Expert: Dr. Billy Kryger - 4/9/2008

Question
Dr. Billy
  Leviticus 20:1-5 mentions several time "Giving his seed to Molech." What does this mean?
                                 thanks
                                   bob

Answer
Bob:
    Thank you for your question.
    Molech, literally, “the King”, called also Moloch, Milcom, and Malcham, was known in later times as “the abomination of the Ammonites” (1 Kings 11:5). He appears to have been the fire-god of the eastern nations; related to, and sometimes made identical with, Baal, the sun-god. The nature of the rite and of the impious custom called passing children through the fire to Molech is very doubtful. The practices appear to have been essentially connected with magical arts, probably also with unlawful lusts, and with some particular form of profane swearing. The rite in the time of Moses belonged to the region rather of magic than of definite idolatrous worship, and may have been practiced as a lustral charm, or fire-baptism, for the children of incest and adultery.
    Hope this helps.