2 Chronicles 33:3

For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down, and he raised up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles. And he worshiped and served all the host of heaven.

Study Bible

For he rebuilt the high places
The phrase "rebuilt the high places" refers to the restoration of sites used for idol worship, which King Hezekiah, Manasseh's father, had previously destroyed in his efforts to purify Judah's worship practices. The Hebrew term for "high places" is "bāmôt," which were often elevated sites or hilltops where people engaged in pagan rituals. This act of rebuilding signifies a direct reversal of Hezekiah's reforms and a return to idolatry, highlighting Manasseh's departure from the worship of Yahweh. Historically, these high places were centers of syncretistic worship, blending Canaanite religious practices with those of Israel, which God had expressly forbidden.

that his father Hezekiah had torn down
Hezekiah is remembered as a king who sought to restore true worship in Judah, aligning with the covenantal laws given to Israel. The act of tearing down these high places was a significant reform, as it demonstrated a commitment to exclusive worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew verb "nātats" (torn down) implies a forceful and deliberate destruction, indicating Hezekiah's zeal for purging idolatry. Manasseh's actions, therefore, not only undid his father's work but also symbolized a spiritual regression for the nation.

he raised up altars for the Baals
"Baal" was a title used for various local deities in the ancient Near East, often associated with fertility and storms. The plural "Baals" suggests the worship of multiple manifestations or local versions of this deity. The Hebrew root "bā'al" means "lord" or "owner," reflecting the perceived power and dominion these gods held over specific regions or aspects of life. By raising altars, Manasseh was actively promoting the worship of these false gods, which was a direct violation of the first commandment and a significant cause of spiritual and moral decline in Judah.

and made Asherah poles
Asherah was a goddess worshiped in various forms throughout the ancient Near East, often associated with fertility and motherhood. The "Asherah poles" were wooden symbols or trees set up near altars, representing the goddess. The Hebrew word "Asherah" can refer both to the goddess and to the cultic object. These poles were a common feature in Canaanite religion and were explicitly condemned in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 16:21). Manasseh's establishment of these poles indicates a full embrace of Canaanite religious practices, further leading the people away from the worship of Yahweh.

and he worshiped and served all the host of heaven
The phrase "host of heaven" refers to celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars, which were often deified in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Hebrew term "ṣābā'" (host) conveys the idea of an organized array, often used to describe armies or heavenly bodies. Worshiping these entities was a form of astral religion, which was strictly prohibited in Israelite law (Deuteronomy 4:19). Manasseh's actions here represent a comprehensive adoption of foreign religious practices, indicating a profound spiritual apostasy. This worship of the celestial bodies was not only idolatrous but also a rejection of the Creator in favor of the creation, a theme consistently rebuked throughout Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manasseh
The king of Judah who reigned after his father Hezekiah. Known for his idolatrous practices and leading Judah into sin.

2. Hezekiah
Manasseh's father, a king of Judah who was known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry.

3. High Places
Elevated sites often used for idol worship, which Hezekiah had destroyed but Manasseh rebuilt.

4. Baals
Canaanite deities associated with fertility and storms, worshiped through various rituals and sacrifices.

5. Asherah Poles
Wooden symbols representing the goddess Asherah, often placed near altars to Baal.

6. Host of Heaven
Refers to celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars, which were worshiped as deities.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry leads individuals and nations away from God, resulting in spiritual and moral decay.

Reflect on modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or the elevation of personal desires above God's will.

The Influence of Leadership
Leaders have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Manasseh's actions led Judah into sin, highlighting the responsibility of leaders to guide others toward righteousness.

Consider the influence you have in your community and how you can lead others toward God.

The Importance of Spiritual Heritage
Hezekiah's efforts to rid Judah of idolatry were undone by his son, Manasseh. This underscores the importance of maintaining and passing on a godly legacy.

Evaluate how you are preserving and passing on your faith to the next generation.

Repentance and Restoration
Although not detailed in this verse, Manasseh eventually repented, showing that God's grace is available even to those who have strayed far from Him.

Embrace the hope of restoration through genuine repentance and turning back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Manasseh's rebuilding of the high places contrast with his father Hezekiah's actions, and what does this teach us about the influence of family and upbringing?

2. In what ways can modern Christians identify and dismantle "high places" in their own lives that may lead them away from God?

3. How does the worship of the "host of heaven" in Manasseh's time relate to contemporary issues of astrology and other forms of celestial worship?

4. What lessons can we learn from Manasseh's eventual repentance, and how can this encourage us in our own spiritual journeys?

5. How can we ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for future generations, as opposed to the negative legacy initially left by Manasseh?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 21:1-9
Provides a parallel account of Manasseh's reign, detailing his idolatrous practices and the consequences for Judah.

Exodus 20:3-5
The Ten Commandments, which explicitly forbid the worship of other gods and the making of idols.

Deuteronomy 4:19
Warns against worshiping the host of heaven, emphasizing God's creation of these celestial bodies for human benefit, not worship.

2 Chronicles 34:3-7
Describes the reforms of Josiah, Manasseh's grandson, who sought to undo the idolatry introduced by Manasseh.