Topical Bible: Fire: Children Caused to Pass Through

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The practice of causing children to "pass through the fire" is a term used in the Bible to describe a ritual associated with the worship of pagan deities, particularly the god Molech. This practice is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures and is considered an abomination in the sight of the Lord.

Biblical References and Context

The phrase "pass through the fire" is mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament, highlighting the severity of this idolatrous practice. In Leviticus 18:21, the Lord commands the Israelites, "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.

In Deuteronomy 18:10, the Israelites are further warned, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft." This passage places the practice alongside other forms of occultism and divination, all of which are forbidden as they lead the people away from the worship of the one true God.

The historical context of these prohibitions is significant. The Canaanite religion, which the Israelites encountered upon entering the Promised Land, included the worship of Molech, a deity to whom children were sacrificed. This practice was not only a violation of God's commandments but also a moral atrocity that the Israelites were to avoid at all costs.

Consequences and Divine Judgment

The Bible records instances where the Israelites fell into the sin of child sacrifice, leading to severe consequences. In 2 Kings 17:17, it is noted that the Israelites "sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger." This behavior ultimately led to the downfall and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Similarly, King Manasseh of Judah is condemned for his participation in this practice. 2 Kings 21:6 states, "He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination and sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger." Manasseh's actions contributed to the eventual judgment and exile of Judah.

Theological Implications

The practice of causing children to pass through the fire is a stark reminder of the spiritual and moral dangers of idolatry. It represents a complete departure from the worship of Yahweh and a descent into the most heinous forms of paganism. The Bible's strong condemnation of this practice serves as a warning against compromising with the surrounding culture and adopting its detestable practices.

Furthermore, this practice highlights the value that God places on human life, particularly the lives of the innocent and vulnerable. The command to refrain from child sacrifice is rooted in the understanding that life is sacred and that children are a gift from God, to be nurtured and protected.

Modern Reflections

While the literal practice of child sacrifice is not prevalent in contemporary society, the underlying issues of idolatry and the devaluation of life remain relevant. Believers are called to uphold the sanctity of life and to resist cultural pressures that lead to moral compromise. The biblical injunctions against causing children to pass through the fire serve as a timeless reminder of the call to faithfulness and the rejection of all forms of idolatry.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 16:3
But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yes, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 17:17
And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... from uncleanness; and Jesus cleansed and caused to pass away ... were persecuted, and
cast into the furnace of fire. Mordecai and Esther and the children of their ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

The Escape from Egypt
... "When your children shall say ... night; the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of
fire at night ... sea, and Jehovah by means of a strong east wind caused the sea ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the escape from egypt.htm

Under the Three Pastors, --There were Manifold Shepherds
... of his father."But the Cross caused to pass ... which the fire brought forth,"the fire
consumed in ... plain sayings,"gave victual to his children;"the third ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xiv under the three.htm

Light through Darkness
... Thou commandedst them to do: therefore Thou hast caused all this ... and palaces were
to be set on fire and burned ... the good of them, and of their children after them ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 38 light through darkness.htm

Infant Salvation
... up their little infants to Moloch, having caused them to pass through the fire,
and he says of these little ones, "Thou hast slain lay children, and delivered ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/infant salvation.htm

Jerome Savonarola (Ad 1452-1498)
... judgment which he had shown in setting children to search ... that these heaps should
be set on fire, and that ... by the wearisome squabble which had caused the delay ...
/.../chapter xxviii jerome savonarola ad.htm

Psalm LXXXI.
... thenceforth augmentation; because, "Many are the children of her ... people multiplied
through Joseph, he was caused to pass ... shall be none in the fire: for they ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxi.htm

Hid in Light
... that light softened into lambent beauty, as those Hebrew children did in the furnace
of fire, being at ... An eclipse of the sun is not caused by any change in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/hid in light.htm

Visit to Cities in the North-West and to Kumaon --Visit to England ...
... Traces of the desolation caused by the Mutiny remained, but ... hundred and thirty men,
women, and children, who had ... promised boats, which were set on fire as soon ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xix visit to cities.htm

Where is the Lord?
... We will not ask for tongues of fire, or mighty rushing ... the valley, the Spirit of
the Lord caused him to ... We have offended thee; but we are still thy children. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/where is the lord.htm