2 Kings 23:10
2 Kings 23:10 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
And Topheth, in the valley of the sons of Hinnom, he made unclean, so that no man might make his son or his daughter go through the fire to Molech.
He defiled the Topheth altar in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech.
He defiled also Topheth, which was in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man shoulde make his sonne or his daughter passe through the fire to Molech.
And he hath defiled Topheth, that [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, so that no man doth cause his son and his daughter to pass over through fire to Molech.
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.
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.
And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Ennom: that no man should consecrate there his son or his daughter through fire to Moloch.
Josiah also desecrated the place named Topheth, in the Hinnom Valley, in order that no one could offer his son or daughter there to be completely burned for a sacrifice to the god Molech.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 23:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 23:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/טִמֵּ֣א
אֶת
הַ/תֹּ֔פֶת
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
בְּ/גֵ֣י
בני
בֶן
הִנֹּ֑ם
לְ/בִלְתִּ֗י
לְ/הַעֲבִ֨יר
אִ֜ישׁ
אֶת
בְּנ֧/וֹ
וְ/אֶת
בִּתּ֛/וֹ
בָּ/אֵ֖שׁ
לַ/מֹּֽלֶךְ
וְ/טִמֵּ֣א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/תֹּ֔פֶת
Tôpheth
H8612
Topheth
Art | N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/גֵ֣י
gayʼ
H1516
Valley
Prep | N-cs
בני
bên
H1121
son
N-proper
בֶן
bên
H1121
son
N-proper
הִנֹּ֑ם
Hinnôm
H2011
Hinnom
N-proper
לְ/בִלְתִּ֗י
biltîy
H1115
lest
Prep | Conj
לְ/הַעֲבִ֨יר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אִ֜ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנ֧/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בִּתּ֛/וֹ
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs | Suff
בָּ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
לַ/מֹּֽלֶךְ
Môlek
H4432
Molech
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 23:10
וְ/טִמֵּ֣א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/תֹּ֔פֶת
Tôpheth
H8612
"Topheth"
Art | N-proper
Topheth, a place near Jerusalem, is a valley where children were sacrificed to idols, as in 2 Kings 23:10. It's a site of evil deeds.
Definition: § Tophet or Topheth = "place of fire" a place in the southeast end of the valley of the son of Hinnom south of Jerusalem. Same as toph.teh (תׇּפְתֶּה "burning-place" H8613)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Tophet, Topheth. See also: 2 Kings 23:10; Jeremiah 19:11; Jeremiah 7:31.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/גֵ֣י
gayʼ
H1516
"Valley"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a deep, narrow valley or gorge. It is also another name for Topheth, a place of child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom. The word describes a steep and dramatic landscape.
Definition: valley, a steep valley, narrow gorge Another name of to.phet (תֹּ֫פֶת "Topheth" H8612)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: valley. See also: Numbers 21:20; Nehemiah 11:30; Psalms 23:4.
בני
bên
H1121
"son"
N-proper
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-proper
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הִנֹּ֑ם
Hinnôm
H2011
"Hinnom"
N-proper
Hinnom was a valley near Jerusalem, also known as the 'valley of lamentation'. It is mentioned in Joshua and Jeremiah, and was a site of idolatrous practices. The KJV translates it simply as 'Hinnom'.
Definition: Hinnom = "lamentation" a valley (deep and narrow ravine) with steep, rocky sides located southwest of Jerusalem, separating Mount Zion to the north from the 'hill of evil counsel' and the sloping rocky plateau of the 'plain of Rephaim' to the south Combined with to.phet (תֹּ֫פֶת "Topheth" H8612)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Hinnom. See also: Joshua 15:8; Nehemiah 11:30; Jeremiah 7:31.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֗י
biltîy
H1115
"lest"
Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
לְ/הַעֲבִ֨יר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
אִ֜ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּנ֧/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בִּתּ֛/וֹ
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
בָּ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
לַ/מֹּֽלֶךְ
Môlek
H4432
"Molech"
Prep | N-proper
Molek refers to the chief deity of the Ammonites, a false god to whom some Israelites wrongly sacrificed their infants. The Bible strongly condemns this practice.
Definition: § Molech = "king" the god of the Ammonites and Phoenicians to whom some Israelites sacrificed their infants in the valley of Hinnom
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Molech. Compare H4445 (מַלְכָּם). See also: Leviticus 18:21; Leviticus 20:5; Jeremiah 32:35.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 23:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 23:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 23:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:10
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 23:10
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:10
- Sermons on 2 Kings 23:10
Context — Josiah Destroys Idolatry
8Then Josiah brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and desecrated the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He tore down the high places of the gates at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which was to the left of the city gate.
9Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests.
10He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech.
11And he removed from the entrance to the house of the LORD the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun. They were in the court near the chamber of an official named Nathan-melech. And Josiah burned up the chariots of the sun. 12He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had set up on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz, and the altars that Manasseh had set up in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD. The king pulverized them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 30:33 | For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its funeral pyre is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood. The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 19:6 | So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when this place will no longer be called Topheth or the Valley of Ben-hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 7:31–32 | They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind. So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when this place will no longer be called Topheth and the Valley of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter. For they will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room. |
| 5 | Joshua 15:8 | From there the border went up the Valley of Hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusites (that is, Jerusalem) and ascended to the top of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom on the west, at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 32:35 | They have built the high places of Baal in the Valley of Hinnom to make their sons and daughters pass through the fire to Molech—something I never commanded them, nor had it ever entered My mind, that they should commit such an abomination and cause Judah to sin. |
| 7 | 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, |
| 8 | Jeremiah 19:11–13 | and you are to proclaim to them that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I will shatter this nation and this city, like one shatters a potter’s jar that can never again be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room to bury them. This is what I will do to this place and to its residents, declares the LORD. I will make this city like Topheth. The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like that place, Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.” |
| 9 | 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. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 20:26 | And I pronounced them unclean through their gifts—the sacrifice of every firstborn in the fire—so that I might devastate them, in order that they would know that I am the LORD. |
2 Kings 23:10 Summary
In 2 Kings 23:10, King Josiah desecrated the place of Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, stopping the horrific practice of child sacrifice to the idol Molech. This act shows God's heart of love and protection for children and the vulnerable, as seen in Psalm 127:3-5. By removing this evil practice, King Josiah demonstrated his commitment to following God's commands and promoting justice in the land, just as we are called to do today (Micah 6:8). We can learn from King Josiah's example and work to protect and care for the vulnerable in our own communities, reflecting God's love and heart of justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Valley of Ben-hinnom and why is it significant?
The Valley of Ben-hinnom is a location near Jerusalem where the Israelites practiced idolatrous rituals, including child sacrifice to Molech, as mentioned in 2 Kings 23:10. This valley is also referenced in Jeremiah 19:6 and 32:35, highlighting its association with evil practices.
Who is Molech and why did the Israelites sacrifice their children to him?
Molech was a pagan deity worshipped by the Ammonites and other neighboring nations, and the Israelites were tempted to follow this idolatrous practice, as seen in 2 Kings 23:10. The Bible condemns such practices, emphasizing that God is a holy and loving God who desires our obedience and trust, as stated in Deuteronomy 12:31 and Leviticus 18:21.
What does it mean to desecrate a place like Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom?
To desecrate a place means to remove its sacred or idolatrous significance, making it unholy or common. In 2 Kings 23:10, King Josiah desecrated Topheth to prevent further child sacrifices to Molech, demonstrating his commitment to following God's commands and removing evil practices from the land, as also seen in 2 Chronicles 34:3-5.
How does this verse relate to God's heart for the vulnerable, such as children?
This verse highlights God's strong opposition to the exploitation and harm of children, as seen in the prohibition against child sacrifice in Leviticus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 12:31. It demonstrates God's heart of love and protection for the vulnerable, and His desire for His people to reflect this love and justice in their actions, as emphasized in Psalm 127:3-5 and Matthew 18:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day 'altars' or practices in our culture that may be harming the vulnerable, and how can we work to dismantle them?
- How can we, like King Josiah, take a stand against evil practices in our own communities and promote justice and righteousness?
- What does it mean for us to 'desecrate' or remove the sacredness from things that are contrary to God's will, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?
- How can we trust in God's love and protection for the vulnerable, and what role can we play in reflecting this love to those around us?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 23:10
And he defiled Topheth,.... A place so called, as is generally thought, from the beating of drums or timbrels in it, that the shrieks of the infants sacrificed here to Molech might not be heard by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:10
In the valley of the children of Hinnom; of which see 19:6,11. To pass through the fire to Molech. See Poole ""; See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:10
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.Ver. 10. And he defiled Tophet.] A pleasant valley near to Jerusalem, but, for the abominable abuse of it, taken afterwards for hell, a place of torments, without end, and past imagination.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:10
(10) Topheth.—Heb. the Topheth; i.e., the burning place, or hearth, if the word be rightly derived from the Persian tôften, “to burn.” The Hebrew word, however, has been so modified as to suggest a derivation from tôph, “to spit;” so that the epithet would mean “the abomination.” (Comp. 2 Kings 23:13.) (Comp. also Job 17:6; Isaiah 30:33; and the Coptic tâf, “spittle.”) The valley of the children of Hinnom.—Elsewhere called “the valley of the son of Hinnom,” and “the valley of Hinnom (Joshua 15:8; Jeremiah 7:31-32). Simonis plausibly explained the word Hinnom as meaning shrieking or moaning (from the Arabic hanna, arguta voce gemuit, flevit). “The valley of the sons of shrieking” would be a good name for the accursed spot. (Thenius suggests Wimmer-Kinds-Thal.) That no man . . .—See Note on 2 Kings 16:3. To Moloch.—Heb., to the Molech (Molech is another form of melech, “king”). In 1 Kings 11:7, the god of the Ammonites is called Molech, but elsewhere, as in 2 Kings 23:13, Milcom, another variation of the same word. The feminine molecheth, “queen,” occurs as a proper name in 1 Chronicles 7:18.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:10
Verse 10. He defiled Topheth] St. Jerome says that Topheth was a fine and pleasant place, well watered with fountains, and adorned with gardens. The valley of the son of Hinnom, or Gehenna, was in one part; here it appears the sacred rites of Molech were performed, and to this all the filth of the city was carried, and perpetual fires were kept up in order to consume it. Hence it has been considered a type of hell; and in this sense it is used in the New Testament. It is here said that Josiah defiled this place that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire. He destroyed the image of Molech, and so polluted the place where he stood, or his temple, that it was rendered in every way abominable. The rabbins say that Topheth had its name from תף toph, a drum, because instruments of this kind were used to drown the cries of the children that were put into the burning arms of Molech, to be scorched to death. This may be as true as the following definition: "Topheth, or the valley of the son of Hinnom, was a place near Jerusalem, where the filth and offal of the city were thrown, and where a constant fire was kept up to consume the wretched remains of executed criminals. It was a human shambles, a public chopping-block, where the arms and legs of men and women were quartered off by thousands." Query, On what authority do such descriptions rest?
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 23:10
10. Topheth] See note on 2 Kings 21:6, and on ‘passing through the fire to Molech’ see note on 2 Kings 16:3.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 23:10
10. Defiled Topheth — Probably by burning the bones of the priests who had offered human sacrifices there. Compare 2 Chronicles 34:5.
Sermons on 2 Kings 23:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
He Wants It All by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of fully trusting God with every aspect of our lives, including our health, family, and future. He reflects on Isaiah's message that if we |
|
But as Flea-Bitings by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns of the dreadful reality of hell, describing it as a torment far greater than any earthly suffering. He emphasizes that the fire of Tophet, prepared by God, is e |
|
The Fearful Destiny! by James Smith | James Smith preaches a solemn sermon on the threatenings of God, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's wrath. He warns about the dangers of hypocrisy, highl |
|
Contract on Children - Part 2 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the dark reality of the worship of Moloch, highlighting the extreme sacrifices and atrocities committed in the name of power and supernatural influence. It |
|
Amend Your Ways by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving God and our souls a chance to breathe by prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly distractions. He highlights ho |
|
Wrong Revival Principles - Part 4 by Jonathan Edwards | The sermon transcript discusses the natural inclinations that humans have and how they can be regulated in a way that is not sinful or selfish. It emphasizes the importance of pare |
|
The God of the Bible vs. the God of Today 2 of 2 by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's mercy and the need to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. He highlights that God holds the power over lif |