What other scriptures warn against practices like those in Jeremiah 19:5? Jeremiah 19:5 – The Touchstone Verse “They have built high places to Baal in order to burn their children in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal—something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it enter My mind.” Foundational Prohibitions in the Law • Leviticus 18:21 – “You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech; you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.” • Leviticus 20:2-5 – Anyone who gives a child to Molech is to be put to death; God Himself will set His face against the offender. • Deuteronomy 12:31 – “They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.” • Deuteronomy 18:10 – “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire…” Warnings During Israel’s Monarchy • 2 Kings 16:3 – King Ahaz “even sacrificed his son in the fire.” • 2 Kings 17:17 – “They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire… provoking Him to anger.” • 2 Kings 21:6 – Manasseh “sacrificed his son in the fire… and did great evil in the sight of the LORD.” • 2 Chronicles 28:3 – Ahaz “sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the detestable practices of the nations.” Prophetic Rebukes and Historical Laments • Psalm 106:37-38 – “They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons… the land was polluted with blood.” • Isaiah 57:5 – “You sacrifice your children in the ravines, under the overhanging crags.” • Jeremiah 7:31 – “They have built the high places of Topheth… to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter My mind.” • Jeremiah 32:35 – They built high places “to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind.” • Ezekiel 16:20-21 – “You even took your sons and daughters… and sacrificed them as food to idols.” • Ezekiel 20:31 – “You offer… sacrifices of your children in the fire.” • Ezekiel 23:37 – “They have even sacrificed their sons… as food to their idols.” Why the LORD Speaks So Strongly • Assault on the image of God in every child (Genesis 1:27 implied). • Direct violation of the first two commandments (Exodus 20:3-5). • Idolatry joined to the shedding of innocent blood brings national judgment (Deuteronomy 19:10; Numbers 35:33-34). • Such acts invert true worship—offering what God calls precious to demons (Psalm 106:37). Living the Truth Today • Uphold the sanctity of every human life from conception onward. • Reject any practice—ancient or modern—that devalues life for convenience, profit, or false worship. • Cultivate worship centered on obedience, not on appeasing culture or personal desires. |
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