Moloch, the Pagan God-king, pictured in The Union Bible Dictionary, Philadelphia-New York 1837, via the Internet Archive

Moloch, was a Levantine idol, god, and deity, the pagan lord of material things, and the master of fire. He was worshipped by Levatine people 3500 years ago. The Semitic tribes that worshiped Moloch, would offer their newborn and young children to him in what are well known examples of early human sacrifices. The children were burned alive at the altar of Molech by the priests of Moloch.