2 Chronicles 33:3

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.

Study Bible

For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down
This phrase refers to Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, who became king of Judah. The "high places" were sites of worship often located on elevated ground. Hezekiah, known for his religious reforms, had destroyed these sites to centralize worship in Jerusalem and eliminate idolatry (2 Kings 18:4). Manasseh's actions represent a reversal of his father's reforms, indicating a return to idolatrous practices. This reflects a broader pattern in Israel's history where kings alternated between faithfulness to Yahweh and idolatry, highlighting the struggle between covenant faithfulness and cultural assimilation.

and he raised up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles
The Baals were Canaanite deities associated with fertility and storms, and worship of Baal was a persistent temptation for Israel (Judges 2:11-13). Asherah poles were wooden symbols representing the goddess Asherah, often placed near altars to Baal. These practices were explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 16:21-22). Manasseh's actions indicate a syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with Canaanite religious practices, which was a direct violation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). This syncretism was a significant issue for Israel, leading to prophetic condemnation and eventual judgment.

And he worshiped and served all the host of heaven
This phrase indicates the worship of celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, which was common in the ancient Near East. Such practices were condemned in the Law (Deuteronomy 4:19) and were seen as a form of idolatry that diverted worship from the Creator to the creation. This type of worship was prevalent in Assyrian and Babylonian cultures, suggesting that Manasseh was influenced by these foreign powers. Theologically, this represents a rejection of Yahweh's sovereignty and a turning to created things for guidance and blessing, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature as a cause for divine judgment (Jeremiah 8:2).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manasseh
The king of Judah who reigned after his father Hezekiah. Known for his idolatrous practices and leading Judah into sin.

2. Hezekiah
Manasseh's father, a king of Judah who was known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry.

3. High Places
Elevated sites often used for idol worship, which Hezekiah had destroyed but Manasseh rebuilt.

4. Baals
Canaanite deities associated with fertility and storms, worshiped through various rituals and sacrifices.

5. Asherah Poles
Wooden symbols representing the goddess Asherah, often placed near altars to Baal.

6. Host of Heaven
Refers to celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars, which were worshiped as deities.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry leads individuals and nations away from God, resulting in spiritual and moral decay.

Reflect on modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or the elevation of personal desires above God's will.

The Influence of Leadership
Leaders have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Manasseh's actions led Judah into sin, highlighting the responsibility of leaders to guide others toward righteousness.

Consider the influence you have in your community and how you can lead others toward God.

The Importance of Spiritual Heritage
Hezekiah's efforts to rid Judah of idolatry were undone by his son, Manasseh. This underscores the importance of maintaining and passing on a godly legacy.

Evaluate how you are preserving and passing on your faith to the next generation.

Repentance and Restoration
Although not detailed in this verse, Manasseh eventually repented, showing that God's grace is available even to those who have strayed far from Him.

Embrace the hope of restoration through genuine repentance and turning back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Manasseh's rebuilding of the high places contrast with his father Hezekiah's actions, and what does this teach us about the influence of family and upbringing?

2. In what ways can modern Christians identify and dismantle "high places" in their own lives that may lead them away from God?

3. How does the worship of the "host of heaven" in Manasseh's time relate to contemporary issues of astrology and other forms of celestial worship?

4. What lessons can we learn from Manasseh's eventual repentance, and how can this encourage us in our own spiritual journeys?

5. How can we ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for future generations, as opposed to the negative legacy initially left by Manasseh?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 21:1-9
Provides a parallel account of Manasseh's reign, detailing his idolatrous practices and the consequences for Judah.

Exodus 20:3-5
The Ten Commandments, which explicitly forbid the worship of other gods and the making of idols.

Deuteronomy 4:19
Warns against worshiping the host of heaven, emphasizing God's creation of these celestial bodies for human benefit, not worship.

2 Chronicles 34:3-7
Describes the reforms of Josiah, Manasseh's grandson, who sought to undo the idolatry introduced by Manasseh.