Paintings often have a staggering value assigned to them. Yet many of the famous artists behind them struggled to make a living out of their passion when they were alive. Even though their works now hang in famous galleries and are hailed as examples of pinnacles of the technique, some of these works were not always valued in their time.

Sometimes, however–such as in the case of British artist, Banksy–works of art are immediately recognised as valuable, both in aesthetic as well as monetary terms.

It's nothing new to create items of value and significance. Throughout history, skilled artists have created artwork that is valuable and worthy of appreciation. But, at times, that appreciation can go too far, and too much value (monetary or otherwise) can be ascribed to a work of art.

That is what the Israelites have done. They have made their own idols and ascribed deity to them. Amos 5:26 is a harsh critique of the ludicrous idea of making something and then worshipping it. Yet, it is nothing new. This generation of Israel is doing what their ancestors had done almost immediately upon leaving Egypt many years ago.

When Moses took ″too long″ to come down from the mountain, the Israelites pressured Aaron to make an idol for them. When he did, they said that it was the god that had brought them out of Egypt (Exodus 32:1-4). Similarly, when Jeroboam was afraid of people travelling to Jerusalem and reuniting the kingdom, he set up shrines in Bethel and Gilgal and had golden calves made and installed there. Then he told the people the same thing the Israelites said: ″Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt″ (1 Kings 12:28).

Israel gave the credit for their deliverance to something that their own hands had made. Even simple reflection reveals this to be nonsensical. But the offence goes beyond doing something illogical; they have robbed God of the glory that is due to Him alone, and ascribed it to something else. For this, they will be sent into exile (Amos 5:27). They will be removed from their homes and their land, and sent to a foreign place and be subject to a foreign people. God takes His glory seriously.