Toh´fith
A location in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom south of Jerusalem. The name was derived by taking the consonants of an Aramaic word meaning “hearth” or “fireplace” and pronouncing them with the vowels of the Hebrew word for “shame.” This was due to the practice of sacrificing children at this site as burnt offerings to Baal and Molech (Isa 30:33; Jer 7:31; Jer 7:32; Jer 19:6; Jer 11-14:6; Jer 32:35). Kings Ahaz and Manasseh of Judah are reported to have offered their sons in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom (2Chr 28:3; 2Chr 33:6; 2Kgs 16:3; 2Kgs 21:6). King Josiah attempted to put a stop to the practice by defiling the altar at Topheth (2Kgs 23:10), but the practice was revived after his death.
