Milcom
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Milcom, also known as Molech, was the chief god of the Ammonites and Moabites, associated with rituals involving the burning of children as offerings.
What is the meaning of Milcom in the Bible?
Milcom, also known as Molech, was the chief god of the Ammonites and Moabites, associated with rituals involving the burning of children as offerings.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Milcom clarifies the specific religious conflicts and moral condemnations presented in the Hebrew Bible regarding the practices of neighboring nations.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Milcom. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Milcom in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Milcom clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.
How to Cite This Entry
"Milcom." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/milcom/