Jeremiah 19:5

They have built high places to Baal on which to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal--something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it even enter My mind.

Study Bible

They have built high places to Baal
High places were elevated sites often used for worship in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. These locations were typically associated with pagan rituals and idolatry, contrary to the worship of Yahweh. Baal was a prominent Canaanite deity, often associated with fertility and storms. The Israelites' adoption of Baal worship reflects a significant departure from their covenant with God, as seen in Judges 2:11-13, where Israel repeatedly falls into idolatry. The construction of high places indicates a formal and organized effort to integrate Baal worship into their religious practices, directly violating the first commandment (Exodus 20:3).

on which to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—
Child sacrifice was a horrific practice associated with some ancient Near Eastern religions, including the worship of Baal and Molech. This act was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:21, Deuteronomy 12:31). The burning of children as offerings signifies the depth of Israel's apostasy and moral decline. Archaeological evidence from sites like Carthage suggests that child sacrifice was indeed practiced in the ancient world, providing a grim backdrop to the biblical narrative. This practice is a stark contrast to the character of God, who values life and abhors such abominations.

something I never commanded or mentioned,
God's laws and commands, as given through Moses, never included or implied the need for human sacrifice. This phrase emphasizes the complete divergence of these practices from God's will. In Deuteronomy 18:10, God explicitly condemns such acts. The mention of God's lack of command or mention highlights the Israelites' deviation from divine instruction and underscores the gravity of their sin. It also serves as a reminder of God's consistent character, which is life-affirming and just.

nor did it even enter My mind.
This expression underscores the utter foreignness of such practices to God's nature and intentions. It emphasizes that the idea of child sacrifice is so abhorrent that it is inconceivable to God. This phrase serves to highlight the contrast between the holiness of God and the depravity of the people's actions. It also reflects the prophetic tradition of calling Israel back to the true worship of Yahweh, as seen in the messages of prophets like Isaiah and Hosea, who often spoke against idolatry and injustice. This statement reinforces the idea that God's ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that His plans are for life and not destruction.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. He is known for his lamentations over the spiritual state of the nation.

2. Baal
A Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and weather. Worship of Baal was prevalent among the Israelites, despite God's commands against idolatry.

3. High Places
Elevated sites where idolatrous worship, including child sacrifice, was conducted. These were often condemned by the prophets as places of apostasy.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often rebuked by prophets for its idolatry and disobedience to God.

5. Child Sacrifice
A heinous practice adopted from surrounding pagan cultures, explicitly condemned by God. It represents the extreme moral and spiritual decline of the people.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
God values human life, and the practice of child sacrifice is a grave sin. This underscores the importance of protecting and valuing life at all stages.

Idolatry's Consequences
Idolatry leads to moral decay and separation from God. We must guard our hearts against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from Him.

God's Unchanging Nature
God’s commands and His nature are consistent. He never condones sin, and His standards of holiness remain the same.

Repentance and Reform
Like King Josiah, we are called to identify and remove sin from our lives, turning back to God with sincere repentance.

Listening to God's Word
Jeremiah's warnings remind us of the importance of heeding God's Word and the consequences of ignoring His commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the practice of child sacrifice reveal about the spiritual state of Judah during Jeremiah's time, and how can we relate this to modern-day issues of life and morality?

2. How does the worship of Baal and the use of high places reflect the broader theme of idolatry in the Bible, and what are some modern equivalents of idolatry that we might face today?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and devotion remain pure and aligned with God's commands, avoiding the pitfalls of syncretism?

4. How does the account of King Josiah's reforms inspire us to take action against sin in our own lives and communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning from God or His Word. What were the consequences, and how did you find your way back to obedience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18:21
This verse explicitly forbids the sacrifice of children to Molech, another pagan deity, highlighting God's abhorrence of such practices.

2 Kings 23:10
Describes King Josiah's reforms, which included the desecration of Topheth, a site used for child sacrifices, showing a return to obedience to God.

Ezekiel 16:20-21
God, through Ezekiel, condemns Israel for sacrificing their children, emphasizing the betrayal of their covenant relationship with Him.