Moloch

Moloch is the biblical name for Phoenician - Canaanite sacrificial rites, which provided after the biblical tradition, the sacrifice of children by fire.

Occurrence and significance

The word juggernaut is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew מֹלֶך ( molech ). After usual assumption, the name derives from the root מלך ( " reign ", " rule ") with the Masoretic vocalization contemptuous of bosheth, "shame" ( בֹּשֶׁת ) ago. Probably the name was originally the technical- cultic designation of a particular victim molc, which was reinterpreted in the biblical tradition only with the Deuteronomic editors for God's name. Similarly denominated opferkultische names ( molc, molchomor ) are occupied for the Punic language.

In the Old Testament is the name of Moloch in Lev 18,21 EU, EU 20.2 to 5; 2 Kings 23,10 EU and is in Jer 32,35 EU. The word is also used in 1 Kings 11.7 EU before, but where the reading Milcom ( ... for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites ) is assumed, which is located in the corresponding location of some ancient Greek translations. In all citations the word always in the fixed phrase appears " child sacrifice to Moloch offer ".

In the New Testament the name of Moloch appears in connection with a story from the Old Testament in Acts 7.43 EU.

Rabbinic tradition

In the rabbinic tradition is " Moloch " was shown as a bronze statue, which was heated with fire. The biblical and rabbinic tradition of this human sacrifice is often taken up again by commentators and has been associated with the ancient Greek and Latin authors reported sacrifices of children to Kronos Baal in Carthage.

Literary adaptations

A literary adaptation of this victim complex was made ​​by Gustave Flaubert in his novel Salammbô and added to Giovanni Pastrones film Cabiria.

In John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost Moloch is one of the Prince of Hell. He loves children and parents tears blood and calls for a renewed open warfare against the sky.

Christian Friedrich Hebbel's play The Moloch dramatized 1849-50 in striking ways the landing of Moloch in Germany.