Topical Encyclopedia Molech, also spelled Moloch, is a deity associated with the ancient Near Eastern practice of child sacrifice. The worship of Molech is explicitly condemned in the Hebrew Bible, where it is depicted as a grave sin against the God of Israel. The name "Molech" is often linked to the Hebrew word "melech," meaning "king," but it is typically vocalized with the vowels of "bosheth," meaning "shame," to signify its detestable nature.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 18:21 : "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 verse is part of the Holiness Code, which outlines various laws and ethical standards for the Israelites. The prohibition against sacrificing children to Molech underscores the sanctity of life and the exclusive worship due to Yahweh. 2. Leviticus 20:2-5 : "Tell the Israelites, ‘Any Israelite or foreigner residing in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The people of the land are to stone him. I will set My face against that man and cut him off from his people, because he has given his offspring to Molech, defiling My sanctuary and profaning My holy name. And if the people of the land ever hide their eyes from that man when he gives any of his children to Molech and fail to put him to death, then I will set My face against that man and his clan. I will cut off from among their people both him and all who follow him in prostituting themselves to Molech.’" This passage emphasizes the severity of the crime and the communal responsibility to uphold God's commandments. 3. 2 Kings 23:10 : "He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech." This verse refers to King Josiah's reforms, which included the destruction of sites associated with idolatrous practices, including those dedicated to Molech. 4. Jeremiah 32:35 : "They built the high places of Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded—nor did it even enter My mind—that they should do such a detestable thing and so cause Judah to sin." Here, the prophet Jeremiah condemns the people of Judah for adopting pagan practices, highlighting the stark contrast between God's commands and the abominable acts committed in His name. Historical and Cultural Context: Molech worship is believed to have been practiced by several ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the Ammonites, with whom the Israelites had frequent interactions. The rituals associated with Molech often involved the sacrifice of children, which was seen as a means of securing favor or appeasing the deity. The Valley of Ben Hinnom, mentioned in the biblical texts, is traditionally identified as a site where such sacrifices occurred. The biblical injunctions against Molech worship reflect a broader polemic against idolatry and the assimilation of foreign religious practices. The Israelites were called to be a distinct people, set apart for the worship of Yahweh alone. The practice of child sacrifice was not only a violation of this covenantal relationship but also an affront to the moral and ethical standards established by God. Theological Implications: The condemnation of Molech worship in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the value God places on human life and the exclusive devotion He demands from His people. It underscores the importance of adhering to divine commandments and the dangers of syncretism, where the worship of the true God is compromised by the incorporation of pagan elements. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as a deity who abhors injustice and demands righteousness, setting a clear standard for His followers. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 18:21And you shall not let any of your seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shall you profane the name of your God: I am the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 20:2-5 Strong's Hebrew 4432. Molek -- a heathen god to whom Isr. sacrificed children... Molech. From malak; Molek (ie King), the chief deity of the Ammonites -- Molech. Compare Malkam. see HEBREW malak. see HEBREW Malkam. 4431, 4432. Molek. 4433 ... /hebrew/4432.htm - 6k Library The Second Part. The Young Josiah and the Book of the Law The Fall of Solomon In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ... Pride of Prosperity Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What is Gehenna? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Chemarim / Chemarims in Zephaniah 1:4? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Ammonites? | GotQuestions.org Molech: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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