What exactly were the "abominations" mentioned in Jeremiah 32:34?

The "abominations" (Hebrew: *shiqqûwts*) refer to practices and objects that were utterly detestable to the God of Israel, primarily associated with idolatry and pagan worship. This included the worship of foreign deities like Baal and Molech, often involving grotesque rituals such as child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom (Jeremiah 32:35). It also encompassed the erection of pagan altars and images within the sacred precincts of the Temple itself, as seen during the reign of King Manasseh (2 Kings 21:4-7). These acts were a direct violation of God's covenant and His command for exclusive worship.

Why was placing these abominations in the Temple such a serious offense to God?

The Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a building; it was the unique place God had chosen to put His "name" (Deuteronomy 12:5), signifying His special presence, ownership, and covenant relationship with Israel. It was consecrated as a holy space for pure worship and communion with Him. Placing idols and pagan altars within this sacred sanctuary was the ultimate act of defiance and spiritual adultery. It was a direct affront to God's holiness, a challenge to His exclusive claim on His people's worship, and a profound desecration of His dwelling place, effectively turning it into a den of paganism instead of a house of prayer (Jeremiah 7:11). This act symbolized the complete spiritual corruption of the people and directly provoked God's righteous judgment.

32:33 32:33

Jeremiah 32:34

32:35 32:35

Bible Versions

But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it.

But they set {H7760} their abominations {H8251} in the house {H1004}, which is called {H7121} by my name {H8034}, to defile {H2930} it.

Instead they put their detestable idols in the house that bears my name, to defile it;

They have placed their abominations in the house that bears My Name, and so have defiled it.

But they set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to defile it.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Jeremiah 7:30

For the children of Judah have done evil in my sight, saith the LORD: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to pollute it.
Ezekiel 8:5

Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.
Ezekiel 8:16

And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.
2 Kings 21:4

And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.
2 Kings 21:7

And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:
Jeremiah 23:11

For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.
2 Kings 23:6

And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped [it] small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.

Bible Versions

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