Old Testament
Jeremiah 32:35
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They built worship sites for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, where they sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire to Molech. I never commanded this. It never even entered my mind that they would commit such a horrific thing, leading Judah into sin."
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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.
What Jeremiah 32:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His deep disapproval of the practices of the people of Judah, who built altars to the false god Baal in a place known as the Valley of Ben Hinnom. This location became infamous for the horrific act of child sacrifice to Molech, a practice that God never commanded or even imagined His people would engage in. The verse highlights the severity of their actions, which led them away from God's commands and into sin. God emphasizes that such abominations were not part of His will for His people, showcasing His desire for them to worship Him alone and to uphold the sanctity of life. The mention of sacrificing children illustrates the extreme moral decline and the betrayal of their covenant with God, as they turned to pagan practices instead of following His guidance.
How to apply Jeremiah 32:35 to your life
This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of turning away from God and engaging in practices that contradict His teachings. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to prioritize worshiping God above all else, avoiding any influences that lead to moral compromise.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 32:35
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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 32:35 mean?
Jeremiah 32:35 expresses God's condemnation of the people of Judah for building altars to Baal and sacrificing their children to Molech. God emphasizes that such practices were never commanded by Him and reflect a severe moral decline.
What is the significance of the Valley of Ben Hinnom in Jeremiah 32:35?
The Valley of Ben Hinnom is significant as it became a site for idol worship and child sacrifice, practices that God detests. This location symbolizes the extreme betrayal of God's covenant by the people of Judah.
What does the phrase 'pass through the fire unto Molech' mean in Jeremiah 32:35?
The phrase 'pass through the fire unto Molech' refers to the horrific practice of child sacrifice, where children were offered to the false god Molech. This act was seen as an abomination by God.
What does God say about child sacrifice in Jeremiah 32:35?
In Jeremiah 32:35, God clearly states that He never commanded child sacrifice and that it never entered His mind for His people to commit such a horrific act. This highlights His disapproval of such practices.
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