The gods behind idols (e.g., Baal, Zeus) do not actually exist; in that sense idols are empty nothings (see Isaiah 44:9–20; 1 Corinthians 8:4–6). Yet there is reality behind idols inasmuch as demons deceive people into thinking their god is real (see 1 Corinthians 10:20; Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalm 106:37). As people bow down to “idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood” they are in fact worshipping demons.
20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk,