Topical Encyclopedia Child sacrifice, the act of offering a child as a burnt offering to a deity, is a practice that is explicitly condemned in the Bible. It is associated with pagan rituals and is seen as an abomination in the sight of the Lord. The Bible provides several references to this practice, particularly in the context of the Canaanite religions and the worship of the god Molech.Biblical Condemnation The practice of child sacrifice is first mentioned in the context of the Canaanites, whose religious practices included offering their children to Molech. In Leviticus 18:21, the Israelites are commanded: "You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD." This command is reiterated in Leviticus 20:2-5, where the penalty for such an act is death: "Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The members of the community are to stone him." Historical Instances Despite these clear prohibitions, there are instances in the history of Israel where child sacrifice was practiced, often during periods of apostasy. One of the most notorious examples is King Ahaz of Judah, who "walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even made cast images for the Baals. He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites" (2 Chronicles 28:2-3). Similarly, King Manasseh of Judah is recorded as having engaged in this practice: "He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking Him to anger" (2 Kings 21:6). Prophetic Denunciations The prophets of Israel vehemently denounced child sacrifice. Jeremiah, for instance, condemned the people for building high places to Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters, an act that God declares He did not command nor did it enter His mind (Jeremiah 7:31). Similarly, Ezekiel speaks against the practice, highlighting it as one of the reasons for God's judgment against Jerusalem: "You took your sons and daughters, whom you bore to Me, and sacrificed them as food to the idols. Was your prostitution not enough?" (Ezekiel 16:20). Moral and Theological Implications From a theological perspective, child sacrifice is seen as a grave sin because it violates the sanctity of life, a gift from God. It is also a profound act of idolatry, as it involves the worship of false gods and a rejection of the covenant relationship with the LORD. The practice is antithetical to the character of God, who is depicted as a loving and just deity who abhors such cruelty and injustice. New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not directly address the issue of child sacrifice, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the value of children and the importance of protecting the innocent. Jesus' words in Matthew 18:6 underscore the seriousness of causing harm to children: "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." In summary, child sacrifice is consistently condemned throughout the Bible as a heinous act that defies God's commandments and desecrates the sanctity of human life. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the moral depravity that can result from turning away from the true God. Topical Bible Verses Psalm 127:3See, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Topicalbible.org Psalm 127:3-5 Leviticus 18:21 Deuteronomy 12:31 Amos 1:13 Jeremiah 1:5 Library An Exhortation to the Sacrifice which we are to Make to God of Our ... The Crowning Test and Triumph of Faith Table of Contents The Child Prophet "Won't You Save Me?" Of the Practice of Loving Indifference, in Things Belonging to the ... Three Tests of Love Jesus Before Caiphas. The Child Samuel. Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. Resources How can I become a child of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say to do with a rebellious child? | GotQuestions.org What is Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)? | GotQuestions.org Child: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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