Melchom
from Hebrew words meaning king or unearthly king
A demon of hell and former Ammonite idol described in the Dictionnaire Infernal
Melchom is a spirit recorded in the Dictionnaire Infernal as a demon who serves as a paymaster for servants in hell. The text links this figure to the ancient god of the Ammonites, describing him as an usurper king who was cast down after losing his throne.
- Melchom is a demon in the Dictionnaire Infernal
- He serves as the paymaster for hell's servants
- He was the god of the Ammonites
- His name means unearthly king in Hebrew
- He fell after King David took his crown
What it is
Melchom appears in the Dictionnaire Infernal as a lesser demon. He holds the specific role of paymaster for the servants in hell. The text identifies him with the ancient deity worshipped by the Ammonites. This connection frames the demon as a fallen ruler who lost his divine status.
Where it comes from
The spirit originates from the worship of the Ammonites, who are also known by names like Milcom or Moloch. The name signifies an unearthly king or a usurper against the God of Israel. According to commentary, he occupied the land of Gad. When the Israelites drove out the Ammonites, the idol was cast down. King David took his crown, leading to Melchom's transformation into a demon.
Tools and materials
He is associated with a purse. This item marks his duty as the distributor of wages or payments within the infernal hierarchy. No other materials are mentioned in the text.
Melchom, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Dictionnaire Infernal demonology
What it is for
His function is administrative within hell. He manages the finances or rewards for demonic servants. The figure represents a corrupted form of kingship that opposes the theocratic rule of Israel.
Who does it
Scholars and commentators analyze this figure through biblical texts. The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary provides the historical context of the Ammonite conflict. There is no living practice associated with him today.
Peoples and places
The Ammonites are the primary group linked to the original idol. They are contrasted with the Israelites in the biblical narrative. The text notes their presence in the land of Gad before being displaced.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
The belief system views Melchom as a false king. He is seen as an usurper who challenged the authority of Jehovah. His fall from grace is tied to the military and political victories of the Israelites under King David.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Commentaries interpret the shift from idol to demon as a theological explanation for the defeat of pagan gods. The name analysis highlights the contrast between earthly and heavenly kingship.
Compare and confuse
He is related to Moloch and Milcom. These names refer to the same Ammonite deity. The Dictionnaire Infernal reinterprets these ancient idols as demons of hell.
Questions people ask about Melchom
Who is Melchom?
Melchom is a demon described in the Dictionnaire Infernal. He acts as the paymaster for servants in hell. He is identified with the ancient god of the Ammonites.
What does his name mean?
The name comes from Hebrew words meaning king. It specifically refers to an unearthly king or a usurper. It contrasts with the true king of Israel.
Where did he originate?
He originated as the idol of the Ammonites. The Ammonites lived in the land of Gad. They were later driven out by the Israelites.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Melchom", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.
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