Sakkuth

Sakkuth is a term that appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Amos 5:26. It is generally interpreted as the name of a deity, likely of Assyrian or Babylonian origin, worshipped by the Israelites.

The verse in Amos reads: "But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves." The names "Moloch," "Chiun," and "Sakkuth" are often linked, suggesting they are related idols or different names for the same deity.

The identity of Sakkuth is debated. Some scholars believe Sakkuth is another name for the Akkadian god Ninurta (also known as Saturn), associating him with astral worship. This association is strengthened by the connection with "Chiun," which is frequently identified with the planet Saturn.

The passage in Amos is a condemnation of the Israelites' syncretistic worship practices. The prophet is criticizing their adoption of foreign deities alongside or instead of the God of Israel, reflecting a recurring theme in the prophetic books of the Old Testament regarding the dangers of idolatry and the importance of exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

The Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible renders Sakkuth as "Sikkuth," which further supports the understanding of it as a proper noun denoting a foreign god.