Sacrifice, Human
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Sacrifice, Human in the Bible?
Archaeological and textual evidence indicates that certain ancient Near Eastern populations, including some Canaanite groups and occasionally Israelites during periods of apostasy, engaged in child sacrifice, often associated with the deities Molech or Baal, particularly during national crises.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this practice clarifies the intensity of the prophetic opposition to idolatry in the Hebrew Bible and highlights the distinct ethical boundaries established by Mosaic law regarding the sanctity of life and the prohibition of such pagan rituals.
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.