Verse 43
43. Took up the tabernacle Have borne the tabernacle of Moloch. That is, you have carried it, according to idolatrous custom, in the public processions of idol-worship. These tabernacles were what were called shrines: that is, they were small model temples which could be carried in the hands, containing the image of the god. These shrines containing the idolatrous image could be kept in the family or about the person in concealment, so that even while Jehovah alone was publicly worshipped a private idolatry could be perpetually maintained.
Moloch The name Moloch in the Hebrew, and other dialects of the posterity of Shem, signified king. It is clear that terrible rites were performed of sacrifice to the hideous image of this idol-god. He is described as a hollow figure with the face of a calf and his arms extended. By fire kindled within his brazen frame was heated, and children were placed in his arms and burnt.
Remphan This is the Greek term by which the Septuagint translators have rendered the word Chiun, found in Amos 5:26. It is the Coptic, or old Egyptian word, for the name of the star Saturn.
Beyond Babylon In the Hebrew it is beyond Damascus, by which the same captivity is designated. The present phrase is suggested by the historical fulfilment.
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