2 Chronicles 28:3

Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

Moreover he burnt incense {H6999} in the valley {H1516} of the son {H1121} of Hinnom {H2011}, and burnt {H1197} his children {H1121} in the fire {H784}, after the abominations {H8441} of the heathen {H1471} whom the LORD {H3068} had cast out {H3423} before {H6440} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Moreover, he made offerings in the Ben-Hinnom Valley and even burned up his own children as sacrifices, in keeping with the horrible practices of the pagans, whom ADONAI had thrown out ahead of the people of Isra'el.

Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom Jehovah cast out before the children of Israel.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 28:3

This verse offers a stark glimpse into the profound spiritual decline during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. It highlights his extreme apostasy, detailing practices that directly violated God's covenant with Israel and mirrored the very evils for which the indigenous nations of Canaan had been dispossessed.

Context of 2 Chronicles 28:3

King Ahaz ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of 20 and reigned for 16 years (2 Chronicles 28:1). Unlike his righteous ancestor David, or his own son Hezekiah who would later bring revival, Ahaz "did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 28:1). This verse specifically details his most grievous sins, setting the stage for the severe judgments Judah would face during his reign, including significant losses in war and national humiliation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Extreme Idolatry and Apostasy: Ahaz's actions were not merely deviations but a complete embrace of pagan worship. Burning incense to foreign gods and engaging in child sacrifice demonstrated a radical rejection of the God of Israel.
  • The Horror of Child Sacrifice: The phrase "burnt his children in the fire" refers to the abhorrent practice of offering one's own offspring as sacrifices to pagan deities, most notably Molech. This was considered the pinnacle of abomination in God's eyes, explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:10).
  • Adopting Canaanite Abominations: The text emphasizes that Ahaz imitated "the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel." This underscores the irony and tragedy: Israel was meant to be distinct and holy, yet their king adopted the very practices that led to the judgment and expulsion of the previous inhabitants of the land (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:31).

Linguistic and Historical Insights

The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Hebrew: Ge Hinnom) was a geographical location just south of Jerusalem. It became infamous for the pagan rituals, particularly child sacrifice, performed there. In later Jewish tradition, this valley became associated with judgment and destruction, eventually giving rise to the New Testament term Gehenna, often translated as "hell," symbolizing a place of fiery punishment and eternal separation from God.

The act of "burning children in the fire" is directly linked to the worship of Molech, a Canaanite deity. The term "abominations" (Hebrew: to'evah) is a strong biblical word used to describe practices utterly detestable to God, often associated with idolatry, sexual perversion, and injustice.

Practical Application

While literal child sacrifice is rare today, the spiritual principle remains relevant. This verse serves as a sober warning against allowing anything to take the place of God in our lives. Modern "idolatry" can manifest as placing ultimate trust or devotion in wealth, power, pleasure, or even self, to the detriment of our spiritual and moral well-being. The passage calls us to examine our loyalties and ensure that our lives are aligned with God's commands, recognizing the severe consequences of spiritual compromise and embracing practices that are contrary to His nature and will. It reinforces the sanctity of human life and the call to worship God alone, without compromise or the adoption of worldly values that contradict His truth.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 33:6 (5 votes)

    And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:2 (5 votes)

    But did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

  • Leviticus 18:21 (4 votes)

    And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through [the fire] to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

  • Joshua 15:8 (3 votes)

    And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same [is] Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that [lieth] before the valley of Hinnom westward, which [is] at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

  • 2 Kings 23:10 (3 votes)

    And he defiled Topheth, which [is] in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.

  • Jeremiah 19:2 (2 votes)

    And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which [is] by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee,

  • Jeremiah 19:6 (2 votes)

    Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter.