Bible Question:

In Jeremiah 7:31 it says that God never commanded nor did it enter into God's mind to sacrifice children as burnt offerings. Why then did God tell Abraham to do this?

Bible Answer:

A previous question and answer has provided an overview with the meaning of Jeremiah 7 and informs us that this chapter is an open rebuke to the Israelites because they pretended to love God, but they did not. Jeremiah 7:31 is one more rebuke.

And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, and it did not come into My mind. (NASB) Jeremiah 7:31

Children Sacrifices

Jeremiah 7:31 reveals a horrible truth. They were sacrificing their children on altars of fire to foreign gods. Later in Jeremiah, God rebukes them again.

. . . and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, a thing which I never commanded or spoke of, nor did it ever enter My mind . . .  (NASB) Jer. 19:5

And they built the high places of Baal that are in the valley of Ben-hinnom to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech, which I had not commanded them nor had it entered My mind that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. (NASB) Jer. 32:35

During the reign of King Manasseh we read this,

And he made his sons pass through the fire in the valley of Ben-hinnom; and he practiced witchcraft, used divination, practiced sorcery, and dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. (NASB) 2 Chronicles 33:6

Today, few would believe that God would want anyone to do this, but apparently these folks were influenced by the surrounding nations. This reminds us that we are easily influenced by our culture and surrounding nations. It is important to know what God says and to not be influenced by the world.

A Problem?

Did God lie when He said that He “never commanded or spoke of, nor did it ever enter My mind . . . ” that they should sacrifice their sons and daughters? What they were doing was the opposite of His commands in Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. (NASB) Deut. 12:31

You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. (NASB) Deut. 12:31

But what about Abraham and Isaac?

Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” (NASB) Genesis 22:1-2

The key word in this passage is “tested.” It was only a test. God never intended for Abraham actually to do it. This was a learning experience for Abraham.

Conclusion:

God often tests us. Every test is designed to bring us closer to Him. He tested Abraham too. God wants an intimate relationship with us. He wants us to seek Him and to love Him. Abraham did not disappoint God. Once Abraham demonstrated his willingness to obey, God stopped him. God did not want him to sacrifice his son Isaac, but a ram instead. Abraham was willing to give up everything to please God.