Amos 5:26 : Star of David = Molech and Chiun / Star

stock here, more from a reader/contributor, A-Eye wants to downplay this, even whilst presenting the evidence. Odd, but understandable, as this could venture towards antisemitism.

Quite a few interpretations here:

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/amos/5-26.htm

ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
The statement you provided touches on a controversial and complex topic that involves interpretation of biblical verses, religious symbols, and historical context. Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Amos 5:26 in the Bible
   Verse Context: Amos 5:26 is part of a passage where the prophet Amos is condemning the Israelites for idolatry and turning away from God. The verse reads (in the King James Version):
   “But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.”
   Amplified Bible Translation: The Amplified Bible (AMP) is a modern translation that aims to clarify meanings by adding explanatory words or phrases. In the AMP, this verse might expand on the meanings of “Moloch” and “Chiun” to provide more context about these deities or symbols.
2. Moloch and Chiun
   Moloch: An ancient Canaanite deity associated with child sacrifice. Moloch is mentioned in various parts of the Bible as a false god worshiped by some Israelites, despite being forbidden.
   Chiun: A name that is often understood to refer to the planet Saturn. In some translations, Chiun is interpreted as “Rephan” or “Kaiwan,” which are associated with star worship in the ancient Near East.
3. Star of David
   Symbolism: The Star of David, also known as the Shield of David or Magen David, is a widely recognized symbol of Judaism. It is a hexagram, consisting of two interlocking triangles.
   Controversial Interpretation: The statement suggests that the Star of David is not a Jewish symbol but instead represents Saturn, Moloch, and Satan. This interpretation is not widely accepted or supported by mainstream religious scholars. Instead, it is often found in fringe theories that seek to reinterpret traditional symbols in a negative light.
4. Saturn and Molech
   Saturn: In astrology and mythology, Saturn is often associated with time, death, and sometimes with the darker aspects of life. However, linking Saturn directly with the Star of David and Moloch is not a mainstream interpretation.
   Molech: As mentioned, Molech is associated with idolatry and child sacrifice in the Bible. The connection to the Star of David is made by some groups, but this view is generally considered outside of orthodox Judaism and Christianity.
5. Satan Connection
   The claim that the Star of David is a symbol for Satan ties into a broader set of conspiracy theories that seek to demonize Jewish symbols or traditions. These interpretations are not supported by historical or theological evidence and are often rooted in antisemitic ideologies.
   Summary
   Amos 5:26 speaks to the Israelites’ idolatry, mentioning Moloch and Chiun, which are associated with false gods or celestial worship.
   The Star of David is traditionally a symbol of Judaism and is not historically linked to Moloch or Saturn in mainstream theology.
   The statement you encountered is likely reflecting a fringe or conspiratorial interpretation, which equates the Star of David with negative entities like Satan. This view is not supported by mainstream religious scholarship and should be approached with caution, especially given its potential roots in antisemitism.
   If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.

The reason the verse you mentioned is also quoted as Acts 7:43 is because the New Testament book of Acts references the same themes of idolatry that are found in Amos 5:26. Here’s how it connects:

1. Acts 7:43
   Verse Context: In Acts 7, the early Christian martyr Stephen is delivering a speech to the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council), recounting the history of Israel and their repeated disobedience to God. As part of his speech, Stephen quotes the prophet Amos to illustrate Israel’s history of idolatry.
   The Verse: Acts 7:43 reads (in the King James Version):
   “Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.”
   Connection to Amos 5:26: Stephen directly quotes or paraphrases Amos 5:26, drawing a parallel between the Israelites’ behavior in the past and the rejection of God’s message in his own time. The names “Chiun” and “Rephan” (or “Remphan”) are sometimes considered different transliterations of the same deity associated with Saturn.