Moloch, also spelled Molech, is a deity associated with the ancient Near Eastern practice of child sacrifice, particularly among the Ammonites. The worship of Moloch is explicitly condemned in the Hebrew Bible, where it is presented as a grave abomination in the sight of the Lord. The name "Moloch" is often understood to be derived from the Hebrew word "melech," meaning "king," but with the vowels of "bosheth," meaning "shame," indicating the disgraceful nature of this idol.

Biblical References

The worship of Moloch is first mentioned in the context of prohibitions given to the Israelites. In Leviticus 18:21 , the Lord commands, "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 command is reiterated in Leviticus 20:2-5, where the penalty for such an act is death by stoning, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the need to purge such evil from among the people.

In 1 Kings 11:7 , King Solomon is said to have built a high place for Molech on the mountain east of Jerusalem, influenced by his foreign wives. This act is noted as part of Solomon's turning away from the Lord, leading to the eventual division of the kingdom. The worship of Moloch is further condemned in 2 Kings 23:10 , where King Josiah defiles Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to prevent anyone from sacrificing their son or daughter in the fire to Molech.

The prophet Jeremiah also speaks against the practice, highlighting the Valley of Ben Hinnom as a place where the Israelites committed this detestable act. In Jeremiah 32:35 , the Lord declares, "They built high places for 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 commit such an abomination and cause Judah to sin."

Historical and Cultural Context

The worship of Moloch is often associated with the Ammonites, a people who lived east of the Jordan River. The practice of child sacrifice was not unique to the Ammonites, as it was also found among other ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the Canaanites and Phoenicians. The biblical texts suggest that the Israelites were tempted to adopt these practices from their neighbors, leading to repeated warnings and condemnations from the prophets.

The Valley of Ben Hinnom, later known as Gehenna, became synonymous with judgment and destruction due to its association with these sacrifices. The imagery of fire and judgment in this valley is later used in the New Testament to describe the final judgment and hell.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the worship of Moloch represents a direct violation of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive worship of the one true God. The practice of child sacrifice is seen as the ultimate expression of idolatry and rebellion against God's covenant. It underscores the biblical theme of the sanctity of life and the abhorrence of practices that devalue human life, particularly that of innocent children.

The biblical condemnation of Moloch worship serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of syncretism and the need for the people of God to remain faithful to His commandments. It highlights the importance of holiness and the call to be set apart from the surrounding nations and their detestable practices.

The Death of Moses.
... The shrieks of children came,. Where drums and cymbals led the crowd,. Round Moloch's
altar-flame. The Vision changed;"then Moses saw. The Idols overthrown,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn xlix the death of.htm

God's People in the Furnace
... Men passed through the fire in the days of the kings of Israel"when they passed
through the fire to Moloch; but Moloch's fire did not purify or benefit them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/gods people in the furnace.htm

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
... They called the fire Moloch, which means simply the king; and they worshipped this
fire-king, and made idols of him, and offered human sacrifices to him. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiii korah dathan and.htm

Are You Prepared to Die?
... Your poor soul, like the infant which is to be cast into Moloch's arms, cries, and
you do not hear its cries, because you drown it with the noisy drums of this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/are you prepared to die.htm

Moloch's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Moloch's (1 Occurrence). Acts 7:43 Yes, you lifted
up Moloch's tent and the Star of the God Rephan--the ...
/m/moloch's.htm - 6k

Molten (41 Occurrences)

/m/molten.htm - 22k

Remove (173 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:43 Yes, you lifted up Moloch's tent and the Star of the God Rephan--the images
which you made in order to worship them; and I will remove you beyond ...
/r/remove.htm - 38k

Moloch (2 Occurrences)
... In Amos 5:26, "your Moloch" of the Authorized Version is "your king" in the Revised
Version (Comp. ... 2. (n.) A spiny Australian lizard (Moloch horridus). ...
/m/moloch.htm - 21k

Tent (333 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:43 Yes, you lifted up Moloch's tent and the Star of the God Rephan--the images
which you made in order to worship them; and I will remove you beyond ...
/t/tent.htm - 48k

Lifted (466 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:43 Yes, you lifted up Moloch's tent and the Star of the God Rephan--the images
which you made in order to worship them; and I will remove you beyond ...
/l/lifted.htm - 36k

Yes (511 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:43 Yes, you lifted up Moloch's tent and the Star of the God Rephan--the images
which you made in order to worship them; and I will remove you beyond ...
/y/yes.htm - 36k

Images (158 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:43 Yes, you lifted up Moloch's tent and the Star of the God Rephan--the images
which you made in order to worship them; and I will remove you beyond ...
/i/images.htm - 70k

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