The verse describes "burning with lust" and "slaying children," but the shocking thing is how these two horrific acts are directly linked: their fervent, almost erotic passion for idols fuels their willingness to commit the most brutal acts imaginable. It reveals that idolatry isn't just a misguided belief; it's a consuming desire that can drive people to unspeakable cruelty.
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)
This passage comes amidst Isaiah's strong denunciation of Judah's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. The prophet has just contrasted the peaceful death of the righteous with the fate of the wicked and is now directly confronting the people for their defiant participation in pagan rites. He will follow this by detailing the consequences of their actions, emphasizing God's ultimate judgment and his own compassionate plan for restoration.
The verse describes people 'burning with lust' and 'enflaming yourselves' for their idols. What does this fiery passion for false gods reveal about the human heart?
The language of 'burning with lust' and 'enflaming yourselves' vividly portrays the intense, passionate devotion people had for their idols. This wasn't a casual interest; it was an all-consuming passion that mirrored sexual desire.
An All-Consuming Passion
The most shocking image in this verse is the sacrifice of children. What does this gruesome act reveal about the nature of the worship described?
The act of 'slaying your children in the valleys' is a horrifying testament to the depths of depravity that idolatry can lead to. This wasn't just a ritual; it was a brutal, pagan practice.
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The Horrors of Child Sacrifice
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
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.
The verse vividly portrays the extreme depths of idolatrous worship practiced by some in ancient Judah, particularly the horrific custom of child sacrifice. This context highlights how deeply Israel had strayed from God's covenant, embracing pagan abominations that led to divine judgment.
c. 740 BC
Reign of Ahaz
During this period, King Ahaz of Judah engaged in widespread idolatry, including child sacrifice in the valley of Hinnom, a practice strongly condemned by Isaiah.
c. 695-642 BC— this verse
Reign of Manasseh
King Manasseh continued and intensified the idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice, deeply corrupting Judah and drawing God's severe judgment.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The consequences of Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people to Babylon.
This passage directly references the practice of sacrificing children in the Valley of Hinnom, mirroring the imagery of the 'valleys' and 'clefts of the rocks' used in Isaiah 57:5 for idolatrous rituals.
Ezekiel 20:31Ezekiel rebukes Israel for offering themselves to idols and for their 'defilements,' which includes child sacrifice, echoing the theme of intense, corrupted devotion described in Isaiah.
Hosea 4:13This verse highlights worship under 'trees' and on 'hills,' connecting to Isaiah's description of idolatry occurring 'under every green tree' and in natural settings, emphasizing the physical locations of these pagan practices.
Romans 1:23Paul describes people exchanging the glory of God for images and worshipping created things, paralleling the idolatrous fervor and corrupted worship detailed in Isaiah 57:5.
Deuteronomy 12:2This passage commands the Israelites to destroy places where other nations served their gods 'under every green tree' and on hills, directly informing the context of the groves and elevated places used for illicit worship in Isaiah.
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 describes "burning with lust" and "slaying children," but the shocking thing is how these two horrific acts are directly linked: their fervent, almost erotic passion for idols fuels their willingness to commit the most brutal acts imaginable. It reveals that idolatry isn't just a misguided belief; it's a consuming desire that can drive people to unspeakable cruelty.
This passage comes amidst Isaiah's strong denunciation of Judah's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. The prophet has just contrasted the peaceful death of the righteous with the fate of the wicked and is now directly confronting the people for their defiant participation in pagan rites. He will follow this by detailing the consequences of their actions, emphasizing God's ultimate judgment and his own compassionate plan for restoration.
This passage comes amidst Isaiah's strong denunciation of Judah's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. The prophet has just contrasted the peaceful death of the righteous with the fate of the wicked and is now directly confronting the people for their defiant participation in pagan rites. He will follow this by detailing the consequences of their actions, emphasizing God's ultimate judgment and his own compassionate plan for restoration.
"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 describes "burning with lust" and "slaying children," but the shocking thing is how these two horrific acts are directly linked: their fervent, almost erotic passion for idols fuels their w…
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Last reviewed October 2026
