Psalm 106:37

They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons.

Study Bible

They sacrificed
The Hebrew root for "sacrificed" is "זָבַח" (zabach), which means to slaughter or offer a sacrifice. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sacrifice was a common religious practice, often intended to appease deities or seek favor. However, the act described here is a perversion of the sacrificial system ordained by God, highlighting a grave departure from His commandments. The Israelites, chosen to be a holy nation, were engaging in practices that were abominable to the Lord, reflecting a deep spiritual decline and rebellion against God's covenant.

their sons and their daughters
This phrase underscores the gravity of the sin committed. Children, considered a blessing and heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), were being offered in sacrifice. This act was not only a violation of God's law but also a profound betrayal of the trust and responsibility given to parents. The family unit, designed by God to nurture and teach His ways, was being corrupted by pagan practices. Historically, such sacrifices were associated with the worship of deities like Molech, where children were passed through fire, a practice explicitly condemned in Leviticus 18:21.

to demons
The term "demons" in Hebrew is "שֵׁדִים" (shedim), which refers to false gods or evil spirits. This highlights the spiritual deception and idolatry that had ensnared the Israelites. Instead of worshiping the one true God, they were offering sacrifices to entities that were not gods at all, but rather malevolent forces opposed to God's kingdom. This act of idolatry was not merely a cultural or religious misstep but a spiritual adultery, aligning themselves with the forces of darkness. The Apostle Paul echoes this understanding in 1 Corinthians 10:20, where he warns that sacrifices to idols are sacrifices to demons.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from Egypt but often fell into idolatry and disobedience.

2. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites, where they encountered pagan nations and their practices.

3. Demons
Spiritual entities opposed to God, often associated with pagan worship and idolatry.

4. Pagan Nations
The surrounding cultures in Canaan that practiced child sacrifice and other abominations.

5. Child Sacrifice
A horrific practice adopted by the Israelites from the Canaanites, condemned by God.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Syncretism
Mixing true worship with pagan practices leads to spiritual corruption. Believers must guard against adopting worldly practices that compromise their faith.

The Sanctity of Life
God values human life, and practices that devalue or destroy life are abhorrent to Him. Christians are called to uphold the sanctity of life in all its forms.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The Bible reveals that behind idolatry and false worship are demonic influences. Believers must be vigilant in spiritual warfare, recognizing the enemy's tactics.

The Call to Repentance
When God's people stray into sin, there is always a call to repentance and a return to faithful worship. God is merciful and ready to forgive those who turn back to Him.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands protects us from the destructive consequences of sin. Following God's Word leads to life and blessing.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern practices or beliefs that might parallel the idolatry and syncretism described in Psalm 106:37?

2. How can Christians today guard against the influence of worldly practices that contradict biblical teachings?

3. In what ways does the sanctity of life manifest in our daily decisions and societal values?

4. How can understanding the reality of spiritual warfare change the way we approach challenges in our faith journey?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy and forgiveness after straying from His commands. How did that experience impact your relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18:21
This verse explicitly forbids the Israelites from sacrificing their children to Molech, a practice associated with demon worship.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
These verses warn against various detestable practices, including child sacrifice, which are abominations to the Lord.

2 Kings 17:17
This passage describes how the Israelites engaged in child sacrifice, leading to God's judgment.

1 Corinthians 10:20
Paul warns that sacrifices to idols are sacrifices to demons, drawing a parallel to the practices condemned in the Old Testament.