2 Kings 21:1-6

Manasseh King of Judah

1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah.

2 He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

3 He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped them.

4 He built altars in the temple of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I will put my Name.”

5 In the two courts of the temple of the LORD, he built altars to all the starry hosts.

6 He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.

2 Kings 21:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 21

In this chapter a short history is given of the two wicked reigns of Manasseh and Amon; Manasseh is charged with great idolatry, with enchantments and witchcrafts, and seducing the children of Israel, 2Ki 21:1-9 and a prophecy is given out of the destruction of Jerusalem for his sins, 2Ki 21:10-16, and an account is given of his death and burial, 2Ki 21:17,18, and of his son and successor Amon, and the evils committed by him, 2Ki 21:19-22 and of the conspiracy against his life, which succeeded, and Josiah his son reigned in his stead, 2Ki 21:23-26.

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 62:4
• 2. ver 16; S Deuteronomy 4:25; Jeremiah 15:4
• 3. Deuteronomy 9:4; S Deuteronomy 18:9; S 1 Kings 14:24; 2 Kings 16:3
• 4. S 1 Kings 3:3; S 2 Kings 18:4
• 5. S Judges 6:28; 1 Kings 16:32
• 6. S Deuteronomy 16:21
• 7. S Genesis 2:1; Deuteronomy 17:3; 2 Kings 17:16; Jeremiah 19:13
• 8. Isaiah 66:4; Jeremiah 4:1; Jeremiah 7:30; Jeremiah 23:11; Jeremiah 32:34; Ezekiel 23:39
• 9. S Exodus 20:24; S 2 Samuel 7:13; 1 Kings 8:29
• 10. 1 Kings 7:12; 2 Kings 23:12
• 11. S Leviticus 18:21; S Deuteronomy 18:10; S 2 Kings 3:27; 2 Kings 16:3; 2 Kings 17:17
• 12. Deuteronomy 18:14
• 13. S Leviticus 19:31
• 14. 2 Kings 23:26