Manasseh Reigns in Judah 1Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. 2And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. 3For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and he raised up altars for Baal. He made an Asherah pole, as King Ahab of Israel had done, and he worshiped and served all the host of heaven. 4Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I will put My Name.” 5In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. 6He sacrificed his own son in the fire,a practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. 7Manasseh even took the carved Asherah pole he had made and set it up in the temple, of which the LORD had said to David and his son Solomon, “In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will establish My Name forever. 8I will never again cause the feet of the Israelites to wander from the land that I gave to their fathers, if only they are careful to do all I have commanded them—the whole Law that My servant Moses commanded them.” 9But the people did not listen and Manasseh led them astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites. Manasseh’s Idolatries Rebuked 10And the LORD spoke through His servants the prophets, saying, 11“Since Manasseh king of Judah has committed all these abominations, acting more wickedly than the Amorites who preceded him, and with his idols has caused Judah to sin, 12this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah that the news will reverberate in the ears of all who hear it. 13I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab, and I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes out a bowl—wiping it and turning it upside down. 14So I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hands of their enemies. And they will become plunder and spoil to all their enemies, 15because they have done evil in My sight and have provoked Me to anger from the day their fathers came out of Egypt until this day.’” 16Moreover, Manasseh shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end, in addition to the sin that he had caused Judah to commit, doing evil in the sight of the LORD. 17As for the rest of the acts of Manasseh, along with all his accomplishments and the sin that he committed, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 18And Manasseh rested with his fathers and was buried in his palace garden, the garden of Uzza. And his son Amon reigned in his place. Amon Reigns in Judah 19Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem two years. His mother’s name was Meshullemeth daughter of Haruz; she was from Jotbah. 20And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done. 21He walked in all the ways of his father, and he served and worshiped the idols his father had served. 22He abandoned the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD. 23Then the servants of Amon conspired against him and killed the king in his palace. 24But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah king in his place. 25As for the rest of the acts of Amon, along with his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 26And he was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza, and his son Josiah reigned in his place. Footnotes: 6 a Literally made his son pass through the fire Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Kings 21 Summary Manasseh's Idolatries RebukedVerses 1–3 – A Troubling Start Verses 4–9 – Defiling the Temple and the Nation Verses 10–15 – The Prophetic Verdict Verses 16–18 – Record of Bloodshed and Burial Verses 19–22 – Amon Imitates His Father Verses 23–26 – Assassination and Succession The 21st chapter of 2 Kings in the Berean Standard Bible chronicles the reigns of Manasseh and Amon, two kings of Judah who walked a path contrary to God's commandments. It's a tumultuous time of idolatry and divine prophetic warnings, leading to a account of great sin and missed opportunities for redemption. Historical Setting • Time frame: c. 697–643 BC for Manasseh; c. 643–641 BC for Amon. • International backdrop: Assyria dominates the Near East. Esarhaddon and Ashurbanipal rule during Manasseh’s tenure, and Babylon has not yet risen. Judah is a vassal state, pressurized to adopt Assyrian gods and customs. • Domestic shift: Hezekiah’s spiritual revival (2 Kings 18–20) is reversed in a single generation, illustrating how fragile national faithfulness can be. Manasseh—Judah’s Longest, Darkest Reign 1. Spiritual apostasy – Rebuilt high places (Deuteronomy 12:2–3 forbids them). – Introduced astral worship (Jeremiah 8:2 later denounces the same practice). – Sacrificed his son (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2–5 denounce Molech worship). 2. Political pragmatism – Aligning with Assyria likely motivated the public adoption of their deities; Assyrian records list Manasseh among loyal vassals. 3. Personal cruelty – “Innocent blood” may refer to persecution of faithful prophets. Jewish tradition holds that Isaiah was sawn in two (cf. Hebrews 11:37). 4. Chronicled repentance – 2 Chronicles 33:12-19 records Manasseh’s captivity in Babylon and subsequent repentance—an event Kings omits yet underscores God’s mercy even for the worst offender. Religious Practices Reintroduced • High places: hilltop shrines mixing Yahweh worship with pagan rites. • Baal and Asherah: Canaanite fertility pair; wooden poles or carved images symbolized the goddess. Female fertility figurines unearthed in Jerusalem’s City of David layer from the period likely echo this worship. • Host of heaven: sun, moon, constellations—popular in Assyria and Babylon (see Deuteronomy 4:19). • Divination and sorcery: condemned in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, yet practiced openly here. Prophetic Word and Its Echoes “Measuring line…plumb line…wiping the dish” (vv. 13–14) – Measuring line: same tool of judgment used against Samaria (2 Kings 17:5-6). – Wiping a dish: vivid image of total, deliberate removal. – Fulfilled in stages: Babylon’s siege (2 Kings 24–25) and exile accomplish the warning. Jeremiah 15:4 later cites Manasseh by name as a primary cause of Judah’s downfall, showing the lingering stain of this reign. Amon—A Brief Echo of Evil • Name meaning: “Faithful” or linked to Amun, the Egyptian deity—perhaps reflecting pagan sympathies. • Assassination parallels: Like his ancestor Joash (2 Kings 12:20), internal palace intrigue ends his rule. • Burial and legacy: Interred in the same compromised garden as his father, closing the book on a father-son dynasty of idolatry. Archaeological Insights • Seal impressions: Several eighth- to seventh-century jar handles bear the inscription “L’MLK” (“belonging to the king”) with wings and sun disc imagery, matching the astral motifs Manasseh embraced. • “Royal Garden” site: Excavations south of the City of David reveal terrace gardens that may align with the “Garden of Uzza.” • Bolt-shaped figurines labeled “Asherah” found in strata from this era affirm that household idolatry surged under Manasseh. Connections to Other Scriptures • Hezekiah’s reforms undone: Compare 2 Kings 18:4 with 21:3. • Covenant progression: Blessing (2 Samuel 7:13–16) countered by curse (Leviticus 26:27–39). • Future hope: Josiah’s reforms (2 Kings 23) and ultimately the New Covenant promise of heart-level change (Jeremiah 31:31-34). • New Testament caution: Acts 7:41-43 cites the worship of heavenly bodies as a reason for exile, linking Stephen’s defense to Manasseh’s sins. Key Themes and Life Application 1. One generation can overturn decades of faithfulness—vigilant, ongoing discipleship is vital. 2. Idolatry is not merely symbolic; it reshapes a people’s ethics, evidenced by child sacrifice and widespread violence. 3. Prophetic warnings are acts of mercy; ignoring them invites certain judgment. 4. God’s patience has a purpose but also a limit. When sin becomes systemic, justice follows. 5. Even the darkest biography contains a sliver of redemptive possibility (2 Chronicles 33). Repentance is always on the table until life ends. Connections to Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 12:29-31God's warning against adopting the practices of the nations around Israel. 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 Manasseh's eventual repentance and God's mercy. Romans 1:21-23 The consequences of exchanging the truth of God for a lie and worshiping created things. Teaching Points Manasseh's Reign and IdolatryManasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah (2 Kings 21:1). Despite his long reign, Manasseh's leadership was marked by evil practices, including the reintroduction of idolatry and pagan worship in Judah (2 Kings 21:2-7). Desecration of the Temple Manasseh defiled the temple of the Lord by setting up altars for Baal and Asherah, even within the temple courts, which was a direct violation of God's commandments (2 Kings 21:4-5). Influence on the Nation Manasseh led them astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9). His actions had a profound negative influence on the people of Judah, leading them further away from God. Prophetic Warning and Consequences God sent prophets to warn Manasseh and the people of Judah about the impending judgment due to their sins, but they did not listen (2 Kings 21:10-15). Amon's Short Reign Manasseh's son, Amon, followed in his father's footsteps, continuing the evil practices, which ultimately led to his assassination (2 Kings 21:19-23). Practical Applications Guard Against IdolatryReflect on the idols in your life that may be taking precedence over your relationship with God. Are there areas where you need to realign your priorities? Influence Matters Consider the impact of your actions and leadership on those around you. Are you leading others toward God or away from Him? Heed God's Warnings Be attentive to the ways God may be speaking to you through His Word, prayer, and the counsel of others. Are there warnings you need to heed? Repentance and Restoration Remember that no matter how far one strays, God offers forgiveness and restoration to those who genuinely repent. People 1. ManassehManasseh was the son of Hezekiah and became king of Judah. He is noted for his long reign of 55 years and for doing evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. His name in Hebrew, מְנַשֶּׁה (Menasheh), means "causing to forget." 2. Hezekiah Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh and a former king of Judah. He is mentioned in the context of being Manasseh's predecessor. His name in Hebrew, חִזְקִיָּהוּ (Chizqiyahu), means "Yahweh strengthens." 3. Amon Amon was the son of Manasseh and succeeded him as king of Judah. He reigned for two years and continued in the evil practices of his father. His name in Hebrew, אָמוֹן (Amon), is possibly derived from the Egyptian god Amun, indicating a cultural influence. 4. Josiah Josiah was the son of Amon and became king after Amon's assassination. He is mentioned briefly in this chapter as Amon's successor. His name in Hebrew, יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ (Yoshiyahu), means "Yahweh supports." 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The LORD, referred to in Hebrew as יְהוָה (Yahweh), is the God of Israel. He is mentioned in the context of being angered by Manasseh's idolatry and the subsequent judgment pronounced upon Judah. 6. The Prophets Although not named individually, the prophets are mentioned as those through whom the LORD spoke to declare judgment against Manasseh and Judah for their sins. Places 1. JerusalemJerusalem is the capital city of Judah and the central location for the events described in 2 Kings 21. It is where King Manasseh reigned and where he committed many of his abominations, including the construction of altars for false gods within the temple of the LORD. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which means "foundation of peace." 2. The Temple of the LORD The Temple in Jerusalem is the sacred place where the LORD's presence dwelt among His people. In 2 Kings 21, it is defiled by Manasseh, who built altars for Baal and Asherah within its courts. The Hebrew term for temple is "הֵיכָל" (heikal), meaning "palace" or "temple." 3. The Valley of Ben Hinnom Although not explicitly named in 2 Kings 21, the Valley of Ben Hinnom is traditionally associated with the practices of child sacrifice mentioned in the chapter. This valley, located outside Jerusalem, became synonymous with idolatrous practices. The Hebrew name is "גֵּיא בֶן־הִנֹּם" (Gei Ben-Hinnom). Events 1. Manasseh's Reign BeginsManasseh becomes king at the age of twelve and reigns in Jerusalem for fifty-five years. His mother's name is Hephzibah. (2 Kings 21:1) 2. Manasseh's Idolatry Manasseh does evil in the sight of the LORD, following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. He rebuilds the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed, erects altars for Baal, makes an Asherah pole, and worships all the host of heaven. (2 Kings 21:2-3) 3. Altars in the Temple Manasseh builds altars in the house of the LORD, where the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My Name." He constructs altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. (2 Kings 21:4-5) 4. Child Sacrifice and Witchcraft Manasseh sacrifices his own son in the fire, practices witchcraft and divination, and consults mediums and spiritists, provoking the LORD to anger. (2 Kings 21:6) 5. The Idol in the Temple Manasseh places the carved Asherah pole he made in the house of the LORD, despite God's promise to David and Solomon that He would put His Name there forever. (2 Kings 21:7) 6. God's Warning through Prophets The LORD speaks through His servants the prophets, declaring that because of Manasseh's abominations, He will bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that it will cause the ears of everyone who hears of it to tingle. (2 Kings 21:10-12) 7. Judgment Pronounced God announces that He will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, turning it upside down, and will forsake the remnant of His inheritance, delivering them into the hands of their enemies. (2 Kings 21:13-14) 8. Manasseh's Innocent Bloodshed Manasseh sheds very much innocent blood, filling Jerusalem from one end to another, in addition to leading Judah into sin. (2 Kings 21:16) 9. Manasseh's Death Manasseh dies and is buried in the garden of his own house, the garden of Uzza. His son Amon succeeds him as king. (2 Kings 21:18) 10. Amon's Reign and Idolatry Amon becomes king at twenty-two and reigns for two years. He does evil in the sight of the LORD, walking in the ways of his father Manasseh, serving and worshiping idols. (2 Kings 21:19-21) 11. Amon's Assassination Amon's servants conspire against him and kill him in his own house. However, the people of the land kill all who conspired against King Amon and make his son Josiah king in his place. (2 Kings 21:23-24) 12. Amon's Burial Amon is buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza, and his son Josiah becomes king. (2 Kings 21:26) Topics 1. Reign of ManassehManasseh becomes king at the age of twelve and reigns in Jerusalem for fifty-five years. His reign is marked by evil practices, as he "did evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 21:2). The Hebrew word for "evil" here is "רַע" (ra), indicating actions that are morally wrong and displeasing to God. 2. Idolatry and Pagan Practices Manasseh rebuilds the high places, erects altars for Baal, and makes an Asherah pole, following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out (2 Kings 21:3-5). The term "abominations" comes from the Hebrew "תּוֹעֵבָה" (to'evah), referring to detestable acts, particularly idolatry. 3. Desecration of the Temple He sets up altars to pagan gods in the house of the LORD, where God had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My Name" (2 Kings 21:4). This act of desecration is a direct violation of the sanctity of the temple. 4. Child Sacrifice and Occult Practices Manasseh sacrifices his own son in the fire, practices divination, and consults mediums and spiritists (2 Kings 21:6). These practices are condemned in the Hebrew Scriptures as "תּוֹעֵבָה" (to'evah), or abominations. 5. Provoking God to Anger By leading Judah into sin, Manasseh provokes the LORD to anger, as he "led them astray to do more evil than the nations" (2 Kings 21:9). The Hebrew root "כָּעַס" (ka'as) is used here, meaning to provoke or irritate. 6. Prophetic Warning of Judgment The LORD speaks through His prophets, declaring that He will bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that "the ears of all who hear of it will tingle" (2 Kings 21:12). The Hebrew word "צָלַל" (tsalal) is used for "tingle," indicating a reaction of shock or fear. 7. Manasseh's Influence on Judah's Sin Manasseh's actions lead Judah into greater sin, as they "did more evil than the nations" (2 Kings 21:11). This highlights the king's significant negative influence on the spiritual state of the nation. 8. Death and Burial of Manasseh Manasseh dies and is buried in the garden of his own house, the garden of Uzza (2 Kings 21:18). His burial outside the traditional royal tombs signifies a lack of honor due to his sinful reign. 9. Amon's Reign and Assassination Amon, Manasseh's son, becomes king and continues in his father's evil ways, serving idols and forsaking the LORD (2 Kings 21:19-22). His reign is short-lived as he is assassinated by his own officials (2 Kings 21:23). 10. People's Response to Amon's Assassination After Amon's assassination, the people of the land kill the conspirators and make Josiah, Amon's son, king in his place (2 Kings 21:24). This reflects a desire for stability and possibly a return to more righteous leadership. Themes 1. Idolatry and Apostasy2 Kings 21:3-5 describes how Manasseh rebuilt the high places and altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped the host of heaven. This theme highlights the departure from worshiping Yahweh to embracing pagan practices, which is a direct violation of the first commandment. The Hebrew root for "idols" (אֱלִילִים, 'elilim) emphasizes the emptiness and worthlessness of these false gods. 2. Desecration of the Temple In 2 Kings 21:4-7, Manasseh defiles the temple by placing altars for the host of heaven and an Asherah pole within the house of the LORD. This act of desecration signifies a profound disrespect for the sacred space dedicated to Yahweh, violating the sanctity of the temple. 3. Divine Judgment and Prophecy Verses 10-15 convey the LORD's pronouncement of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem due to Manasseh's sins. The prophets, as messengers of God, warn of impending disaster, reflecting the theme of divine retribution for covenant unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word for "prophets" (נְבִיאִים, nevi'im) underscores their role as God's spokespersons. 4. Influence of Leadership Manasseh's reign, as described in 2 Kings 21:9, leads the people astray, showing the significant impact a leader can have on a nation's spiritual direction. The Hebrew root for "led astray" (תָּעָה, ta'ah) indicates a wandering or deviation from the correct path. 5. Intergenerational Consequences The narrative in 2 Kings 21:11-12 highlights how Manasseh's sins have repercussions for future generations, as the LORD declares disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah. This theme emphasizes the biblical principle that the sins of one generation can affect subsequent ones, as seen in the Hebrew concept of "visiting the iniquity" (פָּקַד, paqad). 6. Repentance and Forgiveness (Implied) While not explicitly detailed in 2 Kings 21, the broader biblical narrative suggests the possibility of repentance and forgiveness. The absence of repentance in Manasseh's account contrasts with other biblical accounts where turning back to God leads to restoration, highlighting the importance of seeking God's mercy. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can 2 Kings 21:1 claim Manasseh ruled for 55 years without clear historical or archaeological corroboration? 2. Why does 2 Kings 21 omit any mention of Manasseh’s repentance, which appears in 2 Chronicles 33? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Manasseh's reign differ from his father Hezekiah's? What could have influenced these differences? 2. What can we learn about leadership from Manasseh and Amon’s examples? 3. Why did God allow Manasseh to reign for 55 years despite his wickedness? 4. In what ways can the actions of a leader affect the spiritual condition of a whole nation? 5. What was the significance of Manasseh placing an idol in the Temple? 6. How does God respond to the idolatry and bloodshed committed by Manasseh and the people of Judah? 7. What do Manasseh’s and Amon's actions tell us about the consequences of ignoring God's commandments? 8. How does the prophecy against Judah relate to other prophetic warnings in the Bible? 9. How could the story of Manasseh and Amon influence your personal spiritual journey? 10. If you were a citizen during Manasseh's or Amon’s reign, what would you have done differently? 11. How can we apply the lessons from Manasseh's and Amon's reigns to modern societal leadership? 12. What can we learn from 2 Kings 21 about the long-term effects of sin on a society? 13. How does this chapter deepen our understanding of God's justice? 14. How should the events in 2 Kings 21 influence our approach to leadership in our own lives? 15. How can we resist the influence of ungodly leaders today? 16. Can you draw any parallels between the actions of Manasseh and Amon and any current events? 17. How does the transition from Manasseh to Amon to Josiah reflect on the cyclic nature of sin and redemption? 18. How can you apply the lessons from 2 Kings 21 to promote positive change in your community? 19. In light of this chapter, how should we respond when leaders act against God's commandments? 20. How do you reconcile God's justice with His mercy in light of the events in this chapter? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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