The Hebrew word shêd, represented by H7700, is defined as a daemon (as malignant) or devil. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage points to demonic entities that were the recipients of forbidden worship.
In its biblical appearances, H7700 is always associated with illicit sacrifice. Deuteronomy 32:17 states that the people "sacrificed unto devils, not to God," clarifying that these entities were false "gods whom they knew not." This act is portrayed as a rejection of the true God. The severity of this transgression is amplified in Psalms 106:37, which reports that the people "sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils," identifying these entities as the object of child sacrifice.
Several related words provide crucial context for the meaning of H7700:
- H2076 zâbach (to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice); kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay): This is the action directed toward the devils in both Deuteronomy 32:17 and Psalms 106:37. The word itself can describe legitimate offerings to God Psalms 4:5 or corrupt sacrifices Malachi 1:14, highlighting that the object of the sacrifice is what determines its nature.
- H430 ʼĕlôhîym (gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God): This term is used in Deuteronomy 32:17 to describe the devils H7700 as "gods whom they knew not." This connects the concept of devils to false deities, which stand in contrast to the supreme God, also called H430 Genesis 1:1.
- H433 ʼĕlôwahh (a deity or the Deity; God, god): In a direct contrast, Deuteronomy 32:17 states that the people sacrificed to devils, "not to God" H433. This establishes H7700 as being in direct opposition to the one true God, who is the proper recipient of worship Proverbs 30:5.
The theological weight of H7700 is significant despite its infrequent use. It serves to define the nature of idolatry in stark terms.
- Objects of Forbidden Worship: The word identifies the spiritual beings behind idolatrous practices. Sacrifices offered to idols were not merely empty gestures but were directed toward these malignant entities in direct violation of the covenant with God Deuteronomy 32:17.
- Corruption of Sacrifice: The act of sacrifice H2076 was intended as a core part of worship to God. By directing this act toward devils, the people corrupted a sacred practice, culminating in the horrific sacrifice of their own children Psalms 106:37.
- Spiritual Antagonism: The term establishes a clear spiritual dichotomy. The worship of devils H7700 is presented as the antithesis of the worship of God H433, framing idolatry as an allegiance with hostile spiritual powers.
In summary, H7700 shêd is a specific term for the demonic entities or false gods who were the focus of idolatrous worship. While appearing only twice, it is used in powerful contexts to condemn these practices as a profound betrayal of God, involving the corruption of sacrifice and allegiance to malignant powers. It reveals that, from a biblical perspective, idolatry was not a victimless crime but an engagement with "devils."
TRV