4633} of Moloch {G3434}, and {G2532} the star {G798} of your {G5216} god {G2316} Remphan {G4481}, figures {G5179} which {G3739} ye made {G4160} to worship {G4352} them {G846}: and {G2532} I will carry {G3351} you {G5209} away {G3351} beyond {G1900} Babylon {G897}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, you carried the tent of Molekh
and the star of your god Reifan,
the idols you made so that you could worship them.
Therefore, I will send you into exile beyond Bavel.’

Berean Standard Bible

You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’

American Standard Version

And ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, And the star of the god Rephan, The figures which ye made to worship them: And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:43, a pivotal verse in Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, serves as a searing indictment of ancient Israel's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. Quoting from the prophet Amos, Stephen highlights how the Israelites, despite miraculous deliverance and divine guidance, repeatedly turned to the worship of pagan deities like Moloch and Remphan, constructing physical representations for their devotion. This deep-seated unfaithfulness ultimately provoked God's righteous judgment, leading to their exile "beyond Babylon," a historical consequence that underscored the severe spiritual implications of their misplaced worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:43 is embedded within Stephen's lengthy and climactic sermon (Acts 7:1-53), which is a sweeping historical recounting of Israel's relationship with God from Abraham to Solomon. Stephen meticulously traces a recurring pattern: God's gracious initiatives, Israel's subsequent rebellion and rejection of His appointed leaders (like Moses, and implicitly, Jesus), and the resulting divine judgment. This specific verse, a direct quotation from [Amos 5:26-27](/amos/5-26-27 "Amos 5:26-27 - Israel's Idolatry and Exile"), comes at the sermon's crescendo, where Stephen directly confronts the Sanhedrin with their ancestors', and by extension their own, spiritual stubbornness and idolatry, culminating in their rejection of the Messiah. It functions as a historical proof text for Stephen's argument that Israel, despite possessing the Law and the Temple, consistently failed to truly worship God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Stephen's quotation from Amos is the pre-exilic period of Israel, specifically the Northern Kingdom, which was deeply entrenched in syncretistic worship. Moloch was a Canaanite deity, often associated with child sacrifice, a practice vehemently condemned in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). Remphan, identified with the Assyrian/Babylonian god Kaiwan or the Egyptian god Saturn (Chiun in the Hebrew of Amos), represented astral worship, another form of idolatry prevalent in the ancient Near East. Stephen's use of these specific deities underscores the pervasive nature of pagan influence on Israelite religion. The "tabernacle of Moloch" and "star of Remphan" likely refer to portable shrines or cultic emblems used in their worship. The prophetic threat "I will carry you away beyond Babylon" refers to the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, God's severe judgment for Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, which served as a stark historical warning to Stephen's audience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Persistent Idolatry**, demonstrating Israel's recurring struggle to maintain exclusive devotion to Yahweh, despite repeated warnings and covenant obligations (e.g., [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Exile**, illustrating God's righteous response to unfaithfulness, where the consequences of sin are severe and lead to separation from the promised land and divine favor. The exile "beyond Babylon" is a concrete example of this judgment. Finally, Stephen employs this historical pattern to emphasize the theme of **Rejection of God's Messengers**, implying that just as Israel rejected Moses and the prophets, they are now rejecting Jesus, the ultimate prophet and Messiah, thereby inviting a similar, if not greater, judgment (cf. [Luke 11:49-51](/luke/11-49-51 "Luke 11:49-51 - The Blood of the Prophets")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moloch (Greek, _Molóch'_):** This refers to an Ammonite deity (G3434) whose worship involved horrific child sacrifice, a practice explicitly forbidden and abhorrent to Yahweh. Stephen's mention of Moloch immediately evokes the most egregious forms of Israelite apostasy.
* **Remphan (Greek, _Rhemphán'_):** This is an incorrect transliteration (G4481) for the Hebrew "Chiun" (כִּיּוּן), identified as an Egyptian idol, likely a star-god or Saturn. Its inclusion alongside Moloch illustrates the widespread and diverse nature of Israel's syncretistic worship, encompassing various pagan cults.
* **worship (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand," this term (G4352) signifies prostrating oneself in homage, doing reverence to, or adoring. Stephen uses it to highlight that Israel's actions were not mere cultural appropriation but a direct act of devotion and adoration toward false gods, diverting the worship due only to Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch,"**: Stephen asserts that the Israelites actively embraced and carried cultic objects dedicated to Moloch, indicating a deliberate and public commitment to this pagan deity. The "tabernacle" (G4633, _skēnḗ_) here refers to a portable shrine or tent, contrasting sharply with the legitimate tabernacle of God, which was meant to be the sole dwelling place of divine presence among them.
* **"and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them:"**: This clause further details the extent of their idolatry, specifying the "star" (G798, _ástron_), likely an emblem or symbol associated with Remphan, a deity of astral worship. The phrase "figures which ye made to worship them" (G5179, _týpos_ - "figures"; G4160, _poiéō_ - "made"; G4352, _proskynéō_ - "worship") emphasizes their active, intentional creation and adoration of these idols, highlighting their culpability in turning away from the one true God.
* **"and I will carry you away beyond Babylon."**: This is the divine pronouncement of judgment. "Carry you away" (G3351, _metoikízō_) signifies forced removal or exile. The phrase "beyond Babylon" (G1900, _epékeina_ - "beyond"; G897, _Babylṓn_) refers to the historical exiles (Assyrian and Babylonian) that scattered Israel far from their homeland, illustrating the severe and far-reaching consequences of their persistent idolatry and disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's use of **Allusion** is central to this verse, as it is a direct quotation from [Amos 5:26-27](/amos/5-26-27 "Amos 5:26-27 - Israel's Idolatry and Exile"). This strategic citation lends prophetic authority to Stephen's condemnation, demonstrating that Israel's idolatry was not a new phenomenon but a deep-seated historical pattern. There is also potent **Symbolism** at play: the "tabernacle of Moloch" and the "star of Remphan" are not merely physical objects but potent symbols of Israel's spiritual adultery and their rejection of the exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh. The phrase "beyond Babylon" serves as a powerful **Prophetic Judgment**, not just a historical recounting, but a reminder that God's justice is sure and that disobedience leads to severe consequences, echoing the historical exiles and foreshadowing the judgment Stephen implies for his current audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:43 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that idolatry, in any form, is a direct affront to God's sovereignty and a betrayal of the covenant relationship. It reveals the human heart's propensity to create and worship gods of its own making, rather than submitting to the one true God. This historical example from Israel's past serves as a timeless warning that spiritual unfaithfulness inevitably leads to spiritual and often physical consequences, as God, in His holiness and justice, cannot tolerate rivals to His rightful place in the hearts of His people. The divine judgment of exile was not arbitrary but a just response to a sustained pattern of rebellion and a profound failure to worship God alone.

* [Deuteronomy 32:17](/deuteronomy/32-17 "Deuteronomy 32:17 - Sacrificing to Demons"): "They sacrificed to devils, not to God; to gods they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not."
* [Psalm 106:37-39](/psalms/106-37-39 "Psalm 106:37-39 - Israel's Idolatry and Child Sacrifice"): "Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions."
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Futility of Idolatry"): "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:43 is a stark reminder that the human heart is an idol factory, constantly prone to creating and worshipping substitutes for God. While modern idolatry may not involve physical statues of Moloch or Remphan, it manifests in anything that competes for our ultimate loyalty, affection, and trust—be it money, career, power, possessions, relationships, self-image, or even intellectual pursuits. Stephen's historical indictment challenges us to deeply examine our own lives: What "figures" or desires have we "made to worship"? Where do we seek our ultimate security, identity, or satisfaction? This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our lives, to dismantle any spiritual shrines we have erected, and to return to wholehearted devotion to the one true God, understanding that true freedom and blessing come only from worshipping Him exclusively. The consequences of misplaced worship, though perhaps not literal exile, can still be spiritual barrenness, brokenness, and a profound disconnect from the life-giving presence of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What modern "tabernacles of Moloch" or "stars of Remphan" might exist in my life, subtly or overtly competing for my ultimate allegiance?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that God alone is the object of my worship, or are there areas where I am serving other gods?**
* **What are the potential "exiles" or negative consequences I might experience in my life if I allow anything to take God's rightful place?**
* **How can I cultivate a more exclusive and passionate devotion to God in a world filled with distractions and competing allegiances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Stephen quoting Amos 5:26-27 in Acts 7:43?**

Answer: Stephen's quotation of [Amos 5:26-27](/amos/5-26-27 "Amos 5:26-27 - Israel's Idolatry and Exile") is highly significant. It serves as a powerful rhetorical device to demonstrate that Israel's history was consistently marked by rebellion and idolatry, despite God's covenant faithfulness. By quoting a prophet from centuries before, Stephen underscores that the problem of unfaithfulness was not new, but a deep-seated pattern. He uses this historical precedent to indict his contemporary audience, the Sanhedrin, implying that their rejection of Jesus, the Messiah, is merely the latest manifestation of their ancestors' long-standing spiritual rebellion and idolatry against God and His appointed messengers. It validates his argument that the Jewish leaders, despite their outward piety, were spiritually no different from their idol-worshipping forefathers.

**Who were Moloch and Remphan, and why were they worshipped by the Israelites?**

Answer: **Moloch** was a Canaanite deity, often associated with the Ammonites, whose worship involved the horrific practice of child sacrifice, explicitly forbidden by God in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). **Remphan** is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew "Chiun" (כִּיּוּן) from Amos 5:26, identified with the Assyrian/Babylonian god Kaiwan, or the Egyptian god Saturn, representing astral worship. The Israelites, despite God's clear commands for exclusive worship, repeatedly fell into syncretism, adopting the religious practices of the surrounding pagan nations. This was often driven by a desire for perceived fertility, prosperity, or power, or simply by the cultural pressures of their neighbors. Their worship of these deities was a profound betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh, who had delivered them from Egypt and established them as His unique people (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:14](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14 - Do Not Go After Other Gods")).

**What does "I will carry you away beyond Babylon" signify?**

Answer: The phrase "I will carry you away beyond Babylon" is a prophetic declaration of divine judgment, directly referencing the historical exiles of Israel. While the immediate context in Amos refers to the Assyrian exile (which occurred before the Babylonian exile), Stephen's broader statement "beyond Babylon" (G1900, _epékeina_) emphasizes a more distant and complete dispersion. It signifies that God's judgment for their idolatry would be severe and would lead to their removal from the Promised Land, scattering them far into foreign lands. This served as a stark historical warning of the consequences of unfaithfulness, demonstrating that God would indeed fulfill His covenant curses for disobedience, just as He fulfilled His blessings for obedience (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion Among All Peoples")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:43, with its scathing indictment of Israel's idolatry and the resultant judgment of exile, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and true object of worship, the one to whom all genuine adoration and devotion is due. Unlike the false gods Moloch and Remphan, who demanded human sacrifice and led to spiritual death, Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, thereby freeing humanity from the spiritual slavery of idolatry and sin (cf. [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Secondly, the judgment of exile "beyond Babylon" foreshadows the spiritual exile of humanity from God due to sin, a separation that only Christ can bridge. Through His atoning work, Jesus brings us out of spiritual bondage and into His glorious kingdom, offering true spiritual freedom and reconciliation with God (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Finally, Stephen's sermon, culminating in this verse, implicitly argues that the Jewish leaders, by rejecting Jesus, were repeating their ancestors' pattern of rejecting God's ultimate messenger. Christ, as the true prophet greater than Moses, is the one through whom God now speaks definitively (cf. [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")), calling all people, Jew and Gentile, to turn from all forms of idolatry—whether overt or subtle—and to worship Him alone in spirit and truth (cf. [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worship")). In Christ, the cycle of idolatry and judgment is broken for all who believe, as He delivers us from the worship of created things to the worship of the Creator.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Amos 5:26

But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.

Amos 5:27

Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith the LORD, whose name [is] The God of hosts.

Deuteronomy 5:8

Thou shalt not make thee [any] graven image, [or] any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters beneath the earth:

Deuteronomy 5:9

Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me,

Exodus 20:4

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Leviticus 20:2

Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever [he be] of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth [any] of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.