What was Moloch? Ancient Demonic God or Ritual Fire Sacrifice?

What was Moloch? Usually thought of as an ancient god who demanded worship through the sacrifice of children through burning, Moloch has become a truly horrifying entity in the Western Imagination From Milton's Paradise Lost to contemporary Game Theory, Moloch conjures to mind demonic sacrifice, infants placed into its burning hands. But what do we know about Moloch? Was it a god, a demon or the ritual of fiery child sacrifice itself? From Punic North Africa to the worshipers of Yahweh in Judea, this week we will trace the history and scholarship on Moloch and the child sacrifices of Ancient Israel.

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[Superdgo]

It blows me away to have access to such esoteric wisdom while im in my peasant job

[ForwardslashTim]

The German film Metropolis (1927) has a striking scene where Moloch is depicted as a giant machine workers feed themselves to.

[joshiboii]

I had never considered there would *be* an earlier version of the Isaac story where Abraham went through with it. Abraham being stopped and Isaac being alive to father Jacob always seemed so central to the mythos. Absolutely fascinating

[Sabbathelle]

13:09 That is from Malta, I am one of that stele's curators. Thar Phoenician inscriptions was found at Tal-Virtú, Rabat, are significant artifacts that highlight the area's ancient history as a burial site. Dated to the 8th-7th centuries BC, the stele features the controversial phrase "mlk baal, " which may refer to a Canaanite god or a sacrifice. Some theories suggest it involved child sacrifice, though it could also mean a lamb sacrifice as you are saying. It was found with animal bones and vases, the inscriptions remain a subject of debate, and human remains may have been overlooked or excluded from early reports. It is one of my favourite artefacts we have on display at the archaeology museum in Valletta.

[BobbyHill]

I’d never thought of that bit of irony there between Micah teaching “you don’t need sacrifices, much less child sacrifice, just do your best and be sorry when you mess up” and Jesus, if trusting the gospels, taught more or less the same thing, yet after his death was theologically transformed into the ultimate (in all senses) child sacrifice.
It’s fun to imagine what kind of discussions(fights) the different authors and characters would have had if you put them all into a room together

[boringturtle]

That infant for silver ritual reminds me of something we do in my Tae Kwon Do school. At a tournament, at the end of the event each competitor approaches the headmaster of our school and offers him our medals as thanks for his teachings. He then acknowledges and returns them. The idea being that the reward belongs to the school but he returns them as recognition for the student's work. No money exchanges hands, but it seems a similar premise in my eyes.

[BillillB]

Thanks for all the fine content. You, sir, are a treasure!

[kgarrison]

I'm sure I'm not the only one to say that I would love to hear more about the Kabbalistic ramifications of the Binding of Isaac!

[xnoiidb]

Fun fact! In Gaelic, "molach" is a generic term for something that's hairy/shaggy

[MrDalisclock]

"Look at me-Im the Moloch now!"

I laughed too hard at that .

[emmadillon]

aw as soon as that bit about the king sacrificing his "only begotten son" turned up at 13:14 I knew where this was going to end up, but the idea that Isaac was actually sacrificed still caught me by surprise

[mikeflannery]

Thanks! Great lecture! Fascinating. Disturbing. You sure stay busy.

[Newcras]

I love your channel so much. Your niche videos on religion and demons especially trigger my interest, the way you deliver the information is so satisfyingly informative but also relaxing. As a coincidence you happen to look facially a lot like my older brother, who is 10 years my senior and would tell me stories from video games and sometimes real world phenomena kind of like how you do. It's a bit of a stretch but watching you makes me feel nostalgic.

[catherinelux]

Thanks for this video! Watched this on Christmas Day with the family. What a fascinating wealth of detail and insight, as well as humor. Found out from my young adult sons there is a video game called the Binding of Isaac, which prompted a lively discussion. And the ending of your video-wow! Your videos are always thoughtful and informative, funny, and provocative! As a former near eastern studies major, as well as being raised Catholic, I love your deep dives into religious and historical esoterica!

[Daimoth]

I love that you're a yamaka-wearing jew who is able to step back and take an earnest look at your own religion - warts and all. I respect that. I love it, frankly. Would that all religious people in the world were so honest with themselves. You're a treasure, duder.

[Herodotus]

The passing nod to Sir Mix-a-Lot was exceptional.

[Silent-Speaker]

9:49 forgive me sir, but I have to correct you. You are in fact The Justin Sledge

[DouglasMeloche]

"Shocking Acts of Piety" no more accurate words for these turbulent times, thank you always for the incredibly important work you do🙏

[_KRYMZN_]

Hey Justin! Just realised I never mentioned this. I’m writing a comic book within which I wanna include lots of world mythology and esoteric/occult inspiration. Your videos are not only a treasure trove for such inspiration, but really opened my eyes to the ways people have studied and perceived occult practised throughout the ages. Thank you so much for your hard work! Hopefully I’ll get to show you mine someday!!

[denisaljic]

ESOTERICA! Literally every one of the last 10 videos have been things I've been wanting to learn more about in the last few months. Thank You for what you do and keep on doing it, whatever it is!