Jeremiah 32:35
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.
Jeremiah 32:35 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse describes how the people of Judah built high places dedicated to the false god Baal in the valley of Hinnom, where they sacrificed their children by burning them alive as offerings to the god Molech. This horrific practice, known as child sacrifice, was strongly condemned by God. The verse emphasizes that not only did God not command or approve of such abominable acts, but it never even entered His mind that His people would commit such heinous sins. The mention of causing Judah to sin shows the severity of their actions and how they turned away from God's commandments. This verse serves as a strong warning against idolatry and the extremes to which sin can lead individuals and nations.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet condemns the people of Judah for their idolatry and disobedience to God's commands. The reference to building high places for Baal in the valley of the son of Hinnom indicates the people's flagrant worship of false gods, which included offering their children as sacrifices to Molech, a Canaanite god associated with fire. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the severe consequences of turning away from the one true God and engaging in practices that are detestable in His sight. God's declaration that such actions were not commanded by Him nor even crossed His mind underscores the seriousness of the people's sin and the depth of their rebellion. The passage serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of straying from God's ways and emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to His commandments.
Jeremiah 32:35 in other translations
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible
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 fire to Molech; which I didn’t command them, neither did it come into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.
Douay-Rheims
And they have built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Ennom, to consecrate their sons and their daughters to Moloch: which I commanded them not, neither entered it into my heart, that they should do this abomination, and cause Juda to sin.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they built the hie places of Baal, which are in the valley of Ben-hinnom, to cause their sonnes and their daughters to passe through the fire vnto Molech, which I commanded them not, neither came it into my minde, that they should doe such abomination, to cause Iudah to sinne.