Topical Encyclopedia
The topic of child sacrifice in the Bible is a sobering and tragic aspect of ancient Near Eastern practices that the Scriptures address with strong condemnation. The practice of sacrificing children, often by fire, was associated with the worship of pagan deities, most notably Molech, a god worshiped by the Ammonites and other neighboring cultures.
Biblical Prohibition and CondemnationThe Bible explicitly forbids the practice of child sacrifice, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and the abhorrence of such acts in the eyes of God. 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, underscoring the severity of the offense.
Historical Context and InstancesDespite the clear prohibitions, there are instances in the biblical narrative where the Israelites fell into the sin of child sacrifice, influenced by surrounding nations. In
2 Kings 16:3, King Ahaz of Judah is described as having "walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, following the abominations of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites" . Similarly,
2 Kings 21:6 recounts that King Manasseh "sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger" .
The prophet Jeremiah also speaks against this practice, highlighting its detestable nature and the judgment it brings. In
Jeremiah 7:31, God declares through the prophet: "They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter My mind" . This passage emphasizes that such acts are entirely contrary to God's will and character.
Moral and Theological ImplicationsThe practice of child sacrifice is presented in the Bible as a grave sin that defiles the land and incurs divine wrath. It is often linked with idolatry, as the sacrifice of children was typically performed in the context of worshiping false gods. This idolatrous practice is seen as a direct violation of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive worship of the LORD.
The biblical narrative consistently portrays child sacrifice as an abomination that leads to national judgment and exile. The prophets repeatedly call the people to repentance, urging them to turn away from such practices and return to the covenantal faithfulness required by God.
Redemption and HopeWhile the Bible records the tragic reality of child sacrifice, it also offers a message of hope and redemption. The prophetic literature often points to a future where such abominations will cease, and God's people will be restored to a right relationship with Him. In
Ezekiel 16:20-21, God laments over Israel's unfaithfulness but also promises restoration and renewal for those who repent and turn back to Him.
Ultimately, the Bible's condemnation of child sacrifice underscores the value of human life and the call to worship God alone, reflecting His holiness and justice.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Kings 17:31And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
Nave's Topical IndexEzekiel 16:20,21
Moreover you have taken your sons and your daughters, whom you have borne to me, and these have you sacrificed to them to be devoured. Is this of your prostitutions a small matter,
Nave's Topical Index
Strong's Hebrew
4432. Molek -- a heathen god to whom Isr. sacrificed children... sacrificed children. Transliteration: Molek Phonetic Spelling: (mo'-lek) Short
Definition: Molech.
... sacrificed children NASB Word Usage Molech (8). Molech.
... /hebrew/4432.htm - 6kLibrary
But Upon those who have Used Dissimulation Like David...
... prudent indeed, as having thus far avoided sacrificing; but children, in that ... places,
heathens, forsooth, and infidels, and when these sacrificed, they were ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon v but upon those.htm
That I May Refute More Thoroughly These Charges, I Will Show that ...
... Children were openly sacrificed in Africa to Saturn as lately as the proconsulship
of Tiberius, who exposed to public gaze the priests suspended on the sacred ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter ix that i may.htm
Argument: the Story About Christians Drinking the Blood of an ...
... For Saturn did not expose his children, but devoured them. With reason were infants
sacrificed to him by parents in some parts of Africa, caresses and kisses ...
/.../felix/the octavius of minucius felix/chapter xxx argument the story about.htm
How, Upon Antiochus's Prohibition to the Jews to Make Use of the ...
... on account of such a numerous and so deserving a family of children, would begin
the ... came one of the Jews into the midst of them, and sacrificed, as Antiochus ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how upon antiochuss.htm
Why the Passover is Said to be that of the "Jews. " Its ...
... it written, "And the Lord spake unto Moses, Announce to the children of Israel ... he
writes to the Corinthians: [5030] "For our Passover also was sacrificed for us ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/11 why the passover is.htm
Let those of us who are under the Rod, be Very Solicitous to ...
... have often been reigned, where our Isaac's have been conditionally sacrificed, and
where ... which will flourish even on the Graves of our dear Children; and the ...
/.../submission to divine providence in the death of children/4 let those of us.htm
To Monna Giovanna Di Corrado Maconi
... Such people do not love their children in God, but with sensuous self-love apart ...
and the Son in burning love has given you life, and has sacrificed His Body ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to monna giovanna di corrado.htm
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
... had idols of metal, before which an everlasting fire burned; and on the arms of
the idol the priests laid the children who were to be sacrificed, that they ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiii korah dathan and.htm
Concerning the Birth of Samuel; and How He Foretold the Calamity ...
... Now when, after he had sacrificed, he distributed at that festival portions of the
flesh to his wives and children, and when Hannah saw the other wife's ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning the birth.htm
Circumcision Unknown Before Abraham.
... not serve idols. Which precept, however, you have not observed; nay, you
sacrificed your children to demons. And you were commanded ...
/.../chapter xix circumcision unknown before abraham.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disobedient children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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