Jeremiah 19:2

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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,

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 19:2 presents a divine directive to the prophet Jeremiah, instructing him to proceed to the infamous Valley of the Son of Hinnom, specifically near the East Gate, and there to publicly declare a message of judgment given directly by God. This command sets the stage for a dramatic prophetic act, emphasizing the severity of Judah's sin and the certainty of God's impending wrath, delivered in a location deeply symbolic of their spiritual rebellion and moral depravity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 19 opens with a powerful symbolic act. The Lord commands Jeremiah to purchase a potter's earthenware flask and take it, along with some elders and priests, to the Valley of the Son of Hinnom. Verse 2 specifies the precise location for this prophetic performance. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 19:3-15) detail the message of judgment to be proclaimed: God will shatter Judah and Jerusalem just as the flask is shattered, because of their rampant idolatry, child sacrifice, and defilement of the land. This act serves as a vivid, unforgettable object lesson, illustrating the irreversible destruction awaiting a rebellious people. The immediate literary context thus frames Jeremiah 19:2 as the initiation of a profound visual and verbal prophecy of divine retribution, linking the place of sin directly to the place of punishment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Valley of the Son of Hinnom" (Hebrew: *Ge Hinnom*) was a deep, narrow gorge bordering Jerusalem to the south. Historically, it became notorious as the primary site for the horrific practice of child sacrifice to the pagan deity Molech, particularly during the reigns of wicked kings like Ahaz and Manasseh (cf. [2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Idolatry") and [2 Kings 21:6](/2_kings/21-6 "2 Kings 21:6 - Manasseh's Abominations")). Despite reforms by good kings like Josiah, who defiled Topheth within the valley to prevent further sacrifices ([2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Josiah Defiles Topheth")), the valley remained a potent symbol of Judah's spiritual apostasy and moral corruption. The "east gate" likely refers to one of Jerusalem's eastern exits, perhaps the Potsherd Gate or Dung Gate, which would have led directly towards or into this valley. This public and infamous location ensured that Jeremiah's proclamation would be seen and heard by many, underscoring the public nature of Judah's sin and God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment** for national sin, particularly idolatry and child sacrifice, which are repeatedly condemned throughout the book (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Abominations in Topheth")). Secondly, it underscores **Prophetic Authority and Obedience**, as Jeremiah is commanded to proclaim "the words that I shall tell thee," emphasizing that the message originates from God Himself, not Jeremiah's own volition. Thirdly, the choice of the Valley of Hinnom powerfully illustrates the theme of **Consequences of Apostasy**, showing how a place of profound sin becomes the very stage for divine retribution. This location also foreshadows the future imagery of **Gehenna**, linking the historical site of abhorrent practices to a theological concept of ultimate judgment and destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâ'_):** This primitive root signifies to "go out" or "come out," often with the implication of a departure, an emergence, or an execution of a command. In Jeremiah 19:2, it is an imperative, a direct command for Jeremiah to physically exit the city and proceed to a specific location. This emphasizes the active, obedient role of the prophet in carrying out God's will, even when it involves confronting uncomfortable or dangerous truths in public spaces. The act of "going forth" is not merely movement but the initiation of a divinely ordained mission.
* **valley (Hebrew, _gayʼ_):** This term refers to a gorge or a narrow valley, often characterized by its steep, high sides. It is distinct from a broader plain or a wadi (seasonal riverbed). The specificity of "valley" here, combined with "of the son of Hinnom," immediately evokes a place of dark historical significance. The physical characteristics of a deep, enclosed valley can also symbolically represent a place of isolation, confinement, or impending doom, making it a fitting stage for a message of severe judgment.
* **proclaim (Hebrew, _qârâ'_):** This root means "to call out," "to invite," "to read," or "to preach." It implies a public, authoritative declaration. In this context, Jeremiah is not to whisper or subtly convey a message, but to "proclaim" it loudly and clearly. This highlights the public nature of God's judgment and the necessity for His word to be heard unmistakably, leaving no room for ignorance or misinterpretation among the people of Judah regarding the consequences of their actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom":** This opening clause is a direct, imperative command from the Lord to Jeremiah. It specifies the destination for the prophetic act: the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, a location infamous for its association with child sacrifice and idolatrous practices. The command to "go forth" underscores the prophet's obedience and the active nature of his mission, requiring physical movement to a place laden with symbolic meaning.
* **"which [is] by the entry of the east gate":** This phrase provides a precise geographical marker, indicating a specific access point to the valley. The "east gate" would have been a well-known public thoroughfare, ensuring visibility and accessibility for Jeremiah's proclamation. This detail emphasizes that the judgment is not to be delivered in secret but in a prominent, public place, mirroring the public nature of Judah's sin.
* **"and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee":** This final clause clarifies the prophet's core task: to publicly declare God's message. Jeremiah is merely the mouthpiece; the "words" are not his own but are divinely inspired and given directly by God. This highlights the divine authority behind the impending judgment and the prophet's role as a faithful messenger, emphasizing that the message is God's own unadulterated warning and declaration.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 19:2 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the Valley of the Son of Hinnom serving as a powerful symbol of Judah's profound spiritual depravity and the ultimate destination for God's judgment. This valley, defiled by child sacrifice, becomes the stage for the pronouncement of divine wrath, linking the place of sin directly to the consequences. The verse also uses **Imperative Mood** ("go forth," "proclaim"), which conveys the urgency, directness, and undeniable authority of God's command to Jeremiah. This direct address underscores the prophet's immediate and non-negotiable obedience. Furthermore, the passage contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the setting and the command to "proclaim there the words" anticipate the dramatic, shattering object lesson detailed in the subsequent verses of Jeremiah 19, which vividly illustrates the impending destruction of Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 19:2 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering holiness and justice, demonstrating that He will not tolerate persistent, egregious sin, particularly the abominable practice of child sacrifice. The choice of the Valley of Hinnom, a place of profound moral corruption, as the site for the proclamation of judgment underscores the principle that sin, especially public and systemic sin, will be met with public and severe divine consequences. This verse sets the stage for a message that highlights God's righteous indignation against idolatry and the defilement of His covenant people, emphasizing that His patience has limits and His word of judgment is certain to be fulfilled. It reminds us that God's character demands a response to wickedness, and His warnings are not idle threats but declarations of impending reality for the unrepentant.

* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")
* [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominable Practices")
* [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Topheth and Child Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 19:2 serves as a stark reminder that God is a God of justice who holds individuals and nations accountable for their actions, especially when they engage in practices that violate fundamental human dignity and divine law. The selection of the Valley of Hinnom, a place infamous for its horrors, teaches us that sin leaves a lasting stain and carries profound, often public, consequences. For believers today, this passage calls for a deep introspection into areas where we might be compromising with the world's values or tolerating "spiritual idolatry" in our lives, whether it be the worship of material possessions, self, or anything that displaces God from His rightful place. It emphasizes the importance of listening to and obeying God's warnings, even when they are uncomfortable or confrontational, and of courageously speaking truth in a world that often rejects divine authority. Our obedience to God's word, even in seemingly small matters, can prevent us from drifting into the spiritual desolation that Judah experienced.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "valleys of Hinnom" exist in our contemporary society, representing places or practices of profound moral compromise or injustice?**
* **How might God be calling us to "go forth" and "proclaim" His truth in uncomfortable or challenging public spaces today?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to ignore or dilute God's "words" of warning, either for ourselves or for others?**
* **What personal or communal "idols" might we need to shatter in obedience to God's righteous demands?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "Valley of the Son of Hinnom" in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The Valley of the Son of Hinnom (Hebrew: *Ge Hinnom*) was a deep gorge located just south and west of Jerusalem. Its primary significance, particularly during the period of the kings, was its notorious association with the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice to the pagan god Molech. Kings like Ahaz and Manasseh led Judah into this horrific idolatry, making the valley, specifically an area within it called Topheth, a symbol of the nation's spiritual depravity and rebellion against the Lord. Later, it became a place for burning refuse, contributing to its imagery as a defiled and cursed place. In the New Testament, its Greek equivalent, *Gehenna*, became a metaphor for hell or eternal judgment, underscoring the ultimate consequences of unrepentant sin, as seen in passages like [Matthew 5:22](/matthew/5-22 "Matthew 5:22 - Gehenna of Fire").

**Why was Jeremiah commanded to deliver this message specifically at the "east gate"?**

Answer: The "east gate" (likely the Potsherd Gate or Dung Gate) was a prominent public entrance or exit from Jerusalem, leading directly towards the Valley of Hinnom. The command to proclaim the message there ensured maximum visibility and audibility for Jeremiah's prophetic act. It emphasized that Judah's sins, particularly child sacrifice and idolatry, were not hidden but were public abominations that had defiled the very land and people. Therefore, God's judgment, too, would be a public and undeniable act, witnessed by many, underscoring the severity and certainty of the divine retribution against a rebellious nation. It was a strategic location to maximize the impact of the prophetic warning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 19:2 speaks of the historical judgment upon Judah for their sin, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how Jesus Himself confronts sin and brings about ultimate judgment and redemption. The Valley of Hinnom, a place of defilement and judgment in the Old Testament, became the very linguistic root for *Gehenna*, the New Testament term for hell. Jesus frequently used the imagery of *Gehenna* to warn His listeners about the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin ([Matthew 5:29-30](/matthew/5-29 "Matthew 5:29-30 - Pluck out your eye") and [Mark 9:43-48](/mark/9-43 "Mark 9:43-48 - Fire that never goes out")). In this, He is the ultimate Prophet, proclaiming God's "words" with unparalleled authority, not just to a rebellious nation, but to all humanity, warning of the righteous judgment to come. However, unlike the shattering of the flask in Jeremiah, Christ's mission was not merely to proclaim judgment but to bear it. He went forth to the cross, outside the city gate ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")), not to declare condemnation but to become the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His sacrifice, He absorbed the divine wrath against sin, offering a path to salvation and escape from the ultimate *Gehenna* for all who believe ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath")). Thus, the judgment foreshadowed in Jeremiah finds its ultimate and redemptive resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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

Joshua 15:8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.