2 Chronicles 33:1-9

How does Manasseh undo his father’s reform?

Berean Standard Bible

1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. 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. 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. 4 Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “My Name will remain in Jerusalem forever.” 5 In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. 6 He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben-hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. 7 Manasseh even took the carved image he had made and set it up in the house of God, of which God had said to David and his son Solomon, “In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will establish My Name forever. 8 I will never again cause the feet of the Israelites to leave the land that I assigned to your fathers, if only they are careful to do all that I have commanded them through Moses—all the laws, statutes, and judgments.” 9 So Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites.

What is the context?

Manasseh rebuilds the high places Hezekiah destroyed and introduces altars for the Baals, Asherah poles, and worship of the heavenly host. He even places foreign altars and an image within the Lord’s house.

The account names the sacrifice of his sons and practices of sorcery and consulting spirits. It contrasts these acts with God’s choice of Jerusalem and His command through Moses.

The promise concerning the land is repeated with its demand for obedience. Manasseh leads the people further into evil; possession of the chosen house does not make their conduct faithful.

How is this passage commonly understood?

2 Kings 21:1–9 gives the parallel account of the king’s influence and the temple’s pollution. Wesley also reads the reign against Hezekiah’s earlier faithfulness. The reversal shows that a parent’s reform does not determine the next ruler’s choices.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

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