Jeremiah 19:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 19:5
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:
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 19 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, sacrifice, mercy. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 19:5
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:
Analysis
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).
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).
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 32:35, Leviticus 18:21, Deuteronomy 12:31, 2 Kings 17:17