Topical Bible: Offerings: Human Sacrifices: Offered to Baal

◄ Offerings: Human Sacrifices: Offered to Baal ►

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Human sacrifices, particularly those offered to the Canaanite deity Baal, represent one of the most grievous apostasies recorded in the Old Testament. The practice of human sacrifice, especially the offering of children, is repeatedly condemned in the Scriptures as an abomination to the Lord. The Israelites were explicitly warned against adopting the detestable practices of the surrounding nations, including the sacrifice of their sons and daughters in the fire.

Biblical Context and Prohibition

The worship of Baal, a prominent Canaanite god associated with fertility, weather, and agriculture, often involved rituals that were abhorrent to the God of Israel. The Lord, through Moses, commanded the Israelites not to imitate the practices of the nations they were to dispossess. In Deuteronomy 12:31 , it is stated: "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."

Historical Instances

Despite clear prohibitions, there are instances in the biblical narrative where the Israelites fell into the sin of offering human sacrifices to Baal. One of the most notorious examples is found during the reign of King Manasseh of Judah. In 2 Kings 21:6 , it is recorded: "And he 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."

Another significant account is the confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, as recorded in 1 Kings 18. While this event does not explicitly mention human sacrifice, it highlights the extent of Baal worship in Israel and the need for a dramatic demonstration of the power of the true God to turn the hearts of the people back to Him.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets of Israel consistently condemned the practice of human sacrifice. Jeremiah, in particular, spoke against the people of Judah for their participation in such abominations. In Jeremiah 19:5 , the Lord declares through the prophet: "They have built the high places of Baal to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter My mind."

Theological Implications

The offering of human sacrifices to Baal represents a profound violation of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It signifies a rejection of the sanctity of life, which is a fundamental tenet of biblical teaching. The practice is a stark reminder of the consequences of syncretism and the dangers of adopting pagan practices that are contrary to the worship of the one true God.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the practice of human sacrifice is utterly condemned in Scripture. It is seen as the ultimate expression of idolatry and rebellion against God. The biblical narrative underscores the value of human life and the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, free from the corrupting influences of pagan rituals.

Conclusion

The biblical record of human sacrifices offered to Baal serves as a sobering reminder of the depths of human depravity when God's commandments are ignored. It calls believers to a renewed commitment to uphold the sanctity of life and to worship God in accordance with His revealed will.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 19:5,6
They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings to Baal, which I commanded not, nor spoke it, neither came it into my mind:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556
... "Offerings," of course, is the term in our version for sacrifices, whether ... So thought
they that offered their children ... Paul than with human sacrifices to Moloch ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter vii knox in scotland .htm

Of Certain Deities Peculiar to Barbarians, and their Sacred Rites ...
... The Vestal virgins make these sacred offerings, as the ... From this kind of sacrifices
those public rites are to ... with the power of speaking with human voice; and ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxi of certain deities peculiar.htm

Jeremiah and Deuteronomy. (Chs. vii, viii. 8, xi. )
... at the Exodus concerning burnt-offerings and sacrifices ... the abolition of animal
sacrifices, Jeremiah, by his ... the substitute for them"the human sacrifice, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 jeremiah and deuteronomy chs.htm

The New Covenant.
... Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for ... and acting
apart from His human nature.[205 ... 209] They offer the same sacrifices, which can ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... not ordered of God"a mere matter of human invention. ... witness their gratitude, and
smell a sweet savor in their sacrifices. ... Their offerings his soul hateth. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

Impure Zeal
... And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed ... From
the merely human point of view, we may say that revolutions are not made ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/impure zeal.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... was to be laid aside after he had offered it up ... ability to preach the gospel, not
by human art, but ... of bulls, and lambs, and goats: Also sacrifices of divers ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

On Idolatry
... upon altars; or by offering sacrifices, burning incense ... But, because the human mind
is both inclined ... days, vigils, fasts, images, candles, offerings, by burning ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... gods and stone-gods-Religion, human sacrifices, festivals; sacred ... used in Egypt,
which offered no protection ... Adoni** "or its master"Baal*** "and each of ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... 2.14 ELIMINATION OF HUMAN SACRIFICE BY THE STAR-WORSHIPPERS. ... times and in different
manners sacrifices of both ... gone up to Jerusalem with his offerings on the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm