Most idolatry is a fulfillment of human lusts. Those who want to worship their sexual self will construct gods in that image, while those who worship war, wine, and the stars will do the same.
But what kind of a person creates a god where one of the core devotional practices is to watch your child burn alive?
As it turns out, the worst kind.
Just as someone may create a god who embodies their deepest personal desires, so might someone create a practice where they are forced to give up something near to them in order to achieve a great personal benefit. The greater the sacrifice, the greater the gift, in other words.
That seems to be the genesis for what’s happening here. Ancient archaeological evidence dating back to the 6th century B.C. (and before) show reliefs in Phoenician art where people are throwing the bodies of dead children over the walls to protect themselves from an invading army.
One person in particular is King Mesha of Moab, who, in the 9th century B.C., offered his own son as a burnt offering to the gods to keep his city from being overrun.
This reflects not just a desire, but a full-on desperation. But even at that, it shows a willingness to sacrifice someone else for something that you want. Philosophers will have a field day debating the merits of something like this, but God is emphatic—it’s “detestable” (Deuteronomy 18:12).
Ironically, although God demands obedience to Him, He noticeably does not demand that. His commands, though intense and interwoven with every part of our life, do not demand these types of tragedies. Instead, His service is full of feasts, sacrifices, and gratitude.
Put against what the gods of this world require—whether it’s 2000 years ago or today—that’s a piece of cake. It’s almost as if Jesus referenced this Himself when He told His disciples that “His yoke is easy and His burden is light.”
By comparison, there’s no competition. And the results are actually tangible, unlike with idolatry.