Jeremiah 32:35

They have built the high places of Baal in the Valley of Hinnom to make their sons and daughters pass through the fire to Molech--something I never commanded them, nor had it ever entered My mind, that they should commit such an abomination and cause Judah to sin.

Study Bible

They built the high places of Baal
The phrase "They built the high places of Baal" refers to the construction of altars or temples on elevated sites dedicated to Baal, a Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and weather. The Hebrew word for "high places" is "bāmôt," which were often used for idolatrous worship. Historically, these sites were significant in ancient Near Eastern religious practices, and their construction by the Israelites represented a direct violation of God's commandments against idolatry (Exodus 20:3-5). This act of building high places for Baal indicates a deep-seated rebellion against God, as the Israelites adopted pagan practices from surrounding nations, forsaking their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

in the Valley of Hinnom
The "Valley of Hinnom," known in Hebrew as "Gehinnom," was located south of Jerusalem. It became infamous as a site for child sacrifice, particularly to the god Molech. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that this valley was associated with gruesome rituals, which were strictly condemned in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:21). The Valley of Hinnom later became a symbol of divine judgment and was used metaphorically by Jesus as a representation of hell (Gehenna) in the New Testament (Mark 9:43-48).

to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech
The act "to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech" is one of the most abhorrent practices mentioned in the Old Testament. Molech, a god worshiped by the Ammonites, demanded child sacrifice, a practice that was utterly detestable to God. The Hebrew term "Molech" is often associated with the idea of a king or ruler, and the worship of Molech involved rites that were in direct opposition to the sanctity of life upheld by the God of Israel. This practice was explicitly forbidden in the Law (Leviticus 20:2-5), and its occurrence among the Israelites highlights the extent of their apostasy and moral decline.

though I never commanded
The phrase "though I never commanded" underscores God's clear and unequivocal stance against such practices. The Hebrew word "tsavah" (commanded) indicates a direct order or decree. God emphasizes that He never instructed His people to engage in such heinous acts, reinforcing the idea that these practices were entirely outside His will and character. This statement serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the importance of adhering to His commands as revealed in Scripture.

nor did it even enter My mind
The expression "nor did it even enter My mind" is a powerful anthropomorphic way of conveying God's utter abhorrence and the inconceivability of such actions being associated with His divine nature. In Hebrew, the phrase suggests that such thoughts were completely foreign to God's character and intentions. This highlights the stark contrast between the holiness of God and the depravity of human sinfulness when people turn away from His guidance.

that they should do such a detestable thing
The term "detestable thing" translates the Hebrew word "toebah," which is often used in the Old Testament to describe actions that are abominable or repugnant to God. This word is frequently associated with idolatry and immoral practices that violate the covenant relationship between God and His people. The use of this term underscores the severity of the sin and the deep offense it causes to a holy and righteous God.

and so cause Judah to sin
The phrase "and so cause Judah to sin" indicates the broader impact of these idolatrous practices on the nation of Judah. The Hebrew word for "sin" is "chata," which means to miss the mark or to fall short of God's standards. The leaders and people of Judah, by engaging in these practices, led the entire nation into sin, resulting in spiritual and moral decay. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the responsibility of leaders to guide their people in righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah during a time of great apostasy and impending judgment.

2. Baal
A Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and weather, whose worship was characterized by idolatry and immorality, and was strictly forbidden by God.

3. Valley of Hinnom
A location near Jerusalem notorious for idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice, which later became synonymous with judgment and hell (Gehenna).

4. Molech
A pagan god to whom the Israelites, in their apostasy, sacrificed their children, an act that was abhorrent to God.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which fell into idolatry and was warned by prophets like Jeremiah of the consequences of their sin.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
God values human life and abhors practices that devalue it, such as child sacrifice. This principle calls us to uphold the sanctity of life in all its forms today.

The Danger of Idolatry
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 God's truth.

God's Unchanging Nature
God's commands and His nature do not change. What was detestable to Him then remains detestable now, reminding us of the consistency of His moral standards.

Repentance and Reform
Like King Josiah's reforms, we are called to identify and remove sinful practices from our lives and communities, turning back to God with sincere repentance.

The Consequences of Sin
Judah's sin led to severe consequences, including exile. This serves as a warning that sin has real and often devastating consequences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of child sacrifice in ancient Judah compare to modern issues that challenge the sanctity of life, and how can Christians respond?

2. What are some modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from God, and how can we guard against them?

3. How does understanding God's unchanging nature help us navigate moral and ethical challenges in today's world?

4. In what ways can we, like King Josiah, initiate reforms in our personal lives or communities to align more closely with God's will?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18:21
This verse explicitly forbids the Israelites from sacrificing their children to Molech, highlighting the continuity of God's command against such practices.

2 Kings 23:10
King Josiah's reforms included defiling Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom to prevent child sacrifices, showing a historical attempt to eradicate this sin.

Deuteronomy 12:31
God warns Israel not to adopt the detestable practices of the nations, including child sacrifice, emphasizing His abhorrence of such acts.