Malcam, also known as Milcom, is a deity associated with the Ammonites, a people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The name "Malcam" is often used interchangeably with "Milcom" and "Molech," though some scholars suggest distinctions between these entities. Malcam is primarily recognized as the national god of the Ammonites, a Semitic people who were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew (Genesis 19:37-38).

Biblical References:

1. Worship and Idolatry: Malcam is often mentioned in the context of idolatry and false worship, which the Israelites were repeatedly warned against. In 1 Kings 11:5, it is noted that King Solomon, in his later years, turned away from the LORD and followed other gods, including "Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites." This act of apostasy was a significant factor in the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign.

2. Condemnation by the Prophets: The prophets of Israel frequently condemned the worship of Malcam. In Zephaniah 1:5, the prophet speaks against those who "bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom." This syncretism, or blending of worship practices, was seen as a grave sin against the covenantal relationship between Israel and Yahweh.

3. Judgment Pronounced: Jeremiah 49:1-3 pronounces judgment against the Ammonites and their god Malcam. The LORD declares through the prophet Jeremiah, "Has Israel no sons? Has he no heir? Why then has Milcom taken possession of Gad, and his people settled in its towns?" This rhetorical question underscores the illegitimacy of Malcam's claim over the land and the impending judgment upon the Ammonites.

4. Cultural and Religious Influence: The worship of Malcam was not limited to the Ammonites but also influenced neighboring cultures, including Israel. The practice of child sacrifice, often associated with Molech, is sometimes linked to Malcam, though the exact nature of the worship practices remains a subject of scholarly debate. Leviticus 18:21 warns, "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."

Theological Significance:

The worship of Malcam represents a recurring theme in the Old Testament: the struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the allure of surrounding pagan deities. The Israelites were called to be a distinct people, set apart for the worship of the one true God. The repeated lapses into idolatry, including the worship of Malcam, highlight the tension between faithfulness to God's covenant and the temptation to conform to the practices of neighboring nations.

Malcam serves as a symbol of the broader spiritual battle faced by the Israelites and, by extension, all believers. The call to reject idolatry and remain faithful to God is a timeless message that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.(2 Samuel 12:30, Hebrews, R.V., "their king;" Jeremiah 49:1, 3, R.V.; Zephaniah 1:5), the national idol of the Ammonites. When Rabbah was taken by David, the crown of this idol was among the spoils. The weight is said to have been "a talent of gold" (above 100 lbs.). The expression probably denotes its value rather than its weight. It was adorned with precious stones. MALCAM

mal'-kam (malkam, "their king"; the King James Version Maleham):

(1) A chief of the Benjamites, son of Shaharaim (1 Chronicles 8:9).

(2) The name of an idol as well as the possessive pronominal form of melekh, "king" (2 Samuel 12:30 the Revised Version margin; Jeremiah 49:1, 3 Septuagint Melchol); Zechariah 1:5). In Amos 1:15 it appears to be best translated "their king," as in both the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American). Only a careful examination of the context can determine whether the word is the proper name of the idol (Moloch) or the 3rd personal possessive pronoun for king. The idol is also spelt "Milcom" and "Molech."

4445a. Malkam -- a Benjamite
... a Benjamite. Transliteration: Malkam Short Definition: Malcam. Word Origin from
the same as melek Definition a Benjamite NASB Word Usage Malcam (3). ...
/hebrew/4445a.htm - 5k

4445. Malkam -- a Benjamite
... Malcham, Milcom Or Milkowm {mil-kome'}; from melek for Molek; Malcam or Milcom,
the national idol of the Ammonites -- Malcham, Milcom. see HEBREW melek. ...
/hebrew/4445.htm - 5k

Malcam (6 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MALCAM. ... The idol is also spelt "Milcom" and
"Molech.". Multi-Version Concordance Malcam (6 Occurrences). ...
/m/malcam.htm - 9k

Moloch (2 Occurrences)
... As the national god of the Ammonites, he is known as "Milcom" (1 Kings 11:5, 7),
or "Malcam" ("Malcan" is an alternative reading in 2 Samuel 12:30, 31; compare ...
/m/moloch.htm - 21k

Molech (16 Occurrences)
... As the national god of the Ammonites, he is known as "Milcom" (1 Kings 11:5, 7),
or "Malcam" ("Malcan" is an alternative reading in 2 Samuel 12:30, 31; compare ...
/m/molech.htm - 24k

Zibia (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 8:9 He became the father of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and
Mesha, and Malcam, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/z/zibia.htm - 7k

Zib'ia (1 Occurrence)
... Zib'ia (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 8:9 he begot of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and
Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcam; (See RSV). Zibia, Zib'ia. Zibiah . ...
/z/zib'i-a.htm - 6k

Jobab (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 8:9 He became the father of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibia, and
Mesha, and Malcam, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/jobab.htm - 10k

Folds (18 Occurrences)
... 3 Wail, O Heshbon, for Ai is laid waste; cry, ye daughters of Rabbah, gird you with
sackcloth: lament, and run to and fro among the fences; for Malcam shall go ...
/f/folds.htm - 11k

Fences (6 Occurrences)
... Heshbon, for Ai is laid waste; cry, you daughters of Rabbah, dress yourself in
sackcloth: lament, and run back and forth among the fences; for Malcam shall go ...
/f/fences.htm - 8k

Enclosures (10 Occurrences)
... for Ai is laid waste; cry, daughters of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth, lament
and run to and fro within the enclosures: for Malcam shall go into captivity ...
/e/enclosures.htm - 9k

Malcham (2 Occurrences)

/m/malcham.htm - 6k

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