The early part of the Book of Isaiah makes vivid the curses that befall God’s people for the sin of idolatry. The latter part of Isaiah makes equally vivid the blessings that overtake God’s people as a natural result of destroying their idols and returning to God. These blessings and cursings are mentioned throughout the law of Moses, most especially Deuteronomy 28.

“I have . . . saved . . . when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God” (Isaiah 43:12).

This is why the reforms of Gideon and Hezekiah parallel each other. as do the great victories following those reforms.

The inside enemy must be dealt with first; this being done, victory over any outside enemy becomes a very simple matter, indeed.

“The idols of civilization are far more fatal to health and longevity than are the idols of barbarism” (SH 173:30-31).

Just one example of such idolatry: opioid use has become so widespread that these substances are now polluting municipal water supplies of major American cities. Prenatal exposure to opioids has resulted in babies addicted at birth.

“If God created drugs good, they cannot be harmful; if He could create them otherwise, then they are bad and unfit for man; and if He created drugs for healing the sick, why did not Jesus employ them and recommend them for that purpose?” (MW 25:27-31.)

See also: http://www.ourcivilisation.com/medicine/usamed/deaths.htm – a record that should keep us awake and watchful until this idol of today’s uncivilized civilization is cast down from its high place and destroyed forever!