Jeremiah 32:35

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they built {H1129} the high places {H1116} of Baal {H1168}, which are in the valley {H1516} of the son {H1121} of Hinnom {H2011}, to cause their sons {H1121} and their daughters {H1323} to pass {H5674} through the fire unto Molech {H4432}; which I commanded {H6680} them not, neither came {H5927} it into my mind {H3820}, that they should do {H6213} this abomination {H8441}, to cause Judah {H3063} to sin {H2398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they built the high places for Ba'al which are in the Ben-Hinnom Valley, to burn alive their sons and daughters to Molekh - something I did not order them to do, it never even entered my mind that they would do such an abominable thing - and thus they caused Y'hudah to sin.'

Berean Standard Bible

They have built the high places of Baal in the Valley of Hinnom to make their sons and daughters pass through the fire to Molech—something I never commanded them, nor had it ever entered My mind, that they should commit such an abomination and cause Judah to sin.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:35 delivers a scathing indictment of Judah's profound spiritual apostasy, highlighting their construction of "high places" for Baal worship and, most atrociously, the ritualistic sacrifice of their own children to Molech in the Valley of Hinnom. The verse powerfully emphasizes God's utter abhorrence of these practices, explicitly stating that such abominations were never commanded or even conceived by Him, underscoring their origin in human depravity and their direct role in leading the nation into grievous sin and subsequent divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal chapter in Jeremiah, where the prophet, despite being imprisoned during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, is commanded by God to purchase a field as a sign of future restoration and hope for Judah's return from exile ([Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6-15 - Jeremiah Buys a Field")). Immediately preceding this verse, God recounts His faithfulness to Israel and their persistent rebellion, culminating in the impending judgment ([Jeremiah 32:30-34](/jeremiah/32-30 "Jeremiah 32:30-34 - Israel's Persistent Rebellion")). Verse 35 specifically details the pinnacle of their idolatry and moral corruption, providing the stark justification for the severe judgment that is about to befall them, even as God simultaneously promises future restoration and a new covenant ([Jeremiah 32:36-44](/jeremiah/32-36 "Jeremiah 32:36-44 - Promise of Restoration")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jeremiah's ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE) was marked by intense political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. Despite reforms under King Josiah, the people quickly reverted to syncretistic practices, blending the worship of Yahweh with Canaanite and Ammonite deities. The "high places" were common cultic sites, often on elevated ground, used for pagan rituals. The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Gehenna in later tradition) was a notorious location just south of Jerusalem where the horrific practice of child sacrifice, particularly to Molech, was carried out. This was a direct adoption of pagan customs, explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). The reference to Baal, a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god, and Molech, an Ammonite deity often associated with child sacrifice, highlights the pervasive influence of surrounding cultures on Judah's religious life.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 32:35 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It vividly illustrates the theme of **idolatry and apostasy**, showing Judah's profound betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh by embracing detestable pagan practices, including the ultimate abomination of child sacrifice. This verse also underscores the theme of **divine judgment** as a righteous response to persistent disobedience and moral depravity, justifying the impending Babylonian exile. Furthermore, it highlights God's **holy character and absolute moral standards**, emphasizing that such horrific acts were utterly foreign to His nature and commands, never having "come into [His] mind." Finally, it speaks to the **corrupting influence of sin**, showing how these abominations "cause[d] Judah to sin," leading the entire nation astray and away from God's intended path of righteousness and blessing, as seen throughout the book in passages like [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - The Valley of Hinnom and Child Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **high places (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be high," this term refers to an elevation, height, or specifically, a cultic site. In the Old Testament, "high places" often denote illicit altars or shrines, typically on hills or elevated ground, where pagan worship or syncretistic worship of Yahweh was practiced, frequently involving idolatry and abominable rituals, as seen here.
* **Baal (Hebrew, _Baʻal'_):** This is the name of a prominent Phoenician and Canaanite deity, often depicted as a storm and fertility god. The worship of Baal involved various rituals, including sacred prostitution and, as indicated here, human sacrifice. His worship represented a direct challenge to the exclusive worship of Yahweh and was a constant source of apostasy for Israel.
* **Molech (Hebrew, _Môlek'_):** Derived from a root meaning "king," Molech was the chief deity of the Ammonites, often associated with child sacrifice. The practice of "passing through the fire unto Molech" involved the horrific immolation of children as offerings, a custom vehemently condemned by God in the Law as an "abomination."
* **abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This term denotes something utterly disgusting or abhorrent, particularly in a moral or religious sense. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe idolatry, sexual immorality, and other practices that defile God's covenant and land, signifying God's intense revulsion and complete rejection of such acts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they built the high places of Baal":** This clause establishes the active participation of the people of Judah in constructing illicit worship sites dedicated to Baal, indicating a deliberate and widespread embrace of pagan idolatry.
* **"which [are] in the valley of the son of Hinnom":** This specifies the infamous location of these high places, the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), which became synonymous with the most heinous acts of idolatry and later, divine judgment.
* **"to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through [the fire] unto Molech":** This reveals the horrific purpose of these altars: the ritualistic sacrifice of their own children by burning, offered to the Ammonite deity Molech, a practice explicitly forbidden and reviled by God.
* **"which I commanded them not":** This is God's emphatic declaration that these practices were not only unsanctioned but directly contrary to His divine will and commands given in the Law.
* **"neither came it into my mind":** This powerful statement underscores God's absolute dissociation from and utter abhorrence of child sacrifice, emphasizing that such a detestable act was entirely foreign to His holy nature and never even conceived by Him.
* **"that they should do this abomination":** This reiterates the nature of their actions as an "abomination," a term signifying something utterly detestable and morally repugnant to God, highlighting the profound defilement they brought upon themselves and the land.
* **"to cause Judah to sin":** This final clause reveals the devastating consequence of their actions: these abominable practices were not isolated incidents but a systemic corruption that led the entire nation of Judah into a state of deep and pervasive sin, provoking God's righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:35 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire" is a **euphemism** for child sacrifice by immolation, softening the horrific reality while still clearly indicating the act. This euphemism, coupled with the explicit naming of Baal and Molech, highlights the depth of Judah's spiritual depravity. God's declaration, "neither came it into my mind," functions as a strong **hyperbole** (or anthropomorphism), emphasizing the absolute antithesis of these practices to His character and will. It is a rhetorical device to express the utter shock and revulsion of a holy God at such human depravity, conveying the extreme distance between His commands and their actions. The "valley of the son of Hinnom" itself serves as a potent **symbolism**, becoming a geographical marker of extreme wickedness and, by extension, a symbol of divine judgment and ultimate destruction (later evolving into the concept of Gehenna). The entire verse is an example of **condemnation**, a direct and forceful pronouncement of God's judgment against specific, heinous sins.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:35 stands as a stark testament to the severity of idolatry and the sanctity of human life in God's eyes. It reveals a God who is not only holy and righteous but also deeply grieved by the perversion of worship and the sacrifice of the innocent. The theological implication is clear: true worship demands exclusive devotion to Yahweh and adherence to His moral commands, which fundamentally uphold the value of human life created in His image. The "abomination" of child sacrifice was not merely a ritualistic error but an act that fundamentally violated God's character and covenant, demonstrating the profound spiritual sickness that had permeated Judah, leading to their inevitable judgment. This verse underscores the principle that human depravity, left unchecked, can descend into the most horrific acts, highlighting the constant need for divine revelation and intervention to guide humanity.

* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Giving Children to Molech")
* [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Abominable Practices of Nations")
* [Psalm 106:37-38](/psalm/106-37 "Psalm 106:37-38 - Sacrifice to Demons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:35, though describing an ancient and horrific practice, holds profound contemporary relevance. While direct child sacrifice is rare today, the underlying principle of elevating anything—be it personal ambition, wealth, comfort, or even ideological purity—above God's commands and the sanctity of human life remains a potent warning. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts and societies for "high places" where we might be sacrificing what is truly precious for what is ultimately detestable in God's eyes. It challenges us to consider what we prioritize and whether our actions truly reflect God's holy character and His valuing of every human life, from conception to natural death. The "valley of Hinnom" serves as a sobering reminder that there are consequences for persistent rebellion and that God's justice is unwavering. Our worship must be pure, our obedience absolute, and our commitment to the sanctity of life unwavering, recognizing that true flourishing comes only from aligning our lives with God's perfect will, not from human inventions or cultural compromises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, in modern society, metaphorically "pass our children through the fire" by sacrificing their well-being, innocence, or spiritual formation for our own desires or societal pressures?**
* **What "high places" (idols) might exist in our personal lives or cultural contexts that demand our devotion or sacrifice, diverting us from exclusive worship of God?**
* **How does God's strong declaration "neither came it into my mind" challenge our assumptions about His nature and His expectations for our worship and ethics?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our lives and communities reflect God's absolute abhorrence of injustice and the devaluation of human life?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "valley of the son of Hinnom"?**

Answer: The Valley of the Son of Hinnom (Hebrew: _Ge Hinnom_) was a deep, narrow ravine located just south and southwest of Jerusalem. Originally, it was a place where the horrific pagan practice of child sacrifice to deities like Molech occurred, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - The Valley of Hinnom and Child Sacrifice") and [2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Josiah Defiles Topheth"). Because of these abominable acts, it became a symbol of divine judgment and defilement. In later Jewish tradition, it evolved into "Gehenna," a term used in the New Testament to refer to a place of eternal punishment or hell, as seen in [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear Him Who Can Destroy Both Soul and Body in Gehenna").

**Why did God say "neither came it into my mind" regarding child sacrifice?**

Answer: This powerful anthropomorphic statement emphasizes God's absolute revulsion and complete dissociation from the practice of child sacrifice. It is a rhetorical device to underscore that such a heinous act was not merely uncommanded, but utterly foreign to His holy character, perfect will, and moral nature. It highlights the profound depth of human depravity and rebellion, as these abominations were entirely human inventions, antithetical to everything God stands for. It underscores the vast chasm between God's pure and life-affirming commands and the dark practices adopted by His people, as detailed in [Leviticus 20:2-5](/leviticus/20-2 "Leviticus 20:2-5 - Punishment for Child Sacrifice").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:35, with its stark portrayal of human depravity and God's righteous abhorrence of child sacrifice, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The ultimate "abomination" of sacrificing one's children for false gods stands in stark contrast to the divine, self-sacrificial love of God the Father, who, out of His boundless love for humanity, willingly gave His *only* Son as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, did not "pass through the fire" of human depravity but willingly endured the fiery wrath of God against sin on the cross, becoming the propitiation for our transgressions ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). Furthermore, the Valley of Hinnom, a place of death and defilement, foreshadows the ultimate judgment that Christ conquered through His resurrection, offering a path to eternal life for all who believe, thereby delivering us from the "Gehenna" of eternal separation from God ([Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life")). Through Christ, we are called to abandon all forms of idolatry and to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). The horror of child sacrifice highlights the preciousness of every human life, a truth powerfully affirmed in Christ's incarnation and His mission to redeem humanity from the grip of sin and death, offering new life and hope where only condemnation once stood ([1 John 4:9-10](/1_john/4-9 "1 John 4:9-10 - God's Love Manifested in 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

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.

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 19:5

They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire [for] burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind:

Jeremiah 19:6

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.

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.

Leviticus 20:2

Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever [he be] of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth [any] of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.

Leviticus 20:5

Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.