The practice of child sacrifice, particularly the sacrifice of sons, is a grievous sin condemned throughout the Bible. This act is often associated with pagan rituals and idolatry, which the Israelites were expressly forbidden to adopt. The Bible provides several accounts and laws concerning this abominable practice, highlighting its severity and the divine judgment it incurs.

Old Testament References

1. Molech Worship: One of the most notorious forms of child sacrifice in the Old Testament is the worship of Molech, a Canaanite deity. The Israelites were explicitly commanded not to engage in this practice. Leviticus 18:21 states, "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 underscores the sanctity of life and the holiness of God's name, which is defiled by such acts.

2. Valley of Hinnom: The Valley of Hinnom, or Gehenna, became infamous as a site where child sacrifices were offered to Molech. Jeremiah 7:31 records, "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 abhorrence of the practice and His declaration that such acts were never His will.

3. King Ahaz and Manasseh: The kings of Judah, Ahaz and Manasseh, are noted for their participation in child sacrifice. 2 Kings 16:3 describes Ahaz: "He walked in the way of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites." Similarly, Manasseh's actions are recorded in 2 Kings 21:6 : "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."

Divine Judgment and Prohibition

The practice of sacrificing sons is met with severe divine judgment. In Deuteronomy 12:31 , God warns the Israelites, "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." This command is part of a broader prohibition against adopting pagan practices and underscores the distinctiveness of Israel's worship of Yahweh.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets frequently condemned child sacrifice as a symbol of Israel's apostasy and moral decline. Ezekiel 16:20-21 laments, "You took your sons and daughters, whom you bore to Me, and sacrificed them as food to the idols. Was your prostitution not enough? You slaughtered My children and delivered them up through the fire to idols." The prophets called the people to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness, emphasizing God's desire for justice, mercy, and obedience rather than ritualistic and idolatrous practices.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not directly address the practice of child sacrifice, it upholds the sanctity of life and the value of children. Jesus' teachings emphasize love, compassion, and the protection of the innocent. In Matthew 18:6 , Jesus warns, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This teaching reflects the high regard for children and the severe consequences for those who harm them.

The sacrifice of sons, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of adhering to God's commandments. It highlights the contrast between the pagan practices of surrounding nations and the ethical and spiritual standards set by God for His people.