Sikkuth (also known as Sakkuth) was an Assyrian-Babylonian idol, likely a star god, whom the Israelites worshipped during their time in the wilderness and in the divided kingdom. The prophet Amos condemned Israel's worship of Sikkuth as an expression of their apostasy from the Lord. The name is linked to the Mesopotamian god Sakkuth (Saturn/Ninurta), and this idolatry was used as grounds for God's judgment against Israel.
Key events
Amos' condemnation of idolatry
The prophet Amos rebuked the Israelites for carrying Sikkuth as their king and Kijun as their star god, demonstrating their deep apostasy from the true God.
Amos criticized Israel's religious practice as hypocritical—they held festivals and offered sacrifices to the Lord, yet simultaneously worshipped foreign gods like Sikkuth.
22Even if you bring me burnt offerings, I will not accept them; your grain offerings give me no pleasure, and I will not look at the fellowship offerings of your fattened cattle.
Stephen quoted Amos' words about Sikkuth (the tent of Moloch) in his address to the high council, accusing the Israelites of repeated idolatry throughout history.
42So God turned away and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings for forty years in the wilderness, house of Israel?