Jeremiah 19:2
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Jeremiah 19:2
2 And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee,
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 19 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, redemption, grace. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-15: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 19:2
2 And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee,
Analysis
God commands another symbolic act: "And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee." The Valley of Hinnom (Hebrew Gei Ben-Hinnom, גֵּי בֶן־הִנֹּם) had become synonymous with abomination—the site where Judah sacrificed children to Molech. This location's choice is strategic, confronting sin at its most horrific manifestation point.
The geographical specificity—"by the entry of the east gate"—ensures witnesses and precision. This wasn't a private meditation but a public prophetic declaration in the very place of covenant violation. God's word must confront sin directly, not abstractly. The phrase "proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee" emphasizes prophetic dependence—Jeremiah speaks God's words, not his own opinion.
This location would later be associated with Gehenna (Greek form of Hinnom), which Jesus used as imagery for hell (Matt 5:22, 29-30, 18:9, Mark 9:43-47). The valley's associations with child sacrifice, abomination, and judgment made it a fitting symbol for eternal punishment. Reformed theology sees Gehenna as representing the final, permanent judgment awaiting impenitent sinners—a terrifying reality making gospel proclamation urgent.
Historical Context
The Valley of Hinnom runs south of Jerusalem, joining the Kidron Valley. Kings Ahaz and Manasseh made their sons pass through fire there (2 Kgs 16:3, 21:6), establishing high places for child sacrifice to Molech (Lev 18:21, 20:2-5). Josiah's reforms defiled these sites (2 Kgs 23:10), but they remained symbolically associated with abomination. By Jesus' time, the valley served as Jerusalem's garbage dump where fires burned continuously, reinforcing the Gehenna imagery.
Reflection
- Why is it significant that God calls Jeremiah to prophesy at the very site of Judah's worst sin?
- How does the Valley of Hinnom as a picture of hell emphasize the seriousness of sin and judgment?
- In what ways should modern gospel proclamation confront sin directly rather than abstractly?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 32:35, Joshua 15:8, 2 Kings 23:10, 2 Chronicles 28:3, 33:6