2 Kings 21:20

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done.

Study Bible

And he did evil
The phrase "did evil" in Hebrew is "וַיַּעַשׂ הָרַע" (vayya'as hara). This expression is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe actions that are contrary to God's commandments and desires. The word "evil" (הָרַע, hara) encompasses not only moral wickedness but also actions that lead to chaos and disorder, opposing the divine order established by God. In the context of the kings of Israel and Judah, doing evil often involved idolatry, injustice, and leading the people away from the covenant relationship with God. This phrase sets the tone for the spiritual and moral evaluation of a king's reign, indicating a departure from righteousness.

in the sight of the LORD
The Hebrew phrase "בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה" (be'ene Yahweh) translates to "in the sight of the LORD." This expression emphasizes that the actions of the king are not just judged by human standards but are evaluated by God Himself, who sees all and knows the heart. It underscores the omniscience and omnipresence of God, who is the ultimate judge of human actions. This phrase serves as a reminder that all deeds, whether public or private, are visible to God and will be held accountable by His divine standards.

as his father Manasseh had done
The comparison to "his father Manasseh" is significant, as Manasseh is noted in the biblical narrative for his extensive idolatry and leading Judah into sin. Manasseh's reign is described in 2 Kings 21:1-18, where he is depicted as one of the most wicked kings of Judah, introducing altars for Baal, Asherah poles, and even sacrificing his own son. The phrase "as his father Manasseh had done" indicates a continuation of this sinful legacy, highlighting the generational impact of a leader's actions. It serves as a cautionary note on the influence of parental example and the importance of breaking cycles of sin through repentance and turning back to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amon
The king of Judah who reigned after his father Manasseh. His reign was marked by evil practices and idolatry, following in the footsteps of his father.

2. Manasseh
Amon's father, who was one of the most notoriously evil kings of Judah. He led the nation into idolatry and pagan practices, which had long-lasting negative effects on the kingdom.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Amon reigned. During this period, Judah was heavily influenced by idolatrous practices introduced by Manasseh.

4. The LORD
The God of Israel, who is the ultimate judge of the actions of kings and nations. His perspective is the standard by which Amon's actions are evaluated.

5. Idolatry
The worship of idols and false gods, which was prevalent during Amon's reign and was a direct violation of the covenant between God and Israel.

Teaching Points

The Influence of Parental Example
Amon's actions were heavily influenced by his father Manasseh's example. This highlights the importance of godly parenting and the impact it can have on future generations.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual and moral decay. Amon's reign serves as a warning of the dangers of turning away from God to follow false gods.

God's Perspective Matters
The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" reminds us that God's perspective is the ultimate measure of our actions. We should strive to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.

The Possibility of Repentance
While Amon did not repent, his father Manasseh eventually did. This shows that no matter how far one strays, repentance and turning back to God is always an option.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Amon's actions reflect the influence of his father Manasseh, and what does this teach us about the impact of parental influence?

2. In what ways can idolatry manifest in our lives today, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does understanding God's perspective on our actions change the way we live our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the fact that Manasseh repented, but Amon did not? How does this apply to our own opportunities for repentance?

5. How can we ensure that our legacy is one of faithfulness to God, rather than leading others into sin?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 33
This chapter provides a parallel account of Manasseh's reign and repentance, offering a broader context for understanding Amon's actions.

Deuteronomy 5:7-9
These verses emphasize the prohibition against idolatry, which Amon violated, highlighting the seriousness of his actions in the sight of God.

Romans 1:21-23
This passage discusses the consequences of turning away from God to worship idols, which can be related to the spiritual decline seen in Amon's reign.