Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. New Living Translation He offered sacrifices in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, even sacrificing his own sons in the fire. In this way, he followed the detestable practices of the pagan nations the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. English Standard Version and he made offerings in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom and burned his sons as an offering, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel. Berean Standard Bible Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. King James Bible Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. New King James Version He burned incense in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and burned his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. New American Standard Bible Furthermore, he burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, and burned his sons in fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had driven out from the sons of Israel. NASB 1995 Moreover, he burned incense in the valley of Ben-hinnom and burned his sons in fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had driven out before the sons of Israel. NASB 1977 Moreover, he burned incense in the valley of Ben-hinnom, and burned his sons in fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had driven out before the sons of Israel. Legacy Standard Bible Moreover, he offered offerings in smoke in the valley of Ben-hinnom and burned his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh had dispossessed from before the sons of Israel. Amplified Bible And he burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom and burned his sons [as an offering], in accordance with the repulsive acts of the [pagan] nations whom the LORD had driven out before the sons (descendants) of Israel. Christian Standard Bible He burned incense in Ben Hinnom Valley and burned his children in the fire, imitating the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had dispossessed before the Israelites. Holman Christian Standard Bible He burned incense in the Valley of Hinnom and burned his children in the fire, imitating the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had dispossessed before the Israelites. American Standard Version Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom Jehovah cast out before the children of Israel. Contemporary English Version and he offered sacrifices in Hinnom Valley. Worst of all, Ahaz sacrificed his own sons, which was a disgusting custom of the nations that the LORD had forced out of Israel. English Revised Version Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation He burned sacrifices in the valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his son by burning him alive, one of the disgusting things done by the nations that the LORD had forced out of the Israelites' way. Good News Translation burned incense in Hinnom Valley, and even sacrificed his own sons as burnt offerings to idols, imitating the disgusting practice of the people whom the LORD had driven out of the land as the Israelites advanced. International Standard Version burned incense in the Ben-hinnom Valley, and burned his sons as an offering, following the detestable activities of the nations whom the LORD had expelled in front of the people of Israel. NET Bible He offered sacrifices in the Valley of Ben-Hinnom and passed his sons through the fire, a horrible sin practiced by the nations whom the LORD drove out before the Israelites. New Heart English Bible Moreover he burnt incense in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, and made his sons pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. Webster's Bible Translation Moreover, he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMoreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. World English Bible Moreover he burned incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burned his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand has made incense himself in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and burns his sons with fire according to the abominations of the nations that YHWH dispossessed from the presence of the sons of Israel, Young's Literal Translation and himself hath made perfume in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burneth his sons with fire according to the abominations of the nations that Jehovah dispossessed from the presence of the sons of Israel, Smith's Literal Translation And he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and he will burn his sons in fire according to the abomination of the nations which Jehovah dispossessed from before the sons of Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIt was he that burnt incense in the valley of Benennom, and consecrated his sons in the fire according to the manner of the nations, which the Lord slew at the coming of the children of Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version It is he who burned incense in the Valley of the son of Hinnom. And he purified his sons by fire, in accord with the ritual of the nations that the Lord put to death at the advent of the sons of Israel. New American Bible Moreover, he offered sacrifice in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, and immolated his children by fire in accordance with the abominable practices of the nations whom the LORD had dispossessed before the Israelites. New Revised Standard Version and he made offerings in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and made his sons pass through fire, according to the abominable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMoreover he burned incense in great valleys, and passed his son through the fire, according to the custom of the nations whom the LORD had destroyed from before the children of Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he offered up censers of sweet spices in the great valleys, and he brought his son into fire, according to the law of the Gentiles, whom LORD JEHOVAH destroyed from before the sons of Israel. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Moreover he offered in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he sacrificed to their idols in the valley of Benennom, and passed his children through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ahaz Reigns in Judah…2Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even made cast images of the Baals. 3Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. 4And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.… Cross References Leviticus 18:21 You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. Deuteronomy 18:10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, 2 Kings 16:3 Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. 2 Kings 21:6 He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. Jeremiah 7:31 They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind. Jeremiah 19:5 They have built high places to Baal on which to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it even enter My mind. Ezekiel 16:20-21 You even took the sons and daughters you bore to Me and sacrificed them as food to idols. Was your prostitution not enough? / You slaughtered My children and delivered them up through the fire to idols. Ezekiel 20:31 When you offer your gifts, sacrificing your sons in the fire, you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. So should I be consulted by you, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be consulted by you! Psalm 106:37-38 They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. / They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. Isaiah 57:5 who burn with lust among the oaks, under every luxuriant tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? 2 Kings 23:10 He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech. 2 Kings 17:17 They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. Micah 6:7 Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? Romans 1:28-32 Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. / They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. ... Galatians 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Treasury of Scripture Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. burnt incense. 2 Kings 23:10 And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech. Jeremiah 7:31,32 And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart… Jeremiah 19:2-6,13 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, … burnt 2 Chronicles 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. Leviticus 18:21 And 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 16:3 But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel. after the abominations 2 Chronicles 33:2 But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. Deuteronomy 12:31 Thou 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. Jump to Previous Abominable Abominations Ben Ben-Hinnom Burned Burnt Cast Children Copying Detestable Disgusting Dispossessed Driven Drove Fire Following Heathen Hinnom Incense Israel Israelites Moreover Nations Offered Offering Offerings Perfume Practices Sacrifices Valley WaysJump to Next Abominable Abominations Ben Ben-Hinnom Burned Burnt Cast Children Copying Detestable Disgusting Dispossessed Driven Drove Fire Following Heathen Hinnom Incense Israel Israelites Moreover Nations Offered Offering Offerings Perfume Practices Sacrifices Valley Ways2 Chronicles 28 1. Ahaz, reigning wickedly, is greatly afflicted by the Syrians.6. Judah, being captivated by the Israelites, is sent home by the counsel of Oded. 16. Ahaz sending for aid to Assyria, is not helped thereby, 22. In his distress he grows more idolatrous 26. He dying, Hezekiah succeeds him Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom Ahaz, the king of Judah, engaged in idolatrous practices, which were strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law. The Valley of Ben-hinnom, located southwest of Jerusalem, became infamous for its association with pagan worship and child sacrifice. This valley later became synonymous with Gehenna, a term used in the New Testament to describe hell. The burning of incense was a common practice in idol worship, often intended to appease or invoke the favor of false gods. and sacrificed his sons in the fire according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites Persons / Places / Events 1. AhazKing of Judah who reigned during a time of spiritual decline. He is noted for his idolatrous practices and departure from the ways of the LORD. 2. Valley of Ben Hinnom A location near Jerusalem associated with idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice. It later became synonymous with Gehenna, a term used for hell in the New Testament. 3. Sacrificed his sons A reference to the horrific practice of child sacrifice, which was strictly forbidden by God and considered an abomination. 4. Abominations of the nations Refers to the detestable practices of the Canaanite nations, which included idolatry and child sacrifice, that God had commanded Israel to avoid. 5. The LORD The covenant name of God, who had driven out the Canaanite nations before Israel as a judgment against their wickedness. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryAhaz's actions serve as a stark reminder of the spiritual and moral decline that results from turning away from God. Idolatry leads to destructive behaviors and practices that are abhorrent to God. The Influence of Culture Ahaz's adoption of pagan practices illustrates the powerful influence of surrounding cultures. Believers must remain vigilant and grounded in Scripture to resist conforming to worldly standards. The Sanctity of Life The practice of child sacrifice highlights the value God places on human life. Christians are called to uphold the sanctity of life in all its forms, advocating for the vulnerable and voiceless. God's Righteous Judgment The text underscores God's judgment against the nations for their abominations. It serves as a warning that God will not tolerate sin indefinitely. Repentance and Restoration While Ahaz's account is one of failure, it points to the need for repentance and the hope of restoration through turning back to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 28:3?2. How does 2 Chronicles 28:3 illustrate the consequences of abandoning God's commandments? 3. What lessons can we learn from Ahaz's actions in 2 Chronicles 28:3? 4. How does 2 Chronicles 28:3 connect to Deuteronomy 18:10's warning against child sacrifice? 5. How can we guard against cultural influences that lead us away from God? 6. What steps can we take to ensure our worship aligns with biblical teachings? 7. Why did Ahaz practice child sacrifice in 2 Chronicles 28:3 despite God's commandments against it? 8. How does 2 Chronicles 28:3 reflect the influence of surrounding pagan cultures on Israel? 9. What does 2 Chronicles 28:3 reveal about the spiritual state of Judah under Ahaz's reign? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 28? 11. How can 2 Chronicles 28:3 claim child sacrifice occurred without any clear archeological evidence? 12. Jeremiah 32:35: Why would God claim ignorance of child sacrifices if other passages suggest He is omniscient and aware of every human action? 13. Jeremiah 7:30–31: How does the practice of child sacrifice in this passage reconcile with the lack of supporting historical records outside the Bible? 14. Why does the idea of Hell evolve over time in Christian doctrine? What Does 2 Chronicles 28:3 Mean Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom• Burning incense was an act of worship. In Ahaz’s case, it was directed toward false gods (2 Kings 16:3–4). • The Valley of Ben-hinnom (later called Gehenna) had become a center of idolatrous rituals (Jeremiah 7:31). By choosing this location, Ahaz openly rejected the ordained worship God had set in Jerusalem (2 Chron 6:6). • The king’s behavior signaled more than personal rebellion; it led the nation astray (2 Chron 28:19), showing how leadership can influence a people either toward or away from God (Proverbs 29:2). • This setting foreshadows judgment imagery; Jesus later alludes to Gehenna when describing eternal punishment (Matthew 10:28), underscoring how detestable these practices were to the Lord. and sacrificed his sons in the fire • The phrase is literal: Ahaz burned his own children as offerings (2 Kings 17:17). • God had explicitly forbidden this horror: – “You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech” (Leviticus 18:21). – “Do not imitate their detestable ways… even their sons and daughters they burn in the fire” (Deuteronomy 12:30-31). • Child sacrifice epitomized the depth of Judah’s apostasy. It inverted God’s design for family—parents should protect life, not destroy it (Genesis 9:6; Psalm 127:3-5). • By violating the most basic moral law, Ahaz invited divine discipline. The chapter records immediate consequences: defeats by Aram and Israel (2 Chron 28:5-6) and later Assyrian domination (2 Chron 28:20). • The New Testament reaffirms the sanctity of life and the seriousness of causing “little ones” to stumble (Matthew 18:6), highlighting the timelessness of God’s moral standards. according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites • God had expelled the Canaanite nations because of these very practices (Leviticus 18:24-25; Deuteronomy 18:9-12). Ahaz repeated what had once brought judgment upon them, proving that privilege does not exempt anyone from accountability. • The term “abominations” underscores actions utterly repugnant to God (Proverbs 6:16-19). They defile both land and people (Numbers 35:33-34). • By copying pagan customs, Judah forfeited covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). The pattern is clear: – Imitation of the world leads to spiritual blindness (Romans 1:21-25). – Spiritual compromise invites divine discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11). • God’s prior warning—“Do not follow their statutes” (Leviticus 20:23)—shows His desire to protect His people from destructive sin. Ahaz’s choice displays the tragic outcome when leaders ignore that warning. summary 2 Chronicles 28:3 records King Ahaz’s open embrace of pagan worship: offering incense in a notoriously idolatrous valley and literally burning his sons alive. Each act violated God’s clear commands and mirrored the vile customs that had led to the Canaanites’ expulsion. Ahaz’s behavior illustrates how quickly a nation can descend when it rejects God’s word, reminding us that idolatry, the devaluation of life, and conformity to a godless culture always invite God’s righteous judgment. (3) Moreover he.--"And he (emphatic) burnt incense" to Moloch, the god of Ammon, for whom Solomon had built a high place (1Kings 11:5-8), which was still in existence.In the valley of the son of Hinnom.--Also called simply the valley of Hinnom (Joshua 15:8), on the west and south of Jerusalem (Joshua 18:16), the scene of the cruel rites in honour of "Moloch, horrid king, besmeared with blood." MILTON. (Jeremiah 7:31-32; Jeremiah 19:2-6, where "the Baal" is named as the object of this worship, Moloch being a Baal.) In later times, the term "valley of Hinnom," spelt as one word, and with modified vowels, G?hinn?m, became the appellation of hell, "the house of woe and pain." It is so used in the Targums, and later in the Talmud, and appears in the New Testament under the Graecised form ??????, whence the Latin Gehenna. . . . Verse 3. - Burnt incense... Hinnom. The sin of Solomon (1 Kings 11:7, 8) is reproduced. For the valley of the son of Hinnom, which curved round the south-west and west of Jerusalem (Ge Ben-Hinnom), see Conder's 'Handbook,' ch. 7. pp. 330-332. Burnt his children (see Leviticus 18:21); but there cannot be any doubt that Ahaz's practice here stated was an incident of the Moloch-superstition and horrible cruelty (see the parallel in its vers. 3, 4).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Moreover, Ahazוְה֥וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are burned incense הִקְטִ֖יר (hiq·ṭîr) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6999: To smoke, turn into fragrance by fire in the Valley of Hinnom בְּגֵ֣יא (bə·ḡê) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1516: A valley and sacrificed וַיַּבְעֵ֤ר (way·yaḇ·‘êr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1197: To kindle, consume, to be, brutish his sons בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son in the fire, בָּאֵ֔שׁ (bā·’êš) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 784: A fire according to the abominations כְּתֹֽעֲבוֹת֙ (kə·ṯō·‘ă·ḇō·wṯ) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 8441: Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol of the nations הַגּוֹיִ֔ם (hag·gō·w·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts whom אֲשֶׁר֙ (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (ha·šêm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin had driven out הֹרִ֣ישׁ (hō·rîš) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel before מִפְּנֵ֖י (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the Israelites. בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son Links 2 Chronicles 28:3 NIV2 Chronicles 28:3 NLT 2 Chronicles 28:3 ESV 2 Chronicles 28:3 NASB 2 Chronicles 28:3 KJV 2 Chronicles 28:3 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 28:3 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 28:3 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 28:3 French Bible 2 Chronicles 28:3 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 28:3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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