Metaphysical meaning of Topheth (mbd)
Topheth (in A. V., Isaiah 30:33; Jeremiah 7:31, 32; 19:6, 11-14, Tophet), to'-pheth (Heb.)--spittle; spat upon; vile; contemned; abhorred; abomination.
A place in the Valley of Hinnom, near Jerusalem, where the Canaanitish inhabitants and later the Jewish people worshiped Baal and made their children pass through the fire to Molech. Later this place became a dumping ground for the refuse of the city of Jerusalem and fires were kept going continually to burn up the filth. Thus Topheth, or Hinnom, became a type of what. has been known in the Christian world as "hell fire" (II Kings 23:10).
Meta. A phase of consciousness in the spiritually unfolding individual where a continual purification is going on--where lesser thoughts and tendencies belonging to the man of sense are given up to God, that a transmutation may take place. Topheth refers more specifically to the very little esteem (spat upon, vile, contemned) in which the errors that are being cleansed away are held by the spiritually enlightened individual. (See HINNOM.)
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Preceding Entry: Tophel
Following Entry: Tormah
