Jeremiah 32:35

35 and they built shrines to Baal in the Ben-hinnon Valley, where they sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded them—nor did it even cross my mind—that they should do such detestable things, leading Judah to sin.

Jeremiah 32:35 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 32:35

And they built the high places of Baal, which [are] in the
valley of the son of Hinnom
Or "the high places of that Baal ^F11, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom"; to distinguish him from other Baalim; and who seems to be the same with Molech after mentioned; and the signification of their names agree; the one is lord or master; the other king: to cause their sons and their daughters to pass [through the fire]
unto Molech:
the phrase, "through the fire", is not in the text; but is well enough supplied from other places, where it is. Some think that their infants were not burnt to death with fire, but only were held over the flame by way of lustration; or were made to pass between two fires, and so were purified and dedicated to the idol: which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind that they
should do this abomination; (See Gill on Jeremiah 7:31); to cause Judah to sin;
which Abarbinel understands of the children of Israel, who first began this practice, and seduced and drew the children of Judah into it; but rather it seems to intend the kings, princes, priests, prophets, and inhabitants of Jerusalem, who, by their example, led the people of the Lord into the same practice.

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 (aygb rva lebh twmb) "quae in valle", Montanus; "excelsa Baal qui erat in valle", Calvin.

Jeremiah 32:35 In-Context

33 They turned their backs to me and not their faces; and though I taught them over and over, they wouldn't accept my correction.

34 They set up their disgusting idols in the temple that bears my name and violated it;

35 and they built shrines to Baal in the Ben-hinnon Valley, where they sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded them—nor did it even cross my mind—that they should do such detestable things, leading Judah to sin.

36 You have been saying, "This city will be handed over to the king of Babylon through sword, famine, and disease." But this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says:

37 I will gather them from all the countries where I have scattered them in my fierce anger and rage. I will bring them back to this place to live securely.