2 Kings 21 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah.
2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.
3 For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.
4 And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem will I put my name.”
5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord.
6 And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
7 And the carved image of Asherah that he had made he set in the house of which the Lord said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my name forever.
8 And I will not cause the feet of Israel to wander anymore out of the land that I gave to their fathers, if only they will be careful to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the Law that my servant Moses commanded them.”
9 But they did not listen, and Manasseh led them astray to do more evil than the nations had done whom the Lord destroyed before the people of Israel.
10 And the Lord said by his servants the prophets,
11 “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols,”
12 therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.
13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria, and the plumb line of the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.
14 And I will forsake the remnant of my heritage and give them into the hand of their enemies, and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies,
15 because they have done what is evil in my sight and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day.”
16 Moreover, Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides the sin that he made Judah to sin so that they did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
17 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh and all that he did, and the sin that he committed, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
18 And Manasseh slept with his fathers and was buried in the garden of his house, in the garden of Uzza. And Amon his son reigned in his place.
19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Meshullemeth the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah.
20 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as Manasseh his father had done.
21 And he walked in all the way in which his father walked and served the idols that his father served and worshiped them.
22 And he abandoned the Lord, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the Lord.
23 And the servants of Amon conspired against him and put the king to death in his house.
24 And the people of the land slew all those who had conspired against King Amon, and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place.
25 Now the rest of the acts of Amon that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
26 And he was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza, and Josiah his son reigned in his place.

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The True Meaning of 2 Kings 21

The Book of 2 Kings was written by an anonymous author, likely a prophet or scribe, who chronicled the history of the Kingdom of Judah and Israel after the reign of King David. This particular chapter focuses on the reign of King Manasseh, one of the most wicked kings in Judah’s history. King Manasseh leads the people astray, rejecting the Lord and embracing the pagan practices of the surrounding nations, resulting in the tragic downfall of Judah as witnessed in this chapter. His actions stand in stark contrast to the righteous kings who came before him, such as Hezekiah, whose reforms are mentioned in 2 Kings 18. Manasseh’s reign serves as a warning to the people, foreshadowing the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites, as foretold in the prophecies of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:1-11).

The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands, as Manasseh’s disobedience and the people’s subsequent idolatry bring about the Lord’s judgment. This theme is echoed throughout the Old Testament, from the warnings given in Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) to the consequences faced by the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 2 Kings 17. As we delve into this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of staying true to our faith and the consequences of turning away from the Lord.

2 Kings 21:1-9

A passage in 2 Kings 21:1-9 presents a stark contrast between two prominent figures in the Bible – Hezekiah and his son Manasseh. The passage starts off by introducing Manasseh as a twelve-year-old king who reigns in Jerusalem for fifty-five years. It is important to note that Manasseh’s reign is characterized by actions that were displeasing to the Lord, in direct contrast to his father Hezekiah, who was praised for his faithfulness and righteous rule.

Manasseh is portrayed as a king who indulged in idolatry, building high places for Baal, making an Asherah pole as King Ahab of Israel had done, and worshipping all the starry hosts. He even went as far as to build altars in the house of the Lord, something that was strictly forbidden by God’s commandments. Manasseh also practiced witchcraft, divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists, further defying God’s laws. This portrayal of Manasseh’s reign serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and following the ways of the world.

The mention of Manasseh’s actions serves as a cautionary tale, warning us of the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness and succumbing to the temptations of earthly desires and false gods. It underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commandments and the worship of Him alone. Manasseh’s actions stand in stark contrast to those of his father Hezekiah, who was known for his commitment to God and efforts to reform Judah by removing idolatry and restoring the worship of the true God.

The story of Manasseh also highlights the theme of repentance and forgiveness in the Bible. Despite Manasseh’s grave sins, we see in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 that when he was in distress and called out to God, humbling himself greatly before the God of his ancestors, God was moved by his prayer and granted him mercy. This serves as a reminder that no one is beyond redemption if they turn to God with a sincere heart. The passage of 2 Kings 21:1-9 provides us with valuable lessons about the consequences of disobedience, the importance of remaining faithful to God, the possibility of repentance and forgiveness, and the enduring mercy of God. It invites us to reflect on our own lives and choices, urging us to seek God wholeheartedly and to walk in His ways, just as Hezekiah did, rather than following the destructive path of Manasseh.

2 Kings 21:10-15

The verses in 2 Kings 21:10-15 discuss the prophecy given by the Lord through His prophets concerning the impending judgment on Judah and King Manasseh due to their idolatry and evil practices. Let’s break down these verses into sections for analysis:

  1. “The Lord said through his servants the prophets: ‘Manasseh king of Judah has committed these detestable sins. He has done more evil than the Amorites who preceded him and has led Judah into sin with his idols.’” – This section highlights how deeply Manasseh had fallen into idolatry and wickedness, even surpassing the sins of the pagan nations that were in the land before the Israelites. It emphasizes the seriousness of his actions and the judgment that would come upon him and the nation as a result.

  2. “Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.” – Here, the severe consequences of their actions are foretold. God, in His righteousness, cannot overlook the gross sinfulness and rebellion of His people. The language used conveys the magnitude of the judgment that will befall the land, causing great distress and awe among all who hear about it.

  3. “I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab.” – This imagery of using a measuring line and plumb line symbolizes the thoroughness and precision of God’s judgment. God’s judgment, like a builder using tools to ensure straightness and correctness in construction, is fair and exact, holding each individual and nation accountable for their deeds. This emphasizes the divine justice and righteousness that underpins God’s judgments throughout the Bible.

  4. “I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.” – The vivid metaphor used here illustrates the thoroughness of the destruction that will come upon Jerusalem. Jerusalem will face complete devastation, just as one would thoroughly clean a dish, turning it upside down to ensure every part is cleansed. This emphasizes the extent of the judgment that will befall the city due to the accumulated sins and wickedness of the people.

Manasseh’s reign was marked by a deep plunge into idolatry, sorcery, and shedding innocent blood, leading Judah astray from the ways of the Lord. Despite his eventual repentance towards the end of his reign (2 Chronicles 33:12-13), the consequences of his earlier actions could not be averted. The prophecy given in 2 Kings 21:10-15 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God, the seriousness of sin, and the inevitability of divine judgment for unrepentant hearts. This narrative also points to the broader theme in the Bible of God’s unwavering justice, His call for repentance, and the consequences of turning away from Him. Manasseh’s story reflects the profound truth that while God is merciful and forgiving to those who sincerely turn to Him, there are still repercussions for our actions that we must face.

2 Kings 21:16-18

The passage in 2 Kings 21:16-18 describes the sinful reign of Manasseh, one of the kings of Judah. Let’s break down the verse into important sections and provide in-depth commentary on each part:

  1. Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, filling Jerusalem from one end to another, besides leading Judah into sin by doing evil in the sight of the Lord.”

This section highlights the extent of Manasseh’s wickedness. He not only shed innocent blood but also led the people of Judah astray to commit evil in the eyes of God. Manasseh’s rule was characterized by idolatry, including the worship of foreign gods and the setting up of altars for them within the temple of the Lord. His actions were directly against the commandments of God and brought great harm to the nation of Judah.

Manasseh’s reign reminds us of the consequences of turning away from God and following our own sinful desires. It serves as a warning that when leaders, especially those in positions of power and influence, stray from God’s ways, it can have a devastating impact on the entire community. Manasseh’s actions not only affected him personally but also led Judah into a state of moral decay and spiritual depravity.

  1. “Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh and all that he did, and the sin that he committed, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?”

This section references the historical records of Manasseh’s reign, which are further detailed in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. It emphasizes the importance of keeping a record of the actions and deeds of individuals, especially rulers, as a means of accountability and historical documentation. The Chronicles of the Kings of Judah serve as a reminder that our actions, whether good or evil, are not hidden from God and will be remembered and recorded for posterity.

The reference to the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah also highlights the interconnectedness of events and figures in biblical history. It shows how the stories of different kings and their actions are intertwined, creating a continuous narrative of God’s dealings with His people. The continuity of these records emphasizes the timeless nature of God’s Word and the importance of learning from the successes and failures of those who came before us. The passage of 2 Kings 21:16-18 serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God’s commandments. Manasseh’s reign stands as a cautionary tale of the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness and serves as a call to repentance and restoration. Through examining this passage and reflecting on its teachings, we are encouraged to seek God’s guidance, walk in His ways, and learn from the mistakes of those who have gone before us.

2 Kings 21:19-26

A brief account of the reign of Amon, the son of King Manasseh, is presented in 2 Kings 21:19-26. This passage highlights the evil that Amon did in the sight of the Lord during his two-year reign in Jerusalem. Amon followed in the sinful footsteps of his father, Manasseh, and did not turn from the idolatry and wickedness that plagued the nation of Judah. This wickedness ultimately led to his assassination by his own officials, and his son Josiah succeeded him as king.

This section serves as a continuation of the theme of judgment and consequences for the sins of the kings of Judah. Amon’s reign was characterized by evil and idolatry, just as Manasseh’s reign was. The consequences of their actions, both personally and for the nation of Judah, are evident in the turmoil and eventual downfall that they faced.

It is interesting to note the impact of generational sin in the lineage of Judah’s kings. The sins of the father, Manasseh, were clearly passed down to his son, Amon, leading to further corruption and disobedience. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unrepentant sin and the importance of breaking the cycle of generational sin through repentance and turning back to God.

The contrast between Amon’s reign and that of his son, Josiah, who succeeded him, is stark. While Amon was wicked and idolatrous, Josiah is later described as a king who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. This highlights the potential for change and redemption, even in the midst of a history of sin and disobedience. Josiah’s reign, marked by his reforms and renewal of the covenant with God, shows that it is possible to break free from the sins of the past and seek God wholeheartedly. We are reminded of the importance of personal responsibility and accountability before God in examining this passage. Each individual, including kings and rulers, is accountable for their actions and will face the consequences of their choices. Additionally, the story of Amon and Josiah underscores the significance of repentance, renewal, and seeking after God’s will in order to break free from the cycle of sin and experience His grace and mercy.

After 2 Kings 21

The people of Judah had fallen into great sin and wickedness under the rule of King Manasseh. They had turned away from the Lord and embraced the detestable practices of the nations around them. Manasseh had even gone so far as to set up altars to false gods within the temple of the Lord.

Yet, as we shall see in the next chapter, the Lord had not abandoned his people. Though they had strayed far from him, he still sought to bring them back and restore them to a right relationship with him. The path ahead would not be easy, but the Lord’s love and mercy were greater than their sin. If they would only turn back to him with repentant hearts, he would be faithful to forgive and redeem them.