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.

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}.

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.'

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.

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

Jeremiah 32:35 (KJV) stands as a stark condemnation of the extreme idolatry and moral depravity prevalent in ancient Judah, particularly during the turbulent times leading up to the Babylonian exile. This verse encapsulates the severe spiritual rebellion that provoked God's righteous judgment.

Context

The prophet Jeremiah delivered this message during the final siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, a time of immense national crisis (Jeremiah 32:1-2). Despite God's persistent warnings through His prophets, the people of Judah had consistently turned away from Him, adopting the detestable practices of surrounding pagan nations. This particular verse highlights one of the most heinous of these practices: child sacrifice. The "high places of Baal" refer to elevated altars or shrines dedicated to the Canaanite fertility god Baal, often associated with various forms of pagan worship. The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Hebrew: Ge Hinnom), located just south of Jerusalem, was infamous as a site where these horrific rituals, specifically the burning of children, took place. This valley later became synonymous with divine judgment and eternal punishment, known as Gehenna in the New Testament.

Key Themes

  • Extreme Idolatry and Apostasy: The verse vividly portrays Judah's deep plunge into pagan worship, not only building altars to Baal but also engaging in the most abhorrent form of worship—human sacrifice.
  • Child Sacrifice: The act of causing "their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech" refers to the ritualistic burning of children as offerings to the Ammonite god Molech. This was a direct violation of God's most fundamental commands concerning the sanctity of life and the purity of worship, explicitly forbidden in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 18:21).
  • God's Utter Abhorrence: The declaration "which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind" powerfully underscores God's absolute disgust and disassociation from such practices. It emphasizes His holy and righteous character, revealing that these acts were a complete invention of human depravity, antithetical to His very nature.
  • Spiritual Corruption and Consequences: These abominations were not isolated incidents but part of a widespread spiritual decay that "cause[d] Judah to sin," leading the entire nation astray and ultimately bringing about their downfall and exile.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "pass through the fire" (Hebrew: he'evir ba'esh) is a euphemism for child sacrifice by immolation, a practice God repeatedly condemned as an "abomination" (Hebrew: to'evah). The term to'evah signifies something utterly detestable and disgusting to God, often used for idolatry, sexual immorality, and other acts that defile His covenant and His land.

Practical Application

While direct child sacrifice is not common today, Jeremiah 32:35 serves as a profound warning against any form of idolatry that elevates created things—be it wealth, power, pleasure, or even personal ambition—above the Creator. It challenges us to examine what we truly prioritize and whether our lives align with God's clear commands and holy character. The verse also underscores the sanctity of human life, particularly the innocent, and reminds us of God's unwavering moral standards. True worship involves obedience and reverence for God's revealed will, not the invention of practices born of human desire or cultural compromise. We are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, recognizing His absolute authority and His perfect justice and righteousness.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 7:31 (9 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.

  • Leviticus 18:21 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 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.

  • Leviticus 20:2 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.