IDOL - a physical image or form intended to represent a deity or a reality that was considered to be divine. Idols were widespread throughout the Ancient Near East and Israel encountered them from its earliest days. Most people who used idols did not worship the idol as the deity but worshiped using the idol as the channel to the deity. Worship of the God of Israel was to be idol-free but Israel still fell prey to idolatry at times even in its own cult (e.g., Exod. 32:1-6, 1 Kings 12:28-33, 2 Kings 18:4) despite blistering condemnations of idolatry by the prophets (e.g., Isa. 44:9-20). After the return from exile in Babylon, idolatry became less of a threat.