Isaiah 57:5

KJV

Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?

KJV (with Strong's)

Enflaming {H2552} yourselves with idols {H410} under every green {H7488} tree {H6086}, slaying {H7819} the children {H3206} in the valleys {H5158} under the clifts {H5585} of the rocks {H5553}?

Complete Jewish Bible

You go into heat among the oak trees, under every spreading tree. You kill the children in the valleys under the cracks in the rocks.

Berean Standard Bible

who burn with lust among the oaks, under every luxuriant tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?

American Standard Version

ye that inflame yourselves among the oaks, under every green tree; that slay the children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 57:5 serves as a searing indictment against the profound spiritual apostasy and moral degradation of ancient Israel, vividly exposing their fervent devotion to idolatry and the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice. This verse starkly portrays the depths of their unfaithfulness, contrasting their zealous pursuit of false gods with the sacred covenant relationship they had with Yahweh, thereby highlighting the severe spiritual and ethical decay that resulted from their abandonment of divine truth and their embrace of pagan abominations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a broader prophetic oracle spanning Isaiah 56-59, where the prophet Isaiah confronts the pervasive moral decay and spiritual corruption within Judah. Following chapters that emphasize God's future restoration and the call to righteousness for all who keep His covenant, Isaiah pivots sharply to expose the current state of sin among His people, including their hypocrisy, injustice, and rampant idolatry. Chapter 57, in particular, contrasts the peaceful rest of the righteous who die with the restless, ungodly lives of the wicked who pursue their own ways. Verse 5, with its graphic depiction of idolatrous rites and the horrific practice of child sacrifice, functions as a concrete, devastating example of the "wicked" behavior described in the preceding verses, providing undeniable evidence of the spiritual adultery and covenant breaking that characterized their relationship with God. It sets the stage for God's subsequent condemnation and promise of judgment, yet also subtly hints at a future restoration for the truly penitent who turn back to Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The abominable practices described in Isaiah 57:5 were deeply rooted in the Canaanite religions that surrounded ancient Israel and, tragically, often infiltrated their worship. The phrase "under every green tree" refers to the common pagan practice of establishing cultic sites in natural groves or on "high places," which were frequently associated with fertility rites, ritual prostitution, and the worship of deities like Baal and Asherah. These sites were perceived as places of spiritual power and were adopted by Israelites despite explicit divine prohibitions against such syncretism (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2-3 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Destroying Pagan Sites")). The most horrific accusation, "slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks," directly points to child sacrifice, a detestable ritual often linked to the worship of Molech or Baal. This practice, explicitly condemned by Yahweh as an abomination (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice"); [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Abominable Practices of the Nations")), typically occurred in specific valleys, most notably the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) outside Jerusalem. The prophet’s words reflect a period where Israel had significantly backslid, adopting the most heinous customs of the very nations they were meant to dispossess and stand apart from.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 57:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Isaiah, underscoring the prophet's consistent message of judgment and hope. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the theme of **Idolatry and Spiritual Adultery**, portraying Israel's fervent devotion to false gods as a passionate, self-inflicted pursuit that mirrors an illicit affair, thereby betraying their covenant with Yahweh. This spiritual unfaithfulness is a recurring motif, particularly evident in the warnings against worshipping foreign deities found throughout the book, such as in [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Moral Depravity and Covenant Breaking**. The inclusion of child sacrifice reveals the extreme depths of moral degradation to which the people had fallen, demonstrating the dehumanizing and destructive consequences of abandoning God's righteous standards and breaking the covenant established at Sinai. This moral decay is further elaborated in passages like [Isaiah 1:4-6](/isaiah/1-4-6 "Isaiah 1:4-6 - A Rebellious Nation"). Lastly, the rhetorical question implicitly conveys the theme of **Divine Condemnation and Impending Judgment**. God, through Isaiah, expresses His full awareness and absolute condemnation of these abominable acts, signaling the certainty of impending judgment for such gross violations of His commands, a theme consistently present throughout Isaiah's prophecies, as seen in [Isaiah 3:11](/isaiah/3-11 "Isaiah 3:11 - Consequences for the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enflaming (Hebrew, _châmam'_):** This word (H2552), a primitive root, means "to be hot" or "to be warm," used here in a reflexive sense ("enflaming yourselves"). It denotes a fervent, passionate, or even lustful heat. In this context, it vividly describes the intense, self-generated zeal and desire with which the Israelites pursued their idolatrous practices, likening their spiritual unfaithfulness to an ardent, illicit passion rather than a casual or reluctant transgression.
* **Idols (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This term (H410) is a shortened form of a word meaning "strength" or "mighty one," often used for God (El) but here applied to "any deity" or "idol." Its use emphasizes that the Israelites were directing their fervent worship and "enflaming" themselves not towards the true, mighty God, but towards false, powerless deities, highlighting the profound misdirection and futility of their passionate devotion.
* **Slaying (Hebrew, _shâchaṭ'_):** This word (H7819), a primitive root, means "to slaughter," often specifically referring to slaughter for sacrifice or massacre. Its blunt and graphic nature underscores the brutal reality of the child sacrifice, emphasizing the horrific, ritualistic killing of innocent children as an act of worship to false gods, a practice utterly anathema to Yahweh and a profound violation of human dignity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Enflaming yourselves with idols":** This initial clause powerfully describes the active, self-willed nature of Israel's idolatry. The term "enflaming" suggests a passionate, almost lustful pursuit of false gods, indicating that their unfaithfulness was not merely passive neglect but an intense, self-incited devotion to that which was not God. This highlights the deep spiritual adultery inherent in their actions, a passionate betrayal of their covenant relationship.
* **"under every green tree":** This phrase points to the widespread and public nature of their idolatrous worship. "Green trees" were common sites for pagan cults, often associated with fertility rites and the worship of nature deities like Baal and Asherah. It signifies the pervasive integration of pagan practices into the very fabric of Israelite society, occurring openly and frequently across the land, transforming places of natural beauty into scenes of spiritual defilement.
* **"slaying the children":** This is the most shocking and morally reprehensible accusation within the verse. It refers to the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, where infants were immolated or killed as offerings to pagan deities. This act represents the ultimate betrayal of the covenant, a direct violation of God's most fundamental laws regarding the sanctity of life, and a descent into the deepest moral depravity imaginable for a people called to holiness.
* **"in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?":** This final phrase specifies the grim, often secluded locations where these child sacrifices took place. Valleys, particularly the Valley of Hinnom, were notorious sites for Molech worship. "Clifts of the rocks" evokes dark, hidden, and perhaps even ominous places, emphasizing the secret, yet widespread, nature of these abominable rituals, often conducted in the shadows away from public view, yet fully known to God. The rhetorical question mark at the end underscores the prophet's (and God's) horrified awareness and condemnation of these detestable acts, implying that such behavior is beyond comprehension for a covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 57:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of condemnation and horror. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** at the end of the verse ("slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?"). Though phrased as a question, it functions as a forceful accusation and an implied affirmation of the horrific truth. It demands no answer because the answer is self-evident and utterly horrifying, emphasizing the prophet's (and God's) astonishment and condemnation. **Vivid Imagery** is extensively used, painting a grim and disturbing picture with phrases like "enflaming yourselves," "green tree," "valleys," and "clifts of the rocks," which evoke sensory details of the pagan worship sites and the dark, hidden nature of the rituals. The phrase "enflaming yourselves" also functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for passionate, self-induced spiritual adultery, likening the Israelites' zealous pursuit of idols to an illicit, burning desire. Furthermore, the "green tree" serves as a **Symbol** of pervasive pagan worship and fertility cults, representing the widespread nature of their apostasy. The stark contrast between the natural beauty of "green trees" and the unnatural horror of "slaying the children" creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the profound perversion of creation and covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 57:5 stands as a chilling testament to the seductive power of idolatry and the devastating consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His exclusive right to worship, revealing the profound offense of diverting devotion and passion to false gods. The practice of child sacrifice, in particular, exposes the ultimate dehumanization and moral depravity that results when humanity rejects the divine standard of life and holiness. It highlights the stark contrast between the life-giving nature of Yahweh, who desires life and blessing, and the death-dealing reality of pagan worship, which demands horrific sacrifices. This verse serves as a timeless warning against any form of idolatry, whether ancient or modern, reminding us that anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts leads to spiritual barrenness, moral corruption, and ultimately, destruction.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice and Abominations")
* [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Topheth and Child Sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom")
* [Ezekiel 20:26](/zekiel/20-26 "Ezekiel 20:26 - God's Judgment on Offering Children to Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 57:5, though describing ancient horrors, carries profound contemporary relevance, serving as a mirror for self-examination in our own lives. It challenges us to earnestly examine the "idols" we might "enflame ourselves with"—anything that consumes our passion, time, energy, and devotion more than God. While literal child sacrifice is (thankfully) not a common practice today, the principle of sacrificing what is precious and God-given for fleeting desires, worldly success, or false securities remains a potent temptation. This could manifest as sacrificing our children's spiritual well-being for career advancement, or sacrificing ethical integrity for financial gain, or sacrificing true worship and rest for self-gratification and endless productivity. The "green trees" of our modern world might be the pervasive cultural norms, media influences, or societal pressures that subtly lead us away from singular devotion to Christ, offering seemingly appealing alternatives to God's truth. This verse calls for a radical self-examination, urging us to dismantle any "high places" in our hearts and lives where false gods or competing loyalties reside, and to re-center our lives on the one true God, pursuing Him with undivided passion, unwavering obedience, and a renewed commitment to the sanctity of life and holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "green trees" or "valleys" in my life today where I might be tempted to place my devotion or sacrifice my values, rather than honoring God alone?**
* **In what ways might I be "enflaming myself" with pursuits or desires that subtly or overtly displace God from His rightful place in my heart and priorities?**
* **How does the horror of child sacrifice in this verse challenge me to consider the preciousness of life, the sanctity of God's design for humanity, and my responsibility to protect the vulnerable?**

### FAQ
**What does "enflaming yourselves with idols" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Enflaming yourselves with idols" (KJV) or "inflaming yourselves among the oaks" (ESV, referring to sacred trees) refers to the fervent, passionate, and often lustful zeal with which the Israelites pursued their idolatrous practices. The Hebrew word `châmam` (H2552) implies a self-induced heat or burning desire. It suggests that their idolatry was not a passive or reluctant act but an eager, enthusiastic engagement, akin to a passionate, illicit affair. This highlights their deep spiritual unfaithfulness and betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh, as they poured their energy and devotion into false gods, often in the context of pagan fertility rites associated with sacred trees or groves, as described in [Isaiah 1:29](/isaiah/1-29 "Isaiah 1:29 - Shame of Idolatry"). It underscores the active, self-willed nature of their apostasy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 57:5, with its stark depiction of humanity's fallen state marked by idolatry and child sacrifice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive answer in Jesus Christ. The "enflaming yourselves with idols" speaks to the inherent human propensity to worship creation rather than the Creator, a spiritual adultery that separates us from God and leads to futility (as described in [Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Worshiping the Creature Rather Than the Creator")). The horrific act of "slaying the children" underscores the ultimate consequence of sin: spiritual death and the destruction of innocence. In stark contrast to these abominations, Jesus Christ is the true and perfect sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His single, perfect offering on the cross, often depicted as a tree, ended the need for all other sacrifices, including the abominable child sacrifices that so defiled Israel. Through Christ, humanity is offered a way out of spiritual adultery and the death it brings, into a new covenant of grace and abundant life. He calls us to a singular devotion, to worship God in spirit and truth, freeing us from the bondage of idols and the death they bring, leading us instead to the abundant life found only in Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). He is the one who truly cleanses us from the defilement of sin and restores us to a right relationship with the Father, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where God's law is written on our hearts and His Spirit enables true worship ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10-12 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant and God's Law on Hearts")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 16:20

Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. [Is this] of thy whoredoms a small matter,

2 Kings 16:3

But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.

2 Kings 16:4

And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

Isaiah 1:29

For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

Leviticus 18:21

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.

Jeremiah 7:31

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart.

Jeremiah 3:13

Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.