Jeremiah 32:35

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.

Study Bible

They have built the high places of Baal
The high places were elevated sites often used for worship, typically of pagan deities. Baal was a prominent Canaanite god associated with fertility and storms. The Israelites' construction of these sites indicates a departure from exclusive worship of Yahweh, violating the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). This idolatry was a recurring issue throughout Israel's history, leading to divine judgment.

in the Valley of Ben-hinnom
The Valley of Ben-hinnom, located southwest of Jerusalem, became infamous for idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice. It later became associated with Gehenna, a term used in the New Testament to describe hell (Mark 9:43). The valley's history as a place of abomination underscores the severity of Judah's sin.

to make their sons and daughters pass through the fire to Molech
This phrase refers to the practice of child sacrifice, a detestable act condemned in Leviticus 18:21 and 20:2-5. Molech was a god worshiped by the Ammonites, and the Israelites' participation in such rituals represented a profound moral and spiritual decline. The act of sacrificing children was not only a violation of God's law but also a perversion of the sanctity of life.

something I never commanded them
God's laws, as given through Moses, explicitly forbade such practices (Deuteronomy 12:31). This phrase emphasizes that these actions were not only unauthorized but also contrary to God's character and will. It highlights the Israelites' disobedience and the distortion of true worship.

nor had it ever entered My mind
This expression indicates the utter foreignness of such practices to God's nature. It underscores the gravity of Judah's sin, as they engaged in acts that were completely antithetical to God's intentions for His people. It also serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the expectations He has for His covenant people.

that they should commit such an abomination
The term "abomination" is used in Scripture to describe actions that are detestable to God, often associated with idolatry and moral corruption (Proverbs 6:16-19). This highlights the severity of the sin and the deep offense it caused to God. The use of this term underscores the need for repentance and divine judgment.

and cause Judah to sin
The leaders and people of Judah were responsible for leading the nation into sin, affecting not only their relationship with God but also their societal integrity. This phrase indicates the communal nature of sin and its consequences, as seen in the eventual Babylonian exile. It serves as a warning of the dangers of turning away from God's commandments and the impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual health.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah during a time of great apostasy and impending judgment.

2. Baal
A Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and weather, whose worship was characterized by idolatry and immorality, and was strictly forbidden by God.

3. Valley of Hinnom
A location near Jerusalem notorious for idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice, which later became synonymous with judgment and hell (Gehenna).

4. Molech
A pagan god to whom the Israelites, in their apostasy, sacrificed their children, an act that was abhorrent to God.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which fell into idolatry and was warned by prophets like Jeremiah of the consequences of their sin.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
God values human life and abhors practices that devalue it, such as child sacrifice. This principle calls us to uphold the sanctity of life in all its forms today.

The Danger of Idolatry
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 God's truth.

God's Unchanging Nature
God's commands and His nature do not change. What was detestable to Him then remains detestable now, reminding us of the consistency of His moral standards.

Repentance and Reform
Like King Josiah's reforms, we are called to identify and remove sinful practices from our lives and communities, turning back to God with sincere repentance.

The Consequences of Sin
Judah's sin led to severe consequences, including exile. This serves as a warning that sin has real and often devastating consequences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of child sacrifice in ancient Judah compare to modern issues that challenge the sanctity of life, and how can Christians respond?

2. What are some modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from God, and how can we guard against them?

3. How does understanding God's unchanging nature help us navigate moral and ethical challenges in today's world?

4. In what ways can we, like King Josiah, initiate reforms in our personal lives or communities to align more closely with God's will?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18:21
This verse explicitly forbids the Israelites from sacrificing their children to Molech, highlighting the continuity of God's command against such practices.

2 Kings 23:10
King Josiah's reforms included defiling Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom to prevent child sacrifices, showing a historical attempt to eradicate this sin.

Deuteronomy 12:31
God warns Israel not to adopt the detestable practices of the nations, including child sacrifice, emphasizing His abhorrence of such acts.