Topical Bible: Valleys: Hinnom or Tophet

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The Valley of Hinnom, also known as Gehenna, is a significant geographical and theological location in biblical history. Situated to the south and southwest of Jerusalem, this valley has a storied past that intertwines with the spiritual and moral narratives of the Israelites.

Historical and Biblical Context

The Valley of Hinnom is first mentioned in the Old Testament as a boundary marker for the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:8; 18:16). However, its notoriety arises from its association with idolatrous practices, particularly the worship of the Canaanite god Molech. The valley became infamous as a site where some Israelites engaged in the abominable practice of child sacrifice. In 2 Kings 23:10, King Josiah is noted for defiling Topheth, a location within the Valley of Hinnom, to put an end to these detestable rituals: "He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech."

The prophet Jeremiah also condemned the practices in this valley, prophesying that it would become a place of judgment and slaughter due to the people's sins (Jeremiah 7:31-32; 19:6). The valley's association with judgment and destruction is further emphasized in Jeremiah 19:6, where it is declared, "So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when this place will no longer be called Topheth or the Valley of Ben Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter."

Theological Significance

In the New Testament, the Valley of Hinnom, referred to as Gehenna, takes on a symbolic meaning associated with final judgment and hell. Jesus uses the term Gehenna to describe the place of eternal punishment for the wicked (Matthew 5:22, 29-30; 10:28). The imagery of fire and destruction that characterized the valley's historical use is carried over into its theological representation as a place of divine retribution.

The Berean Standard Bible captures this in Matthew 10:28, where Jesus warns, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna)." This usage underscores the valley's transformation from a physical location of idolatry and judgment to a metaphor for the ultimate consequences of sin.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights

Archaeological findings in the Valley of Hinnom have provided insights into its historical use and the practices that took place there. Excavations have uncovered burial sites and artifacts that align with the biblical accounts of its use as a place of sacrifice and burial. These findings corroborate the biblical narrative and offer a tangible connection to the ancient practices condemned by the prophets.

The Valley of Hinnom serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the severity of divine judgment. Its transformation from a literal place of idolatry to a symbol of eternal punishment reflects the consistent biblical theme of God's justice and the call to repentance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 18:16
And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,
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2 Kings 23:10
And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.
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2 Chronicles 28:3
Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.
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Jeremiah 7:32
Therefore, behold, the days come, said the LORD, that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter: for they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place.
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Library

The Morning of Good Friday.
... Down into the horrible solitude of the Valley of Hinnom, the Tophet' of old ... of Jeremiah -
somewhat to the west above where the Kidron and Hinnom valleys merge. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv the morning of.htm

Greek and Jew
... walled. About the immense outer fortifications crawled the shadowy valleys
of Tophet, of Brook Kedron and of Hinnom. Thickly scattered ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter viii greek and jew.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... He pursued the inhabitants into the narrow valleys and forests ... in the valley of the
children of Hinnom, where there was a sanctuary or Tophet, at which ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... himself, 'I AM the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys' (Cant 2 ... hell itself
was set forth by the valley of the sons of Hinnom and Tophet, places in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... lull to push forward the construction of public works in the valleys of the ... The valley
of Hinnom, where Ahaz had already burnt one of his children during a ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm