The practice of child sacrifice is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, always condemned as an abhorrent pagan ritual. While the Bible makes it clear that God opposes child sacrifice, this tragic practice was still carried out by some ancient cultures that worshipped false gods.
Old Testament References to Child Sacrifice
The Old Testament contains several references to child sacrifice, describing how it was practiced by pagan cultures that worshipped false gods like Molech. The Israelites were strongly warned against participating in this horrific ritual:
You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 18:21)
Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them…for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. (Deuteronomy 12:30-31)
The pagan god Molech was associated with the Ammonites, and some wayward Israelites practiced child sacrifice to this false god. The Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem became a location for these sacrifices, a place later associated with divine judgement (Jeremiah 7:31-32).
King Solomon tragically built a temple to Molech during his later years of idolatry (1 Kings 11:7). Some evil kings of Judah like Ahaz and Manasseh went so far as to sacrifice their own children:
For he burned incense in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and burned his children as an offering, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel. (2 Chronicles 28:3)
And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger. (2 Kings 21:6)
The prophet Jeremiah claimed that child sacrifice was something the Lord never commanded, nor did it even enter His mind (Jeremiah 7:31, 19:5). The righteous king Josiah destroyed the pagan altar and high places of child sacrifice (2 Kings 23:10). Ezekiel includes child sacrifice in a list of horrendous sins committed by the people of Judah (Ezekiel 16:20-21).
So the Old Testament repeatedly condemns the evil practice of child sacrifice and associates it with pagan idolatry. God’s people are strongly warned against participating in this unthinkable sin.
Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac
One well-known episode involves God commanding Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac in Genesis 22. However, this story has some important differences compared to pagan child sacrifice:
– God prevents Abraham from going through with the sacrifice at the last moment.
– God recognizes that Isaac is Abraham’s “only son” whom he loves (Gen 22:2, 12, 16), unlike pagan sacrifices where the child is expendable.
– Abraham names the site of the sacrifice “The Lord Will Provide”, indicating his trust that God would resolve the confusing command (Gen 22:14).
– Child sacrifice to false gods is clearly prohibited later in the Law of Moses.
So while human sacrifice is repugnant to God, this story seems to depict a one-time test of Abraham’s faith and obedience. The dramatic outcome prevented any harm to Isaac.
Child Sacrifice Practiced by Israel’s Enemies
The pagan nations surrounding Israel frequently practiced child sacrifice according to the Old Testament. This was cited as a major reason why God judged and expelled the Canaanites from the Promised Land.
You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you…You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 18:3, 21)
They have built the high places of Baal to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind. (Jeremiah 19:5)
The Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Philistines all practiced child sacrifice according to various passages. Even the Assyrians and Babylonians sacrificed children to pagan gods.
So the Bible confirms that child sacrifice was widespread among pagan cultures, which frequently influenced Israel to sin in the same way. God judged these nations in part because of this evil.
Jesus’ Protection of Children
In the New Testament, Jesus valued children and spoke strongly against harming them. He welcomed children and blessed them (Mark 10:13-16).
Jesus issued strong warnings against harming children:
but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6)
Jesus referred to child sacrifice while criticizing the Jews:
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37)
So the New Testament continues the theme of protecting children from harm. Jesus cares deeply for little ones and speaks strongly against causing them to stumble.
Conclusions on Child Sacrifice in the Bible
The clear message of the Bible is that God condemns child sacrifice. The pagan nations sometimes practiced this terrible evil, so God expelled them from the Promised Land. When Israel followed suit and practiced child sacrifice, they faced judgement from God.
While Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac was a test of faith, the Law of Moses expressly prohibited child sacrifice. Jesus emphasized loving and blessing children rather than harming them. All human life is sacred, including children, who deserve protection according to Scripture.