2 Kings 21:2

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.

Study Bible

And he did evil
The phrase "did evil" in Hebrew is "וַיַּעַשׂ הָרַע" (vaya'as hara). This expression is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe actions that are morally and spiritually corrupt, particularly in the context of the kings of Israel and Judah. The word "evil" (הָרַע, hara) encompasses not only moral wickedness but also actions that are contrary to God's commandments. This phrase sets the tone for Manasseh's reign, indicating a departure from the covenantal faithfulness expected of a king of Judah.

in the sight of the LORD
The Hebrew phrase "בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה" (be'enei Yahweh) translates to "in the sight of the LORD." This expression underscores the omniscience of God, who sees and judges the actions of individuals and nations. It serves as a reminder that human actions are always visible to God, who is the ultimate judge of righteousness. This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of Manasseh's actions, as they are not just politically or socially wrong, but offensive to God Himself.

according to the abominations
The term "abominations" in Hebrew is "כְּתוֹעֲבוֹת" (keto'avot), which refers to practices that are detestable and repugnant to God. These often include idolatry, child sacrifice, and other pagan rituals that were common among the Canaanite nations. The use of this term highlights the severity of Manasseh's sins, as he engaged in practices that were explicitly condemned by God and were the reason for the original expulsion of the Canaanites from the land.

of the nations
The "nations" (הַגּוֹיִם, hagoyim) refers to the pagan peoples who inhabited the land of Canaan before the Israelites. These nations were known for their idolatrous practices and moral corruption. By following their ways, Manasseh not only rejected the distinctiveness of Israel as God's chosen people but also aligned himself with those whom God had judged and displaced.

that the LORD had driven out
The phrase "had driven out" (הוֹרִישׁ, horish) refers to the divine action of dispossessing the Canaanite nations to make way for the Israelites. This was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and a demonstration of His power and judgment against sin. Manasseh's actions are thus portrayed as a reversal of God's redemptive work, as he reintroduces the very practices that led to the Canaanites' expulsion.

before the Israelites
The term "before" (מִפְּנֵי, mipnei) indicates precedence and serves as a historical reminder to the Israelites of God's past actions on their behalf. The Israelites were meant to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding peoples. Manasseh's adoption of pagan practices is a direct affront to this calling and serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of forsaking God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manasseh
The king of Judah who reigned for 55 years and is noted for his evil practices, including idolatry and leading Judah astray.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jerusalem is located, and where Manasseh ruled.

3. The LORD
The God of Israel, who had given the Israelites the land and commanded them to follow His laws.

4. The Nations
Refers to the pagan nations that previously inhabited the land of Canaan, known for their idolatrous practices.

5. The Abominations
The detestable practices of the pagan nations, which included idol worship and other acts contrary to God's commands.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Idolatry
Manasseh's actions remind us of the severe consequences of turning away from God to follow idols. Idolatry leads to spiritual decay and separation from God.

Influence of Leadership
As a leader, Manasseh's choices had a profound impact on the nation. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide others in righteousness.

God's Patience and Justice
Despite Manasseh's evil, God’s patience is evident, yet His justice eventually prevails. This teaches us about the balance of God's mercy and justice.

Repentance and Restoration
Although not detailed in this verse, Manasseh's later repentance (as seen in 2 Chronicles 33) shows that no one is beyond God's forgiveness if they truly repent.

Guarding Against Cultural Influence
The Israelites were influenced by surrounding nations, leading to their downfall. Christians today must be vigilant against cultural influences that lead away from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific actions did Manasseh take that were considered evil in the sight of the LORD, and how do these actions compare to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 18:9-12?

2. How does Manasseh's leadership reflect the importance of godly leadership in our own communities and churches today?

3. In what ways can we identify and remove "idols" in our own lives that may be leading us away from God?

4. How does the account of Manasseh illustrate the balance between God's justice and mercy, and how can this understanding impact our view of repentance?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are not unduly influenced by the secular culture around us, similar to how Judah was influenced by the nations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:9-12
This passage warns the Israelites against adopting the abominable practices of the nations they were to dispossess, highlighting the same behaviors Manasseh engaged in.

2 Chronicles 33:1-9
Provides a parallel account of Manasseh's reign, detailing his idolatry and the consequences for Judah.

Exodus 20:3-5
The Ten Commandments, where God commands against idolatry, which Manasseh violated.

Romans 1:21-23
Discusses the consequences of turning away from God to idolatry, similar to Manasseh's actions.

1 Kings 14:22-24
Describes similar abominations committed by Judah under previous kings, showing a pattern of disobedience.