He defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, so that no one would make a son or a daughter pass through fire as an offering to Molech — Josiah defiles Topheth (הַתֹּפֶת, *ha-tofet*), the site of child sacrifice to Molech in the Hinnom Valley. The defilement (וַיִּטְמֵא אֶת־הַתֹּפֶת, *way-yitmei et-ha-tofet*) involves rendering the site ritually impure, preventing future sacrifices. This action specifically prohibits child sacrifice, a practice that Manasseh had institutionalized. The destruction of Topheth represents the most significant removal of institutionalized evil practices.

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