### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kᵉmôwsh**, represented by `{{H3645}}`, is the name for **Chemosh**, the god of the Moabites. Its root meaning relates to the concept of subduing, reflecting its identity as a powerful deity to its followers. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3645}}` is consistently identified with the people of Moab, who are called the "people of **Chemosh**" ([[Numbers 21:29]], [[Jeremiah 48:46]]). The worship of **Chemosh** is a significant feature of Israel's struggle with idolatry. King Solomon built a high place for **Chemosh**, described as "the abomination of Moab," on a hill near Jerusalem [[1 Kings 11:7]]. This act of worshipping foreign gods is cited as a reason for God's judgment against Solomon [[1 Kings 11:33]]. Centuries later, King Josiah defiled this same high place as part of his religious reforms [[2 Kings 23:13]]. The prophet Jeremiah foretells the defeat of Moab and the humiliation of its god, proclaiming that **Chemosh** will go into captivity with his priests and princes [[Jeremiah 48:7]] and that Moab will be ashamed of him [[Jeremiah 48:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the worship of **Chemosh** and other foreign deities:
* `{{H430}}` **ʼĕlôhîym** (gods, God): While often used for the supreme God of Israel, this term is also used to identify foreign deities. **Chemosh** is explicitly called the "god of the Moabites" [[1 Kings 11:33]] and is referred to as "Chemosh thy god" by Jephthah when addressing the Ammonites [[Judges 11:24]].
* `{{H8251}}` **shiqqûwts** (abominable filth, detestable thing): This term is used to express profound disgust toward idols. **Chemosh** is twice labeled "the abomination of Moab" ([[1 Kings 11:7]], [[2 Kings 23:13]]), highlighting the scriptural view of this idol.
* `{{H4432}}` **Môlek** (Molech): The chief deity of the Ammonites, Molech is often mentioned in parallel with **Chemosh**. Solomon built high places for both **Chemosh** and Molech at the same time, setting them up as rival objects of worship [[1 Kings 11:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3645}}` is centered on the theme of idolatry and its consequences.
* **Apostasy and Judgment:** The worship of **Chemosh** by Solomon is a defining act of apostasy, explicitly listed as a reason why the kingdom would be torn from him because "they have forsaken me, and have worshipped... **Chemosh** the god of the Moabites" [[1 Kings 11:33]].
* **The Impotence of Idols:** The scriptures contrast the supposed power of **Chemosh** with the reality of his powerlessness. The Moabites are shown to have trusted in their works and treasures, but this fails them as **Chemosh** himself is prophesied to "go forth into captivity" [[Jeremiah 48:7]].
* **National Shame:** The reliance on **Chemosh** is shown to lead not to victory but to disgrace. The people of Moab are told they "shall be ashamed of **Chemosh**," just as the house of Israel was ashamed of its own idolatrous confidence [[Jeremiah 48:13]]. The "people of Chemosh perisheth" [[Jeremiah 48:46]], underscoring the failure of the idol to protect its followers.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3645}}` **Chemosh** serves as a key example of a foreign idol in the Old Testament. As the national god of the Moabites, his worship represented a grave turning away from the God of Israel. Labeled an "abomination," the veneration of **Chemosh** led to divine judgment. Ultimately, he is portrayed as a powerless god who fails his people, destined for captivity and becoming a source of national shame for those who trusted in him.
TRV