What was Chiun?
Chiun was a pagan deity mentioned in Amos 5:26 as part of God’s rebuke against the idolatry of the people of Israel. The name “Chiun” (כִּיּוּן, Kiyyun) is often understood to be a reference to an astral or planetary god—most likely the planet Saturn—worshiped by ancient Near Eastern peoples. The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translates Chiun as Rephan (Ῥαιφάν), a name echoed in Acts 7:43 when Stephen rebukes Israel’s historical idolatry before the Sanhedrin. This indicates that Chiun/Rephan was associated with star worship and foreign gods condemned by the Lord.
The root of the name “Chiun” is obscure in Hebrew, but it is likely borrowed from foreign languages and religions, perhaps from the Akkadian or Assyrian pantheon, where the planet Saturn was personified and deified. The worship of Chiun represents Israel’s syncretism with pagan religions, violating the covenantal command to worship Yahweh alone.
Biblical References
- Amos 5:26 – “You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god—which you made for yourselves.”
- Acts 7:43 – “You have taken up the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.”
In both instances, the worship of Chiun (Rephan) is cited as a cause of judgment and exile. The reference in Acts 7 by Stephen draws directly from the Septuagint’s rendering of Amos, showing continuity in condemning Israel’s historical idolatry.
Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 4:19 – A warning not to worship the sun, moon, or stars.
- 2 Kings 17:16 – Israel’s worship of celestial bodies before their exile.
- Exodus 20:3–5 – The first and second commandments against idolatry.
- Jeremiah 8:2 – The people worshiped “the sun and the moon and the constellations and all the host of heaven.”
What Happened in the Bible?
In Amos 5, the prophet Amos denounces Israel’s religious hypocrisy. Though they offered sacrifices and sang songs to the Lord, their hearts were far from Him. Verse 26 reveals that they carried the shrine of Molech and the star of their god Chiun—indicating they were blending pagan worship with their outward religious rituals. This idolatry was not simply personal sin but a national offense against God’s covenant.
Because of this, God promises judgment: Israel will be exiled “beyond Damascus” (Amos 5:27). This came to pass when Assyria conquered the northern kingdom and scattered the ten tribes in 722 BC. The worship of Chiun was symbolic of Israel’s broader pattern of forsaking the Lord and turning to false gods.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
Chiun represents more than just an ancient idol—it represents the subtle allure of spiritual compromise. Just as Israel sought to blend Yahweh worship with the practices of the surrounding nations, modern believers are tempted to combine biblical Christianity with cultural or spiritual trends that contradict God’s Word.
God desires wholehearted devotion, not partial obedience or syncretism. Amos’ warning reminds the church that external religiosity cannot cover internal idolatry. When Christians give their allegiance to worldly systems, ideologies, or material security, they risk walking the same path Israel did—a path that led to exile and silence from God.
How Chiun Points to Jesus and the Gospel
The idolatry of Israel set the stage for the coming of Christ, who fulfills the law perfectly and brings true worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Jesus came to rescue idol-worshiping hearts and restore them to the living God. Where Israel failed in covenant faithfulness, Christ succeeded as the faithful Son.
Stephen’s reference to Chiun in Acts 7 is part of his defense of the gospel. By reminding the leaders of their national history of rebellion, he points them to the need for a better Mediator than Moses—a Savior who would lead God’s people not into exile, but into eternal communion with God. Jesus is that Savior.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Idolatry and Its Consequences
Idolatry leads to spiritual blindness and divine judgment. Chiun’s mention in Amos serves as a warning of God’s intolerance for rival gods.
2. Syncretism in Worship
God rejects worship that blends truth with falsehood. He demands purity of heart and exclusivity in devotion.
3. Exile and Restoration
The exile due to idolatry foreshadows the spiritual exile humanity experiences due to sin—and the restoration that comes through Christ.
4. True Worship
God desires worship from a pure heart, not empty rituals. Jesus emphasizes this in John 4:23-24, calling for worship in spirit and truth.
5. God’s Covenant Faithfulness
Even in judgment, God remains faithful. His sending of prophets—and ultimately His Son—shows His enduring mercy.
Reflection Questions
- What are modern equivalents to the idolatry represented by Chiun?
- In what ways are Christians tempted to blend biblical truth with worldly beliefs or practices?
- How can we cultivate a heart of pure worship that honors God alone?
- What does Amos’ message teach us about God’s view of justice and righteousness?
- How does remembering Israel’s failure to worship God alone point us to our need for Jesus?
Chiun reminds us that idolatry, even in subtle forms, is an affront to the holy God. But through Jesus Christ, the gospel offers hope to all who repent and turn to the one true God with undivided hearts.