Jeremiah Chapter 19 · Verse 5
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:
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵיהֶ֛ם
their sons
H1121
בְּנֵיהֶ֛ם
their sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עֹל֣וֹת
for burnt offerings
H5930
עֹל֣וֹת
for burnt offerings
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
9 of 19
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דִבַּ֔רְתִּי
not nor spake
H1696
דִבַּ֔רְתִּי
not nor spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
15 of 19
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָלְתָ֖ה
it neither came
H5927
עָלְתָ֖ה
it neither came
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
17 of 19
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Cross References
Jeremiah 32:35And 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.Deuteronomy 12:31Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.Leviticus 18:21And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.2 Kings 17:17And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Historical Context
Baal worship involved fertility rites, temple prostitution, and child sacrifice. Devotees believed sacrificing children (especially firstborns) secured divine favor, prosperity, or deliverance from enemies. Such practices pervaded Canaanite religion and infected Israel repeatedly despite clear prohibitions. The prophets consistently condemned these abominations as the epitome of covenant violation, warranting the severest judgment (Deut 12:31, 2 Kgs 17:17, Ezek 16:20-21, 20:31, 23:37-39).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse warn against assuming religious sincerity justifies practices God hasn't commanded?
- What modern practices might claim religious devotion while actually committing abomination?
- How does the regulative principle of worship protect against human-invented religious practices?
Analysis & Commentary
The specific horror: "They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal." Building high places (bamot, בָּמוֹת) for Baal worship directly violated the first commandment. Burning children alive as burnt offerings represents the most extreme perversion—using worship language and forms to commit abomination. They called murder "offerings," demonstrating total moral inversion (Isa 5:20).
God's emphatic denial: "which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind." The triple negation underscores God's total repudiation—He never commanded this, never mentioned it, never even conceived of demanding such horror. This counters any claim that child sacrifice honors God. The phrase reveals God's character—He doesn't desire human suffering but delights in mercy, obedience, and covenant love (Hos 6:6, Mic 6:6-8).
This passage refutes the notion that sincere religious devotion justifies any practice. Not all worship pleases God—only worship according to His revealed will. The Reformed regulative principle of worship states that we must worship God only as He commands in Scripture, not according to human invention or supposed sincerity. Christ confronted false worship that honored God with lips while hearts remained far from Him (Matt 15:8-9).