Isaiah 57:5-6
you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they, are your lot; to them you have poured out a drink offering, you have brought a grain offering. Shall I relent for these things?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just describe pagan rituals; it highlights the intimacy of their idolatry, picturing their devotion to idols as a passionate, even lustful, embrace. This isn't a distant, detached worship, but a fervent, all-consuming desire that drives them to the most horrific acts, like child sacrifice.
The prophet Isaiah begins by contrasting the fate of the righteous with the corrupt practices of the people. He then turns directly to address the nation, calling them children of sorcery and adultery, and denouncing their deeply entrenched idolatry. This includes not only worship under trees and on mountains but also the horrific practice of child sacrifice in secluded, rocky valleys.
The verse uses powerful imagery of intense passion and desire, but not for what we might expect. It speaks of a deep-seated craving that drives people to horrific acts.
The Hebrew word translated 'enflaming yourselves' (or 'burning') carries a strong sense of intense, passionate desire, often linked to sexual lust. In this context, Isaiah isn't just talking about a casual preference for idols; he's describing an all-consuming passion, a 'burning lust' for false gods.
This wasn't a mild, intellectual adherence. It was an emotional and visceral addiction. These practices often involved ecstatic rituals and sensual elements designed to provoke this 'burning' desire for the deities they served.
Think of it like this: instead of a cool, reasoned faith, this was a fervent, almost frenzied devotion that fueled their actions.
The specific locations mentioned in the verse—'under every green tree,' 'in the valleys,' 'under the clefts of the rocks'—aren't just scenery. They reveal the secretive and often disturbing nature of this idolatry.
These locations paint a picture of clandestine and deeply ingrained idolatry:
This wasn't public, open worship. It was often hidden, secretive, and deeply embedded in the landscape, suggesting a pervasive corruption that sought out hidden spaces for its dark practices.
Understand the original words
ets · Hebrew Noun
Often associated with Canaanite fertility cults, trees were frequent sites for idolatrous worship, occultic rituals, and sexual immorality in defiance of God's commandment to worship only at the central sanctuary.
shachat · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the ritualistic sacrifice of children to false deities (such as Molech). It is condemned in the Bible as a detestable abomination representing the ultimate expression of rebellion against God, the Creator and giver of life.
cheleq · Hebrew Noun
In an Old Testament context, a portion refers to an assigned share or inheritance, often implying a person’s God or the object of their ultimate devotion. It denotes what one relies upon for identity, security, and sustenance.
nesek · Hebrew Noun
The vivid imagery of child sacrifice and fervent idolatry in Isaiah 57:5 points to the extreme religious corruption that plagued Judah, particularly during the reign of Manasseh, a period preceding the Babylonian exile.
Late 8th century BC
Reign of King Hezekiah
Hezekiah initiated religious reforms, attempting to purge Judah of idolatry and centralize worship in Jerusalem. This period saw a push against the syncretistic practices Isaiah is likely condemning.
c. 697–642 BC— this verse
Reign of King Manasseh
Manasseh reversed Hezekiah's reforms, reintroducing and promoting widespread idolatry and even child sacrifice, particularly in the valley of Hinnom. This era is considered a high point of the religious corruption Isaiah denounces.
c. 622 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
During Josiah's reign, the Book of the Law was found in the Temple, leading to significant religious reforms. This discovery likely prompted a re-emphasis on earlier prophetic warnings against the very practices described in Isaiah 57:5.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deported thousands of Judeans, including King Jehoiachin, to Babylon. This event marked the beginning of the end for Judah as an independent kingdom and was a consequence of the nation's continued disobedience.
This passage directly connects to the imagery of sacrificing children in the valley of Hinnom, echoing the specific location and horrific practice mentioned in Isaiah.
Ezekiel 16:20-21Ezekiel also condemns the sacrifice of children to idols, describing it as a sexual perversion and an act of spiritual adultery, mirroring the 'lust' and unfaithfulness described in Isaiah.
Deuteronomy 12:2This verse prohibits worship at 'high places' and 'under every green tree,' directly paralleling the locations of idolatrous worship denounced by Isaiah.
Romans 1:23-25Paul describes humanity exchanging the truth of God for a lie, worshipping created things and engaging in shameful practices, which resonates with Isaiah's condemnation of lustful idolatry and its resulting abominations.
Hosea 4:13Hosea also speaks of sacrifice under 'trees' and connects it with sexual immorality and idolatry, providing a thematic parallel to Isaiah's depiction of 'enflaming yourselves with idols' under trees and the associated 'slaying of children'.
bensonIsaiah 57:5: "Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?"
Isaiah 57:5-6 . Inflaming yourselves with idols — Hebrew, הנחמים , being inflamed, or growing hot, after idols, as Dr. Waterland renders it. Lusting after them, and mad upon them, as the phrase is, Jeremiah 50:38 . Fervent, both in making and in worshipping them, as was observed Isaiah 44:12 . Under every green tree — Wherever you see an idol erected, which w…
barnesIsaiah 57:5: "Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?"
Inflaming yourselves - Burning, that is, with lust. The whole language here is derived from adulterous intercourse. The sense is, that they were greatly addicted to idolatry, and that they used every means to increase and extend the practice of it. The Vulgate, however, renders this, 'Who console yourselves.' The Septuagint renders it, 'Invoking (παρακαλοῦντ…
The verse doesn't just describe pagan rituals; it highlights the intimacy of their idolatry, picturing their devotion to idols as a passionate, even lustful, embrace. This isn't a distant, detached worship, but a fervent, all-consuming desire that drives them to the most horrific acts, like child sacrifice.
The prophet Isaiah begins by contrasting the fate of the righteous with the corrupt practices of the people. He then turns directly to address the nation, calling them children of sorcery and adultery, and denouncing their deeply entrenched idolatry. This includes not only worship under trees and on mountains but also the horrific practice of child sacrifice in secluded, rocky valleys.
The prophet Isaiah begins by contrasting the fate of the righteous with the corrupt practices of the people. He then turns directly to address the nation, calling them children of sorcery and adultery, and denouncing their deeply entrenched idolatry. This includes not only worship under trees and on mountains but also the horrific practice of child sacrifice in secluded, rocky valleys.
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The most shocking part of this verse is the mention of children being sacrificed. This wasn't a minor sin; it was an abomination that reveals the terrifying depths of human depravity when turned away from God.
The phrase 'slaying your children' points to the horrific practice of child sacrifice, most notably to the pagan deity Moloch. This was a deliberate offering of the most innocent and precious to appease or gain favor with false gods.
This act represents the ultimate betrayal of God's covenant and a profound distortion of natural affection. It shows a people so consumed by their idolatrous passions that they would offer their own offspring.
This wasn't just a ritualistic act; it was a deeply disturbing manifestation of their spiritual corruption, where the most sacred bonds were severed in service to the profane.
A drink offering was a liquid sacrifice, usually wine, poured out upon an altar or at a site of worship as an act of devotion, recognition of God's authority, or to accompany other sacrifices. It symbolized the pouring out of one's life or gratitude.
minchah · Hebrew Noun
A grain offering (minchah) was a tribute or gift sacrifice presented to God, consisting of flour, oil, and frankincense. It recognized God as the provider and sustainer of life, distinct from blood sacrifices which addressed sin.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and sending the remaining population into exile. This event served as the ultimate judgment for the persistent idolatry and sin.
"you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they, are yo…" — The verse doesn't just describe pagan rituals; it highlights the intimacy of their idolatry, picturing their devotion to idols as a passionate, even lustful, embrace. This isn't a distant, detached…
