This is the first reference in the Old Testament to the god of the Ammonites, Molech (1 Kings 11:7; 2 Kings 23:10). The exact understanding of the verb give
(ntn) is debated. Some argue that it refers to handing children over to the religious cult so that their children would grow up to be temple prostitutes. Others see this law as a prohibition against child sacrifice as in other references in Scripture. These two views are not necessarily opposed to each other. However, the first interpretation appears to be the focus in Leviticus 18:1-30.
21 You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.