What other scriptures condemn practices similar to those in Jeremiah 7:31? Jeremiah 7:31 at a Glance “They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it even enter My mind.” Key Biblical Cross-References Below are other passages where the Lord condemns the same horrific practice of child sacrifice and related pagan rites: • 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.” • Leviticus 20:2-5 – The death penalty prescribed for anyone “who gives any of his children to Molech.” • Deuteronomy 12:31 – The nations “burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.” • Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire… For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD.” • 2 Kings 16:3 – King Ahaz “sacrificed his son in the fire.” • 2 Kings 17:17 – Israel “sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire… provoking Him to anger.” • 2 Kings 21:6 – Manasseh “sacrificed his son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination.” • 2 Chronicles 28:3 – Ahaz “burned his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations.” • 2 Chronicles 33:6 – Manasseh again: “He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Hinnom.” • Psalm 106:37-38 – “They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. They poured out innocent blood.” • Isaiah 57:5 – “Who slaughter your children in the ravines, under the clefts of the rocks.” • Micah 6:7 – A rhetorical rebuke: “Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression?” • Ezekiel 16:20-21 – “You even took your sons and daughters you bore to Me and sacrificed them… You slaughtered My children.” • Ezekiel 23:37-39 – “They even sacrificed their children… then entered My sanctuary to profane it.” • Jeremiah 19:5 – “They have built the high places of Baal… to sacrifice their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded.” • Jeremiah 32:35 – “They built the high places of Baal… to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech.” What the Lord Says About Child Sacrifice • It is “detestable” (Deuteronomy 18:12). • It “defiles” His sanctuary and profanes His name (Leviticus 20:3). • It brings the Lord’s wrath and judgment upon the people and their land (2 Kings 17:17-20; Jeremiah 19:6-9). • The practice never entered God’s mind (Jeremiah 7:31; 19:5; 32:35), underscoring how completely foreign it is to His character. Themes That Link the Passages • Innocent blood – Psalm 106:38; Jeremiah 19:4. • Idolatry – Child sacrifice is always tied to false worship of Molech, Baal, or other idols. • National contamination – The land becomes polluted (Numbers 35:33-34; Psalm 106:38). • Leadership failure – Kings Ahaz and Manasseh lead the nation into sin; leaders’ choices impact the people (2 Kings 16; 21). • Divine justice – Each passage pairs the sin with a promised judgment, demonstrating God’s unwavering righteousness. Why This Matters Today • God’s heart for the vulnerable remains unchanged; He abhors the shedding of innocent blood. • Any form of worship or practice that devalues human life contradicts His revealed will. • The repeated warnings show His patience, yet also His certainty in bringing justice when repentance is refused. |
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