A gruesome deity was the Ammonitic Moloch, gobbler of children. He alone of all the idols had no temple in Jerusalem. Even during the time of greatest decadence, he did not venture into the holy city. The nearby valley of the sons of Hinnom sheltered his iron image; leading his followers astray in wantonness, he rejoiced at their doom. Moloch is identical with the Hebraic Melech, king. The purpose of his cult was originally to gain health and long life for the king, who was expectd to use his magic powers for the benefit of the people, in particular to obtain good harvests. But Moloch's price was too high, and the people burned their own children to please him. Gorged with the lives of his victims, Moloch dominated over Hinnom. Cymbals, trumpets and drums filled the air with barbric din, drowning out the shrieks of his victims.