Old Testament
Jeremiah 19:5
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They have also built the high places of Baal to burn their sons with fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command, nor did I speak of it, nor did it enter my mind.
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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:
What Jeremiah 19:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His outrage over the Israelites' worship of Baal, a false god. They have constructed high places, or altars, where they sacrifice their children by fire, believing it will please Baal. God emphasizes that He never commanded such horrific acts, nor did He even think of them. This highlights the severity of their actions and the depth of their rebellion against Him. The act of child sacrifice was not only a violation of God's laws but also a profound moral failure. God’s statement underscores His desire for genuine worship and ethical behavior, contrasting it with the extreme measures the people took in their misguided devotion. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of adhering to His commandments rather than following the corrupt practices of surrounding nations.
How to apply Jeremiah 19:5 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own lives for any forms of idolatry or misplaced priorities. It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with God and to ensure that our actions align with His teachings, avoiding any practices that contradict His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Clay Jar (Jeremiah 19:1–20:6)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 19:5 mean?
Jeremiah 19:5 conveys God's anger towards the Israelites for sacrificing their children to Baal. He states that such acts were never commanded by Him and highlights the moral failure of the people in turning to false worship.
What is the significance of child sacrifice in Jeremiah 19:5?
Child sacrifice in Jeremiah 19:5 signifies the extreme measures the Israelites took in their misguided worship of Baal. It illustrates their rebellion against God's commandments and the severity of their idolatry.
What does Baal represent in Jeremiah 19:5?
In Jeremiah 19:5, Baal represents a false god that the Israelites worshipped, leading them to commit horrific acts like child sacrifice. This highlights the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God.
How does Jeremiah 19:5 relate to idolatry?
Jeremiah 19:5 directly addresses idolatry by condemning the Israelites for building altars to Baal and engaging in practices that God never approved. It serves as a warning against the dangers of placing anything above God.
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