Chemosh

Chemosh, the national god of Moab, called in 1 and 2 Kings 'the abomination of the Moabites.' The derivation of the name is uncertain, the most probable being that of Gesenius, from kāmash (= kābhash), 'to trample under foot,' with which the Syrian kemāsh, 'nightmare,' is connected. Chemosh was essentially one with the Moloch or Milcom ('king') of the Ammonites, and both were simply forms of the Canaanite Baal (q.v.). On the 'Moabite Stone' King Mesha attributes the Israelite successes over Moab to the wrath of Chemosh, and Moab's deliverance to his assistance. His worship was marked by cruel rites and lascivious orgies. Mesha's first-born son was doubtless sacrificed as a burnt-offering to him (2 Kings, iii. 27). Solomon in his later years consecrated 'high places' (Bāmōth) to Chemosh in Jerusalem.