2 Kings 21:2

And 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.

Study Bible

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD
This phrase refers to King Manasseh of Judah, who reigned for 55 years, the longest of any king in Judah or Israel. His actions are described as evil, indicating a direct violation of God's commandments. The "sight of the LORD" emphasizes that God's perspective is the ultimate measure of righteousness, not human standards. This phrase is a recurring theme in the books of Kings, highlighting the moral and spiritual failures of Israel's leaders. Manasseh's reign is marked by idolatry and apostasy, contrasting with the reforms of his father, Hezekiah.

by following the abominations of the nations
The "abominations" refer to detestable practices, often associated with idolatry and pagan worship, which were common among the Canaanite nations. These practices included child sacrifice, divination, and temple prostitution. Manasseh's actions are seen as a return to these pagan customs, which were explicitly condemned in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 18:9-12). This phrase underscores the influence of surrounding cultures on Israel and Judah, leading them away from their covenant relationship with God.

that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites
This refers to the conquest of Canaan, where God commanded the Israelites to dispossess the Canaanite nations due to their wickedness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). The driving out of these nations was both a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and a judgment against the Canaanites' sinful practices. Manasseh's actions are seen as a reversal of this divine judgment, as he reintroduces the very practices that led to the Canaanites' expulsion. This highlights the cyclical nature of sin and the need for continual faithfulness to God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manasseh
The king of Judah who reigned for 55 years and is noted for his evil practices, including idolatry and leading Judah astray.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jerusalem is located, and where Manasseh ruled.

3. The LORD
The God of Israel, who had given the Israelites the land and commanded them to follow His laws.

4. The Nations
Refers to the pagan nations that previously inhabited the land of Canaan, known for their idolatrous practices.

5. The Abominations
The detestable practices of the pagan nations, which included idol worship and other acts contrary to God's commands.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Idolatry
Manasseh's actions remind us of the severe consequences of turning away from God to follow idols. Idolatry leads to spiritual decay and separation from God.

Influence of Leadership
As a leader, Manasseh's choices had a profound impact on the nation. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide others in righteousness.

God's Patience and Justice
Despite Manasseh's evil, God’s patience is evident, yet His justice eventually prevails. This teaches us about the balance of God's mercy and justice.

Repentance and Restoration
Although not detailed in this verse, Manasseh's later repentance (as seen in 2 Chronicles 33) shows that no one is beyond God's forgiveness if they truly repent.

Guarding Against Cultural Influence
The Israelites were influenced by surrounding nations, leading to their downfall. Christians today must be vigilant against cultural influences that lead away from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific actions did Manasseh take that were considered evil in the sight of the LORD, and how do these actions compare to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 18:9-12?

2. How does Manasseh's leadership reflect the importance of godly leadership in our own communities and churches today?

3. In what ways can we identify and remove "idols" in our own lives that may be leading us away from God?

4. How does the account of Manasseh illustrate the balance between God's justice and mercy, and how can this understanding impact our view of repentance?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are not unduly influenced by the secular culture around us, similar to how Judah was influenced by the nations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:9-12
This passage warns the Israelites against adopting the abominable practices of the nations they were to dispossess, highlighting the same behaviors Manasseh engaged in.

2 Chronicles 33:1-9
Provides a parallel account of Manasseh's reign, detailing his idolatry and the consequences for Judah.

Exodus 20:3-5
The Ten Commandments, where God commands against idolatry, which Manasseh violated.

Romans 1:21-23
Discusses the consequences of turning away from God to idolatry, similar to Manasseh's actions.

1 Kings 14:22-24
Describes similar abominations committed by Judah under previous kings, showing a pattern of disobedience.