Jeremiah 32:35

35 and they have built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause to pass through [the fire] their sons and their daughters 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 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 And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face; and though I taught them, rising early and teaching, they hearkened not to receive instruction.

34 And they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to defile it;

35 and they have built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause to pass through [the fire] their sons and their daughters unto Molech: which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

36 And now therefore Jehovah, the God of Israel, saith thus concerning this city, whereof ye say, It hath been given over into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence:

37 Behold, I will gather them out of all the countries whither I have driven them, in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely.