Dictionary of Bible Themes Child sacrifice is unconditionally condemned in Scripture. The few cases in which it is known to have taken place are probably due to the influence of Israel's pagan neighbours. Leviticus 18:21Laws forbidding child sacrifice See also Exodus 22:29Molech was the god of the Ammonites. Deuteronomy 18:10to be interpreted with reference to Ex 13:12-16 and Ex 34:19,22 2 Kings 3:27; 16:3Instances of child sacrifice 2 Kings 17:17,31; 21:6pp 2Ch 28:3 2 Kings 23:10pp 2Ch 33:6 Isaiah 57:5Jeremiah 7:31 Josiah's reforms involved desecrating Topheth, where child sacrifices were offered Deuteronomy 12:31Arguments against child sacrifice See also Child sacrifice is the idolatrous practice of the nations Leviticus 20:2-5Psalms 106:35-38 Jeremiah 32:35 Hosea 13:2 Ezekiel 20:26 See also It defiles God's people Ezekiel 20:31Ezekiel 23:37,39 It defiles God's sanctuary Jeremiah 19:4-5Ezekiel 16:20-21,36-37 It incurs God's anger Hosea 13:2Genesis 22:1-2 God's unique command to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac Hebrews 11:17This was a test of obedience for Abraham. The following verses dispel any idea that God desires human sacrifice John 3:16Romans 8:32 These verses may allude to the story of Abraham and Isaac, especially Ge 22:16: See also 1025 God, anger of7435 sacrifice, in OT 8466 reformation 8747 false gods 8752 false worship 8768 idolatry |
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