Jeremiah 19:2

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,

And go forth {H3318} unto the valley {H1516} of the son {H1121} of Hinnom {H2011}, which is by the entry {H6607} of the east {H2777} gate {H8179}, and proclaim {H7121} there the words {H1697} that I shall tell {H1696} thee,

and go out into the Ben-Hinnom Valley, by the entry to the Potsherd Gate. There you are to proclaim the words I am about to tell you.

and go out to the Valley of Ben-hinnom near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. Proclaim there the words I speak to you,

and go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the gate Harsith, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee;

Commentary

Jeremiah 19:2 sets the stage for a powerful and disturbing prophetic act, commanding the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a message of divine judgment in a notorious location.

Context and Historical Significance

The prophet Jeremiah is instructed by God to go to the Valley of the Son of Hinnom (Hebrew: Ge Hinnom), a literal valley situated just south of Jerusalem. This location held immense historical and religious significance, primarily because it was the site of the abominable practice of child sacrifice to the pagan god Molech. Kings like Ahaz and Manasseh had previously promoted these horrific rituals there, turning it into a symbol of Judah's spiritual depravity and rebellion against God (Jeremiah 7:31). The "east gate" likely refers to one of the city gates leading out to this valley, perhaps the Potsherd Gate or Dung Gate, indicating a public and visible spot for Jeremiah's declaration of judgment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Location of Judgment: The choice of the Valley of Hinnom is deliberate and symbolic. It was a place where Judah had committed its most grievous sins, and now it would become the very stage for God's pronouncement of judgment against those sins.
  • Divine Condemnation of Idolatry: The verse immediately precedes a detailed prophecy of God's severe punishment for Judah's rampant idolatry, particularly the defilement of their land with innocent blood through child sacrifice. God's holiness demands a response to such wickedness and a clear declaration of consequences.
  • Prophetic Authority: Jeremiah is not speaking his own words but proclaiming "the words that I shall tell thee" from the Lord. This underscores the divine origin and authority of the message, emphasizing that the judgment is from God Himself, not merely a human opinion.

Linguistic and Symbolic Insights

The Hebrew term Ge Hinnom, often translated as "Valley of the Son of Hinnom," is the origin of the New Testament Greek word Gehenna, which came to symbolize hell or a place of fiery eternal judgment. This linguistic connection highlights the ultimate consequences of rebellion against God and underscores the severity of the judgment awaiting unrepentant Judah. The valley, once a site of physical abomination, becomes a prophetic symbol of spiritual desolation and ultimate destruction, a fitting backdrop for the divine wrath to be poured out.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 19:2 reminds us that God is holy and just, and He holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions, especially concerning moral abominations and spiritual apostasy. The specific, infamous location for the prophecy emphasizes that sin leaves a stain and has real, often public, consequences. For believers today, this verse serves as a sober warning against compromise with sin and a call to radical obedience. It also highlights the importance of listening to God's warnings, even when they are delivered in uncomfortable or confrontational ways, ensuring we are not among those who despise wisdom and instruction from the Lord.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:8 (6 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 (4 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.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:6 (3 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 28:3 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Jeremiah 7:31 (3 votes)

    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 7:32 (3 votes)

    Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter: for they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place.

  • Jeremiah 32:35 (3 votes)

    And they built the high places of Baal, which [are] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through [the fire] unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.