Topical Bible: Defilement: Moral, Caused by Giving Children to Molech

◄ Defilement: Moral, Caused by Giving Children to Molech ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, defilement refers to the state of being unclean or impure, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. One of the gravest forms of moral defilement described in the Scriptures is the act of giving children to Molech, a pagan deity associated with the Ammonites. This practice is explicitly condemned in the Old Testament and is considered an abomination before the Lord.

The worship of Molech involved the horrific ritual of child sacrifice, where children were offered as burnt offerings. This act of idolatry and murder was strictly forbidden by God and was seen as a profound violation of His commandments. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the detestable practices of the surrounding nations, including the sacrifice of their offspring to Molech.

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 importance of maintaining purity in worship. The act of sacrificing children to Molech not only defiled the individuals involved but also profaned the holy name of God, as it was a direct rebellion against His will and character.

Further emphasizing the severity of this sin, Leviticus 20:2-5 declares, "Tell the Israelites, 'Any Israelite or foreigner residing in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The people of the land are to stone him. I Myself will set My face against that man and cut him off from his people, because he has given his offspring to Molech, defiling My sanctuary and profaning My holy name. And if the people of the land ever hide their eyes from that man when he gives any of his children to Molech, and they fail to put him to death, then I will set My face against that man and his family and cut off from their people both him and all who follow him in prostituting themselves with Molech.'"

The punishment for this transgression was severe, reflecting the gravity of the sin. The community was commanded to execute the offender, and failure to do so would result in divine judgment upon the people. This underscores the communal responsibility to uphold God's standards and the necessity of purging evil from among them.

The practice of sacrificing children to Molech is also mentioned in 2 Kings 23:10 , where King Josiah is commended for destroying the high places where these abominations occurred: "He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech."

The moral defilement caused by giving children to Molech serves as a stark warning against idolatry and the abandonment of God's commandments. It highlights the importance of fidelity to God and the protection of innocent life, principles that are foundational to the biblical worldview.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 20:3
And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he has given of his seed to Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook