Why did God require child sacrifice?

That is to say... that the main point is often the OPPOSITE of what the narrative suggests

Here's a great example

Think of the parable of the "unrighteous judge" (Luke 18)

Story is told of an unrighteous judge who doesn't care for about God or what people think...

A woman is wronged and pleads for help

The judge IGNORES her.

But... this widow is PERSISTENT

Some think that this was meant to reflect God...

and I guess it was... through CONTRAST

Here's how Jesus summarizes that story:

"Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”