Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Converted Into an Idolatrous Shrine by Manasseh

◄ Temple: Solomon's: Converted Into an Idolatrous Shrine by Manasseh ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Temple of Solomon, originally constructed as a sacred place for the worship of Yahweh, underwent a significant and tragic transformation during the reign of King Manasseh of Judah. This period marks one of the most profound apostasies in the history of Israel, as the Temple, which was meant to be the dwelling place of the Lord, was desecrated and converted into a shrine for idolatry.

Historical Context

King Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, ascended to the throne of Judah around 697 BC and reigned for 55 years. His reign is noted for its stark contrast to that of his father, who was known for his faithfulness to God and religious reforms. Manasseh's actions are recorded in 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33, where he is depicted as a ruler who led Judah into deep spiritual decline.

Idolatrous Practices Introduced

Manasseh's apostasy is described in 2 Kings 21:3-5 : "For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He also bowed down to all the host of heaven and served them. He built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, 'In Jerusalem I will put My Name.' In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven."

The introduction of altars for Baal and the Asherah pole within the Temple precincts was a direct violation of the covenantal laws given to Israel. Manasseh's actions were not limited to the worship of Canaanite deities; he also engaged in astrology and the worship of celestial bodies, further defiling the sacred space.

Desecration of the Temple

The desecration of the Temple reached its zenith with the placement of a carved image of Asherah within the Temple itself. 2 Kings 21:7 states, "Manasseh even set up the carved image of Asherah he had made, in the house of which the LORD had said to David and to his son Solomon, 'In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will establish My Name forever.'"

This act of placing an idol in the Temple was a flagrant affront to the holiness of God and the sanctity of the Temple, which was intended to be a place where God's presence dwelt among His people.

Consequences and Prophetic Warnings

The idolatry and abominations committed by Manasseh provoked the anger of the Lord, leading to prophetic warnings of impending judgment. 2 Kings 21:12-13 records the Lord's declaration: "Therefore, this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Behold, I am bringing such calamity on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of all who hear of it will tingle. I 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 a dish—wiping it and turning it upside down.'"

The prophets, including Isaiah and Jeremiah, warned of the dire consequences of such apostasy, emphasizing that the nation's unfaithfulness would lead to destruction and exile.

Repentance and Partial Restoration

Later in his reign, Manasseh experienced a personal transformation following his capture by the Assyrians. 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 recounts his repentance: "In his distress, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to Him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God."

Upon his return, Manasseh attempted to undo some of the damage by removing foreign gods and restoring the altar of the Lord. However, the spiritual and cultural impact of his earlier actions had lasting effects on the nation.

Legacy

The conversion of Solomon's Temple into an idolatrous shrine under Manasseh serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It highlights the importance of faithfulness to the covenant and the dangers of syncretism. Despite Manasseh's eventual repentance, the seeds of idolatry sown during his reign contributed to the eventual downfall of Judah and the Babylonian exile.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 21:4-7
And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 33:4-7
Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.
Nave's Topical Index