However, the connection between the mulk -sacrifice and the sacrifice of humans has never been documented in a Phoenician text before, and many scholars have doubted the existence of the practice. This inscription provides that missing connection with apparent references to the mulk of a man, or a firstborn son. The meaning of this practice in ancient Israel and its environs has been much debated. Some have proposed that molekh was a particular god that some ancient Israelites worshipped in the usual way, in violation of the commandment to worship only Yahweh. Indeed, there can be no question that this text will be studied by scholars in great detail for many years to come and promises to be the most important Phoenician inscription to be discovered in his century.
Publication is planned.
The Museum also provided us with an excellent working environment. The photographic and computer imaging aspects of this project were led by Bruce and Kenneth Zuckerman of the West Semitic Research Project of USC in collaboration with Stephen A. Kaufman of Hebrew Union College and with the assistance of Marilyn Lundberg. The photographic and computer imaging work were funded by the Ahmanson Foundation. These photos resulted in enhanced views of the figure and of the text and readings . To send e-mail to Bruce Zuckerman, click here.