Jeremiah 19:5

They have built high places to Baal on which to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal--something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it even enter My mind.

Study Bible

They have built high places to Baal
The phrase "They have built high places to Baal" refers to the construction of elevated sites dedicated to the Canaanite god Baal. In the Hebrew context, "high places" (Hebrew: "bamot") were often used for worship and sacrifices, sometimes to Yahweh, but frequently to pagan deities. The worship of Baal was a significant issue in Israel's history, representing a departure from the worship of the one true God. Baal was associated with fertility and storms, and his worship often included immoral practices. The building of these high places signifies a deliberate choice by the Israelites to turn away from God and adopt the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, which was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law.

to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal
This phrase highlights one of the most abhorrent practices associated with Baal worship: child sacrifice. The act of burning children as offerings is a stark violation of God's commandments and a profound moral corruption. The Hebrew word for "burn" (Hebrew: "saraph") indicates a complete destruction by fire, emphasizing the totality of the sacrifice. This practice was not only a physical atrocity but also a spiritual abomination, as it represented the ultimate perversion of parental love and divine worship. Historically, such practices were known in the ancient Near East, particularly among the Canaanites, and were explicitly condemned in the Torah (e.g., Leviticus 18:21).

something I never commanded or mentioned
Here, God is making it clear that such practices were never part of His instructions or desires for His people. The Hebrew word for "commanded" (Hebrew: "tsavah") implies a direct order or decree, which God emphatically denies ever giving regarding child sacrifice. This underscores the idea that the Israelites' actions were not only sinful but also entirely outside the scope of God's revealed will. The phrase "or mentioned" (Hebrew: "dabar") suggests that such practices were not even hinted at in God's communications with His people, highlighting the complete disconnect between God's holy nature and the abominable acts being committed.

nor did it ever enter My mind
This phrase is a powerful expression of God's utter abhorrence and rejection of the practice of child sacrifice. The Hebrew concept here (literally "nor did it come up in My heart") indicates that such an idea was so foreign to God's nature that it was inconceivable. This statement serves to emphasize the vast chasm between God's righteous character and the sinful actions of the people. It also reflects God's deep sorrow and anger over the betrayal of His covenant relationship with Israel. Theologically, this phrase reassures believers of God's consistent and unchanging nature, which is fundamentally opposed to evil and injustice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. He is known for his lamentations over the spiritual state of the nation.

2. Baal
A Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and weather. Worship of Baal was prevalent among the Israelites, despite God's commands against idolatry.

3. High Places
Elevated sites where idolatrous worship, including child sacrifice, was conducted. These were often condemned by the prophets as places of apostasy.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often rebuked by prophets for its idolatry and disobedience to God.

5. Child Sacrifice
A heinous practice adopted from surrounding pagan cultures, explicitly condemned by God. It represents the extreme moral and spiritual decline of the people.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
God values human life, and the practice of child sacrifice is a grave sin. This underscores the importance of protecting and valuing life at all stages.

Idolatry's Consequences
Idolatry leads to moral decay and separation from God. We must guard our hearts against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from Him.

God's Unchanging Nature
God’s commands and His nature are consistent. He never condones sin, and His standards of holiness remain the same.

Repentance and Reform
Like King Josiah, we are called to identify and remove sin from our lives, turning back to God with sincere repentance.

Listening to God's Word
Jeremiah's warnings remind us of the importance of heeding God's Word and the consequences of ignoring His commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the practice of child sacrifice reveal about the spiritual state of Judah during Jeremiah's time, and how can we relate this to modern-day issues of life and morality?

2. How does the worship of Baal and the use of high places reflect the broader theme of idolatry in the Bible, and what are some modern equivalents of idolatry that we might face today?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and devotion remain pure and aligned with God's commands, avoiding the pitfalls of syncretism?

4. How does the account of King Josiah's reforms inspire us to take action against sin in our own lives and communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning from God or His Word. What were the consequences, and how did you find your way back to obedience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18:21
This verse explicitly forbids the sacrifice of children to Molech, another pagan deity, highlighting God's abhorrence of such practices.

2 Kings 23:10
Describes King Josiah's reforms, which included the desecration of Topheth, a site used for child sacrifices, showing a return to obedience to God.

Ezekiel 16:20-21
God, through Ezekiel, condemns Israel for sacrificing their children, emphasizing the betrayal of their covenant relationship with Him.