Molech worship
Molech worship refers to the idolatrous practices associated in Scripture with Molech, especially the sinful offering of children by fire. The Bible consistently condemns these practices as detestable and forbidden.
At a Glance
Molech worship refers to the idolatrous practices associated in Scripture with Molech, especially the sinful offering of children by fire. The Bible consistently condemns these practices as detestable and forbidden.
Description
Molech worship refers to the pagan religious practices linked in the Old Testament with Molech (also spelled Moloch in some translations), especially the grave sin of offering children in fire. The Law explicitly forbids Israel from giving their children to Molech, and the prophets and historical books condemn the practice as part of the surrounding nations’ abominations and as a defiling betrayal when adopted by Israelites. Interpreters differ on some background questions, such as whether Molech is strictly the name of a deity, a title, or a particular type of ritual offering, but Scripture’s theological assessment is not uncertain. Molech worship represents abhorrent idolatry, a rejection of the Lord’s covenant, and a profanation of human life made in God’s image.