Penalties for Various Sins. 1#The term Molech may refer to a
deity, perhaps with an underworld association, and the activity
forbidden here may be connected with divination. Cf. Dt 18:10;
2 Kgs 17:17; 21:6. In the kingdom of Judah the cult appears to
have been practiced in the Valley of Hinnom, just outside
Jerusalem on the west and south (2 Kgs 23:10; Jer 32:35). The
Lord said to Moses: 2Tell the Israelites: Anyone, whether an
Israelite or an alien residing in Israel, who gives offspring to
Molech shall be put to death.#a. [20:2] Lv 18:21; Dt 12:31;
18:10; 2 Kgs 16:3; 17:17; 21:6; 23:10; Jer 32:35. The people of
the land shall stone that person. 3#b. [20:3] Ez 23:39. I myself
will turn against and cut off#c. [20:3] Lv 7:20. that individual
from among the people; for in the giving of offspring to Molech,
my sanctuary was defiled#d. [20:3] Lv 15:31. and my holy name
was profaned. 4If the people of the land condone the giving of
offspring to Molech, by failing to put the wrongdoer to death,
5I myself will turn