Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

2 CHRONICLES 28:3KJV
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2 Chronicles 28:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 28:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 28:3 describes how King Ahaz of Judah practiced pagan rituals, including burning incense in a specific valley and even sacrificing his own children by fire, copying the practices of the nations that God had previously driven out before Israel. The verse highlights the seriousness of Ahaz’s actions by calling them “abominations” and linking them to the customs of the surrounding peoples.

This verse is part of a historical account where the writer explains why King Ahaz’s reign was marked by trouble and judgment. The “valley of the son of Hinnom” was a real place near Jerusalem known for such rituals. The verse is written by the chronicler, describing Ahaz’s actions to the people of Judah, showing how far he had turned from the worship of the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh) and followed the destructive ways of other nations.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 28:3

  • “Valley” (גַּיְא, gai) and “Hinnom” (הִנֹּם, Hinnom): This refers to a specific location outside Jerusalem, later associated with judgment and the word “Gehenna.” Mentioning this place adds weight, as it was infamous for such practices.
  • “Burnt” (קָטַר, qatar) and “incense” (קָטַר, qatar): The same Hebrew root is used for burning incense and burning offerings, showing that Ahaz’s worship mixed legitimate and forbidden practices.
  • “Abominations” (תּוֹעֵבָה, to’evah): This word is strong, often used for practices that are especially offensive to God, not just ordinary wrongdoing.
  • “Heathen” (גּוֹי, goy): This word means “nations” or “peoples,” emphasizing that Ahaz was copying the customs of those God had told Israel to avoid.

Why 2 Chronicles 28:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Ahaz’s actions were not just personal failings but deliberate choices to adopt the worst practices of other nations, which the law of Moses strictly forbade.
  • The mention of child sacrifice and the valley of Hinnom connects Ahaz’s reign to some of the darkest moments in Judah’s history, helping explain why his rule was seen as a low point.
  • Understanding the specific words and places involved helps readers see the depth of the problem: Ahaz was not just neglecting worship of the LORD but actively embracing practices that symbolized total rejection of Israel’s faith.

Where else these words appear

“Hinnom” Hebrew H2011 · used in 11 verses

  • Joshua 15:8 And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
  • Jeremiah 7:32 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter: for they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place.

“valley” Hebrew H1516 · used in 54 verses

  • Numbers 21:20 And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:39 And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.
  • Jeremiah 2:23 How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;

“burnt” Hebrew H1197 · used in 90 verses

  • Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
  • 2 Samuel 22:9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

“incense” Hebrew H6999 · used in 112 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 9:20 And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:
  • 2 Chronicles 28:4 He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.