And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.
I will turn against that person and remove him from his people, because he has sacrificed his children to the false god Molech. This defiles my sacred place and dishonors my holy name.
God is declaring that anyone who sacrifices their children to the pagan god Molech will face severe judgment and be cut off from their community.
📚 Historical Context
This verse addresses the horrific practice of child sacrifice to Molech, a Canaanite deity whose worship involved burning children alive as offerings. The Israelites were surrounded by pagan nations that practiced such rituals, and God was establishing clear boundaries to prevent His people from adopting these abhorrent customs. The sanctuary and God's holy name represented His presence among the Israelites, which would be contaminated by such evil practices.
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