United Commentaries

Jer.19.1-15

Jeremiah acted out another parable (see 13:1-14) that demonstrated to the leaders of Judah that the Lord would utterly destroy their idolatrous and murderous nation.

Jer.19.4-5

The people burn incense: According to the Sinai covenant, offering incense while worshiping the Lord was to be an act of the priests (Exod 30:8). Offering incense to idols was a terrible affront to the Lord.

the blood of innocent children: Child sacrifice was practiced in Baal worship, and sometimes by the kings of Judah (2 Kgs 17:17; Ps 106:37-38).

Jer.19.6

Valley of Slaughter: Cp. 7:32.

Jer.19.9

The siege of Jerusalem lasted for two and a half years, resulting in severe famine and despair (see 2 Kgs 25:1-4).

their own sons and daughters: Cp. Deut 28:53-57.

Jer.19.10-13

Judah, the nation that these leaders represented, would be utterly shattered and broken beyond all hope of repair. Never again would Judah be a sovereign nation with a Davidic king (see 33:17-18), and the city of Jerusalem would be defiled like Topheth, the unclean valley (see study note on 7:30-34).

Jer.19.14-15

Jeremiah concluded his message at the Temple of the Lord, where the common people could hear him.