Definition: And they have built the high places of Tophet, which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 7:31. It’s a really powerful and sad passage about God’s anger. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Tophet was a place of worship. Tophet was a sacred grove – a place dedicated to worshipping Yahweh, God. It was a very important spot for the people of Israel. They were making offerings and burning sons and daughters. The Israelites were building altars (places for worship) in a valley that was also located near the house of Hinnom, which is a very unpleasant and dangerous place. They were actively offering sacrifices – including children – to God. It’s like they were trying to make a special, ritualistic offering. God forbade it. The crucial part is that God explicitly told them not to do this. He said, “I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart.” This means he stopped being okay with it. What Jeremiah Said: Jeremiah was deeply upset and speaking directly to the leaders of Israel. He felt a terrible shame and remorse because he understood that they were disobeying God’s instructions. He says: "I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart." – meaning, he couldn't forgive or be comforted by their actions. What it Means – The Core Message: This verse is about sin and disobedience. It shows that when people refuse to follow God’s rules, even when they know they are wrong, it leads to serious consequences. It highlights a deep betrayal of trust. Jeremiah was essentially saying, "I'm deeply sorry for what you're doing – this behavior is unacceptable." Why is this important? This verse is a warning about the dangers of: Ignoring God’s guidance: It emphasizes that we need to listen to and obey God's commands. Dishonoring our Creator: It shows that disobedience brings God’s judgment. The consequences of breaking trust: It’s a reminder that when we fail to honor God, there will be repercussions. In short, it's a lament about a terrible act of rebellion and a plea from God to show his anger. --- Would you like me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or teachings in the Bible? Give you some context about the history of Tophet and its significance?