Ben-hinnom, also known as the Valley of Hinnom, is a geographical location of significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative. It is situated to the south and southwest of Jerusalem and is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The valley is most notably associated with idolatrous practices and later becomes a symbol of divine judgment.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The Valley of Ben-hinnom is first mentioned in the context of the tribal boundaries of Judah and Benjamin. In Joshua 15:8 , it is described as part of the border of the tribe of Judah: "Then the border went up the Valley of Ben Hinnom to the southern slope of the Jebusite city (that is, Jerusalem)."

The valley gained notoriety due to the idolatrous practices that took place there, particularly the worship of the Canaanite god Molech. This worship involved child sacrifice, a practice explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. In 2 Kings 23:10 , King Josiah defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, to prevent such abominations: "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."

The prophet Jeremiah also speaks against the practices in this valley, warning of impending judgment. In Jeremiah 7:31-32 , the Lord declares: "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 enter My mind. So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when it will no longer be called Topheth or the Valley of Ben Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter."

Theological Significance

The Valley of Ben-hinnom holds a significant place in biblical theology as a symbol of judgment and the consequences of turning away from God. The practices that occurred there were a stark violation of the covenant relationship between God and His people, leading to severe prophetic warnings and eventual judgment.

In later Jewish thought, the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna in Greek) became associated with the concept of hell or a place of final punishment for the wicked. This association is reflected in the New Testament, where Jesus uses the term "Gehenna" to describe the place of eternal damnation (e.g., Matthew 5:22, 29-30).

Archaeological and Cultural Insights

Archaeological findings in the area have provided insights into the ancient practices and the historical context of the valley. Excavations have uncovered evidence of ancient altars and artifacts related to the worship of Molech, corroborating the biblical accounts of idolatry and child sacrifice.

The Valley of Ben-hinnom serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments. Its transformation from a place of abomination to a symbol of divine judgment underscores the biblical theme of redemption and the hope of restoration for those who turn back to God.2011. Hinnom -- a valley Southwest of Jer.
... a valley Southwest of Jer. Transliteration: Hinnom Phonetic Spelling: (hin-nome')
Short Definition: Ben-hinnom. ... NASB Word Usage Ben-hinnom* (7), Hinnom (6). ...
/hebrew/2011.htm - 6k

1121. ben -- son
... aliens* (2), Ammonites* (7), anointed* (1), arrow (1), arrows (1), Assyrians* (3),
baby (1), Babylonians* (3), beasts (1), being* (1), Ben-hinnom* (7), bough (2 ...
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The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... Assyrians perished: nor very subtily; for they seem to have perished, if so be they
perished near Jerusalem, in the valley of Tophet, or Ben-Hinnom, Isaiah 30 ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

The Valley of Hinnom.
... There are two palm-trees in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, between which a smoke arises:
and this is that we learn, 'The palms of the mountain are fit for iron.' And ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 39 the valley of.htm

The Young Josiah and the Book of the Law
... He also destroyed Topheth, which is in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, so that no man
could ever make his son or his daughter pass through the fire to Molech. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the young josiah and the.htm

Ben-hinnom (7 Occurrences)
Ben-hinnom. Ben-hesed, Ben-hinnom. Benhur . Multi-Version Concordance
Ben-hinnom (7 Occurrences). Joshua 15:8 The border ...
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Ben-hesed (1 Occurrence)
Ben-hesed. Benhesed, Ben-hesed. Ben-hinnom . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BEN-HESED. ... Benhesed, Ben-hesed. Ben-hinnom . Reference Bible.
/b/ben-hesed.htm - 7k

Benhur

/b/benhur.htm - 6k

Hinnom (11 Occurrences)
... above references are in the Hebrew text; there are some variations in the Septuagint)):
The meaning of "Hinnom" is unknown; the expressions benHinnom and bene ...
/h/hinnom.htm - 18k

Valley (187 Occurrences)
... above references are in the Hebrew text; there are some variations in the Septuagint)):
The meaning of "Hinnom" is unknown; the expressions benHinnom and bene ...
/v/valley.htm - 75k

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