Firstborn of Idolaters, Sacrificed
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The practice of sacrificing the firstborn among idolaters is a grim testament to the depths of human depravity and the distortion of religious practices in ancient times. This ritual, often associated with the worship of false gods, stands in stark contrast to the teachings and commandments of the God of Israel, who abhors such practices.

Biblical Context and Historical Background

The sacrifice of the firstborn is most notably associated with the worship of the Canaanite god Molech. This deity, among others in the ancient Near Eastern pantheon, demanded the ultimate price from his followers—the life of their firstborn children. The Bible explicitly condemns this practice, highlighting its abhorrence in the eyes of the Lord. In Leviticus 18:21 , God commands the Israelites, "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."

The practice was not limited to the Canaanites. Various ancient cultures, including the Moabites and Ammonites, engaged in similar rituals. The sacrifice of the firstborn was believed to secure favor, prosperity, or victory in battle from the deities they worshiped. This act was seen as the ultimate demonstration of devotion and submission to their gods.

Biblical References and Prohibitions

The Bible provides several references to the practice of child sacrifice, often in the context of stern warnings and prohibitions. In Deuteronomy 12:31 , God warns the Israelites, "You must not worship the LORD your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods."

The prophet Jeremiah also speaks against this heinous act, highlighting the extent of Israel's apostasy when they adopted such practices. In Jeremiah 7:31 , it is written, "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."

Theological Implications

The sacrifice of the firstborn among idolaters is a stark reminder of the spiritual blindness and moral corruption that can result from turning away from the one true God. It underscores the severity of idolatry and the lengths to which people will go when they forsake divine truth for man-made deities. The God of Israel, in contrast, values life and commands His people to uphold justice, mercy, and righteousness.

The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as a loving and just deity who abhors the shedding of innocent blood. The sacrifice of the firstborn is antithetical to His nature and His commandments. In the account of Abraham and Isaac, God intervenes to prevent the sacrifice of Isaac, providing a ram as a substitute (Genesis 22:12-13). This account serves as a powerful illustration of God's provision and His rejection of human sacrifice.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the sacrifice of the firstborn is a profound violation of the sanctity of life. It represents the ultimate perversion of parental love and responsibility. The Bible's condemnation of this practice serves as a timeless reminder of the value God places on human life and the importance of worshiping Him in spirit and truth.

The practice of sacrificing the firstborn among idolaters is a sobering example of the consequences of idolatry and the distortion of true worship. It highlights the need for adherence to God's commandments and the rejection of all forms of idolatry and false worship.
Nave's Topical Index
Ezekiel 20:26
And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that opens the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... so is the anointing of the doorposts, [4096] which preserved the firstborn, though
applied ... a star, [4190] a god a little above them to these idolaters, but yet ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... I had seen the Egyptian priests, idolaters, fastening the ... for I saw Jesus Himself
cruelly sacrificed on the ... I saw that Anna's firstborn daughter, Mary Heli ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. ... But his triumph led to
the loss of his daughter, whom he sacrificed in order to fulfil a vow he had ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Doctrine
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... may set up idols and images of him, as much in our minds as some do in their houses
and in their temples, and be as great, though not so gross idolaters as they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Resources
What does it mean to receive a double portion? | GotQuestions.org

What is the supremacy of Christ and what are its implications? | GotQuestions.org

What is Arianism? | GotQuestions.org

Firstborn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Firstborn

Firstborn of Egyptians Killed

Firstborn of Idolaters, Sacrificed

Firstborn of Man and Beast, Reserved to Himself by God

Firstborn: Birthright of The: A Double Portion of Inheritance

Firstborn: Birthright of The: Adonijah

Firstborn: Birthright of The: Authority Over Younger Members of the Household

Firstborn: Birthright of The: Forfeited by Reuben

Firstborn: Birthright of The: Honorable Distinction of

Firstborn: Birthright of The: Hosah's Son

Firstborn: Birthright of The: Royal Succession

Firstborn: Birthright of The: Set Aside: That of Manasseh

Firstborn: Birthright of The: Sold by Esau

Firstborn: Levites Taken Instead of Firstborn of the Families of Israel

Firstborn: Redemption of

Related Terms

First-born (110 Occurrences)

Primogeniture

First-begotten (2 Occurrences)

Firstling (8 Occurrences)

Firstbegotten (1 Occurrence)

Birthright (10 Occurrences)

Opens (30 Occurrences)

Redeem (56 Occurrences)

Males (51 Occurrences)

Openeth (48 Occurrences)

Breaketh (49 Occurrences)

Slew (206 Occurrences)

Womb (84 Occurrences)

Smote (281 Occurrences)

Vigour (8 Occurrences)

Unloved (6 Occurrences)

Rights (35 Occurrences)

Disliked (4 Occurrences)

Matrix (4 Occurrences)

Plague (142 Occurrences)

Beasts (241 Occurrences)

Listed (48 Occurrences)

Livestock (124 Occurrences)

Smitten (215 Occurrences)

Jerahmeel (9 Occurrences)

Jerah'meel (8 Occurrences)

Letting (41 Occurrences)

Genealogical (26 Occurrences)

Dungeon (15 Occurrences)

Maid-servant (49 Occurrences)

Millstones (6 Occurrences)

Midnight (14 Occurrences)

Pained (41 Occurrences)

Prison-house (29 Occurrences)

Bondwoman (17 Occurrences)

Cow (32 Occurrences)

Stubborn (40 Occurrences)

Sacrificing (39 Occurrences)

Stubbornly (10 Occurrences)

Maidservant (73 Occurrences)

Sitteth (74 Occurrences)

Sits (52 Occurrences)

Abiram (9 Occurrences)

Younger (39 Occurrences)

Refused (89 Occurrences)

Child (355 Occurrences)

Captive (123 Occurrences)

Mesha (4 Occurrences)

Hezron (19 Occurrences)

Donkey (84 Occurrences)

Enoch (18 Occurrences)

Struck (373 Occurrences)

Nadab (21 Occurrences)

Vashni (1 Occurrence)

Nebaioth (5 Occurrences)

Oren (1 Occurrence)

Generally (7 Occurrences)

First-fruit (19 Occurrences)

Teman (12 Occurrences)

Threescore (87 Occurrences)

Registered (21 Occurrences)

Er (8 Occurrences)

Enrolled (23 Occurrences)

Destroyer (23 Occurrences)

Manasseh's (9 Occurrences)

Pallu (6 Occurrences)

Birth-right (9 Occurrences)

Shear (5 Occurrences)

Manas'seh (123 Occurrences)

Hanoch (6 Occurrences)

Youngest (26 Occurrences)

Consecrated (101 Occurrences)

Neck (97 Occurrences)

Loves (97 Occurrences)

Firstfruits (37 Occurrences)

Zidon (25 Occurrences)

Sanctified (105 Occurrences)

Consecrate (65 Occurrences)

Firstborn of Egyptians Killed
Top of Page
Top of Page