For the third time, the Lord quotes from Micah. This time, he delivers the entire prophecy of Micah 5:8-15. He prophecies that the wicked Gentiles will be destroyed militarily, I will cut off thy horses…and I will destroy thy chariots. He will also destroy their cities (v. 15,18) but idolatry seems to be their most grievous sin. In the language of the ancients, the idolatry was reinforced by witchcrafts and soothsayers, it was objectified in their graven images and standing images, and it was associated with immoral practices performed in the "groves" (see Bible Dictionary). Although the nature of today's idolatry is different, Micah's figurative language teaches us that idolatry in all its subtle, modern forms will be quickly disposed of.
Given the severity of the punishments which await the Gentiles, the words of President Kimball seem all the more pertinent.
Spencer W. Kimball
"Idolatry is among the most serious of sins. There are unfortunately millions today who prostrate themselves before images of gold and silver and wood and stone and clay. But the idolatry we are most concerned with here is the conscious worshiping of still other gods. Some are of metal and plush and chrome, of wood and stone and fabrics. They are not in the image of God or of man, but are developed to give man comfort and enjoyment, to satisfy his wants, ambitions, passions and desires. Some are in no physical form at all, but are intangible.
"…Modern idols or false gods can take such forms as clothes, homes, businesses, machines, automobiles, pleasure boats, and numerous other material deflectors from the path to godhood. What difference does it make that the item concerned is not shaped like an idol? Brigham Young said: 'I would as soon see a man worshipping a little god made of brass or of wood as to see him worshipping his property.'
"…Many people build and furnish a home and buy the automobile first-and then find they 'cannot afford' to pay tithing. Whom do they worship? Certainly not the Lord of heaven and earth, for we serve whom we love and give first consideration to the object of our affection and desires. Young married couples who postpone parenthood until their degrees are attained might be shocked if their expressed preference were labeled idolatry. Their rationalization gives them degrees at the expense of children. Is it a justifiable exchange? Whom do they love and worship-themselves or God? Other couples, recognizing that life is not intended primarily for comforts, ease, and luxuries, complete their educations while they move forward with full lives, having their children and giving Church and community service.
"Many worship the hunt, the fishing trip, the vacation, the weekend picnics and outings. Others have as their idols the games of sport, baseball, football, the bullfight, or golf. These pursuits more often than not interfere with the worship of the Lord and with giving service to the building up of the kingdom of God. To the participants this emphasis may not seem serious, yet it indicates where their allegiance and loyalty are.
"Still another image men worship is that of power and prestige. Many will trample underfoot the spiritual and often the ethical values in their climb to success. These gods of power, wealth, and influence are most demanding and are quite as real as the golden calves of the children of Israel in the wilderness." (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 40-42)
Bruce R. McConkie
"False doctrine, false ordinances, false worship, false religion -- all shall cease. The images and idols, in their churches and in their hearts, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. The groves where Baal of old was worshipped, and the cathedrals where Baal of the latter days was adored, shall be as when the walls and buildings of Jericho fell." (The Mortal Messiah, book 4, p. 357)