Definition: They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire [for] burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 19:5. It’s a really important and shocking part of the Old Testament that describes a terrible situation. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: The People Were Practicing Deities: The people in the region around Jerusalem were worshipping a god named Baal. They weren’t just asking for a god; they were building altars and temples to worship him, and they were burning their sons alive as sacrifices! Jeremiah is Furious: Jeremiah, a prophet, was deeply disturbed by this behavior. He saw it as a betrayal of God's laws and a sign that the people had lost their way. What Did Jeremiah Say? He wrote: “They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire [for] burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind.” Let's unpack that a little: “Built also the high places…” This means they were creating elaborate temples and altars to worship Baal. “…to burn their sons with fire…” This is the core of the problem. They were sacrificing their children – sons – to this god! It was a horrific practice. “[for] burnt offerings unto Baal…” This means they were offering sacrifices to Baal, which is a god that was considered evil and opposed to Yahweh (God). “Which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind?” This is the crucial part. Jeremiah is saying he didn't tell them to do this, and he wasn’t even thinking about it! It was a shocking revelation that God had never instructed them to act in this way. What Does This Mean? It means that the people were acting independently of God's will, creating a dangerous and destructive practice. It shows a significant shift away from righteous worship and towards idolatry (worshipping false gods). Jeremiah’s message is a warning: God’s laws are absolute and must be obeyed. Why is this important? This verse is seen as one of the earliest examples of God's judgment against humanity. It highlights that humans can stray from their true faith and choose to worship something evil, which leads to destruction and suffering. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Talk about the context of this verse within the Old Testament story? Connect it to a specific theme or idea (like sin or repentance)?