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Chemosh
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Moabite Stone cast
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Moabite Stone cast
Moabite Stone cast Cast of the Moabite Stone, front view.

Chemosh

Semitic deity
Also known as: Kemosh
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History

Chemosh, ancient West Semitic deity, revered by the Moabites as their supreme god. Little is known about Chemosh; although King Solomon of Israel built a sanctuary to him east of Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:7), the shrine was later demolished by King Josiah (2 Kings 23:13). The goddess Astarte was probably the cult partner of Chemosh. On the famous Moabite Stone, written by Meshaʿ, a 9th-century bc king of Moab, Chemosh received prominent mention as the deity who brought victory to the Moabites in their battle against the Israelites.