Language:
English
Year of publication:
2019
Titel der Quelle:
Vetus Testamentum
Angaben zur Quelle:
69 (2019) 737–741
Keywords:
Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Moloch (Semitic deity)
;
Swearing Biblical teaching
;
Sacrifice Biblical teaching
Abstract:
Zephaniah 1:5b, which refers to “swearing to Yahweh, and/but swearing by mlkm,” represents an interpretative crux. Scholars have offered a variety of suggestions concerning who or what this “mlkm” is. After surveying previous proposals, this essay suggests that “mlkm” should be understood as “mōlek-sacrifices.” This meaning fits the context well, as rites with the same name were bound up with vows in the Punic colonies of the central Mediterranean. In addition to clarifying the meaning of Zeph 1:5b, understanding “mlkm” as “mōlek-sacrifices” is also significant in that it would provide our first piece of native corroborating evidence that mōlek-sacrifices were bound up with vows in Israel, just as they were in the Punic colonies.
DOI:
10.1163/15685330-12341378
URL:
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