If It Is True What the Prophets Write
If It Is True What the Prophets Write - meaning Summary
Idolatry and Corrupted Worship
Blake attacks idolatry and the political corruption of sacred art. Through rhetorical questions and biblical references (Bezaleel and Aholiab), the poem contrasts divinely inspired making with the later appropriation of images by Roman and Greek authority. It argues that rulers have turned holy objects and atonements into instruments of power and sacrifice, perverting religion into public spectacle and moral abuse.
Read Complete AnalysesIf it is true, what the Prophets write, That the heathen gods are all stocks and stones, Shall we, for the sake of being polite, Feed them with the juice of our marrow-bones? And if Bezaleel and Aholiab drew What the finger of God pointed to their view, Shall we suffer the Roman and Grecian rods To compel us to worship them as gods? They stole them from the temple of the Lord And worshipp'd them that they might make inspirèd art abhorr'd; The wood and stone were call'd the holy things, And their sublime intent given to their kings. All the atonements of Jehovah spurn'd, And criminals to sacrifices turn'd.
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