Security

It may be concluded that this period [Iron II] of an increased number of political crises that affected the ongoing existence of many households increased the perceived need for ritual objects that symbolized characteristics such as power, fertility, and plenty.—Family and Household Religion in Ancient Israel and the Levant, page 175

<idle musing>
The grab for security is nothing new, is it?

What are you grabbing for as security? It probably is an idol, isn't it?!
</idle musing>