Topical Encyclopedia Chemosh is recognized in the Bible as the national deity of the Moabites and, to a lesser extent, the Ammonites. This idol is often associated with practices that were abominable to the Israelites, as it represented a significant spiritual and cultural influence in the region surrounding ancient Israel.Biblical References and Historical Context Chemosh is first mentioned in the context of the Moabites, a people descended from Moab, the son of Lot (Genesis 19:37). The Moabites settled east of the Dead Sea and were frequently in conflict with Israel. Chemosh is explicitly named in the Bible as the god of the Moabites in several passages. In Numbers 21:29 , the lament over Moab's defeat by the Amorites includes a reference to Chemosh: "Woe to you, O Moab! You are destroyed, O people of Chemosh!" The worship of Chemosh was characterized by practices that were detestable to the Israelites, including child sacrifice. This is inferred from the broader context of Canaanite religious practices and the specific condemnation of such acts in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:21, Deuteronomy 12:31). Solomon and the Introduction of Chemosh Worship in Israel The influence of Chemosh extended into Israel during the reign of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 11:7 , it is recorded that Solomon, influenced by his foreign wives, built a high place for Chemosh on a hill east of Jerusalem: "At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, and for Molech, the abomination of the Ammonites." This act was part of Solomon's broader apostasy, as he turned away from the LORD and followed other gods, leading to divine judgment upon his kingdom. Josiah's Reforms The worship of Chemosh persisted in Judah until the reign of King Josiah, who enacted significant religious reforms. In 2 Kings 23:13 , Josiah is credited with defiling the high places that Solomon had built for Chemosh: "The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Corruption, which Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites." Chemosh in Moabite Inscriptions Outside of the biblical text, Chemosh is also mentioned in the Mesha Stele, an ancient Moabite stone inscription dating to the 9th century BC. King Mesha of Moab credits Chemosh with his victories over Israel, reflecting the god's central role in Moabite religion and national identity. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, Chemosh represents the idolatry and spiritual apostasy that the Israelites were repeatedly warned against. The worship of Chemosh and other foreign deities was a direct violation of the first commandment, which demands exclusive allegiance to the LORD (Exodus 20:3). The biblical narrative consistently portrays the worship of Chemosh as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting divine judgment. Chemosh serves as a reminder of the spiritual dangers posed by syncretism and the importance of maintaining fidelity to the covenant relationship with God. The biblical condemnation of Chemosh and similar deities underscores the call to holiness and the rejection of idolatry in all its forms. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 11:7,33Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 23:13 Jeremiah 48:7,13,46 Resources Who was Moloch/Molech? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Ammonites? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Chemosh: An Idol of And of the Amorites Chemosh: An Idol of The Moabites and Ammonites Related Terms |
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