In Leviticus chapter seventeen, verse seven, the word translated “devils” literally means hairy ones and probably refers to goat idols. Evidently, during the times of Moses, Israel offered sacrifices to desert demons to secure their help or their favor. This kind of action represented spiritual unfaithfulness to the Lord God and was strictly forbidden.
As it seems, the Israelites had done, which was monstrously shocking, especially by a people that knew the true God. Such shocking idolatry has been committed and still is among some churchgoers today. Some people worship the likeness of painted devils, which they took as mediators and messengers of the great God, the only one, eternal, omnipotent, and invisible. One can hardly think the Israelites would give into such gross idolatry as this, wherefore by “devils” may be meant idols in general. If men do not worship God and Christ, let them worship what they will, it is only worshipping devils, as described in First Corinthians chapter ten verse twenty.
Hence the golden calf the Israelites worshipped but lately in the wilderness after all that they experienced in Egypt. The rescue from Egypt through God’s servant Moses was under the guidance of God. The Israelites had to face adversity during the time while God was dealing with Pharoah and the Egyptians. Later, they crossed the Red Sea, where the Lord parted the waters for the Israelites to pass through. To imagine all of what God has done for them, they resort to offering sacrifices to devils.
Today, people claim to follow God but having the means of following other things is dangerous. Images, Idols, or pictures have the potential for ungodly spirits to dwell, are spiritually harmful to the Christian, and contaminate the relationship with God. This behavior is called “spiritual idolatry.” Similar to a spouse being unfaithful to their relationship, which is strictly forbidden.