Child sacrifice is a grievous practice condemned throughout the Bible, representing one of the most abominable acts in the sight of God. This practice was prevalent among the pagan nations surrounding Israel, particularly among the Canaanites, who offered their children to deities such as Molech. The Bible explicitly forbids child sacrifice, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the abhorrence of such practices.

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." This prohibition is reiterated in Leviticus 20:2-5, where God warns of severe consequences for those who engage in or tolerate child sacrifice, underscoring the seriousness of this sin.

The practice of child sacrifice is also mentioned in 2 Kings 23:10, where King Josiah defiles Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to prevent anyone from sacrificing their children to Molech. This act of reform highlights the ongoing struggle against such detestable practices even within Israel.

The prophets frequently denounced child sacrifice as a symbol of Israel's apostasy and moral decline. Jeremiah 7:31 states, "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 reflects God's utter rejection of child sacrifice, emphasizing that such acts are contrary to His will and character.

Witchcraft

Witchcraft, often associated with sorcery and divination, is consistently condemned in the Bible as an affront to God's sovereignty and a violation of His commandments. The practice involves attempting to manipulate spiritual forces through rituals, spells, or the invocation of spirits, which is seen as a direct challenge to God's authority and an alignment with demonic powers.

In the Old Testament, witchcraft is explicitly prohibited. Exodus 22:18 states, "You must not allow a sorceress to live," reflecting the severity with which such practices were viewed. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 further warns, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD."

The New Testament continues this condemnation. In Galatians 5:19-21 , witchcraft is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the life led by the Spirit. The Apostle Paul warns that those who practice such things "will not inherit the kingdom of God."

The Bible's denunciation of witchcraft underscores the importance of relying solely on God for guidance and power. It warns against seeking knowledge or control through forbidden means, which ultimately leads to spiritual deception and separation from God. The consistent biblical message is one of trust in God's wisdom and rejection of any practices that seek to usurp His divine authority.