2 Kings 21:3

For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and he raised up altars for Baal. He made an Asherah pole, as King Ahab of Israel had done, and he worshiped and served all the host of heaven.

Study Bible

He rebuilt the high places
The phrase "high places" refers to elevated sites often used for worship in ancient Israel. These locations were typically associated with pagan rituals and idolatry, which were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew term "bamah" is used here, indicating a place of illicit worship. Hezekiah, Manasseh's father, had previously destroyed these sites in an effort to centralize worship in Jerusalem and purify the religious practices of Judah. Manasseh's rebuilding of these high places signifies a direct reversal of his father's reforms and a return to idolatrous practices.

that his father Hezekiah had destroyed
Hezekiah is remembered as a king who sought to restore true worship in Judah, aligning with the covenantal laws given to Israel. His destruction of the high places was a significant religious reform aimed at eradicating idolatry. The Hebrew root "shamad" means to destroy or annihilate, emphasizing the thoroughness of Hezekiah's actions. Manasseh's actions, therefore, represent a significant spiritual decline and a rejection of his father's godly legacy.

he erected altars for Baal
Baal was a prominent Canaanite deity associated with fertility and storms. The erection of altars for Baal indicates a syncretism where the worship of Yahweh was mixed with pagan practices. The Hebrew word "mizbeach" for altar suggests a place of sacrifice, highlighting the seriousness of Manasseh's idolatry. This act is reminiscent of the northern kingdom's practices under Ahab, suggesting a deliberate alignment with the apostate traditions of Israel.

and made an Asherah pole
Asherah was a goddess worshiped in various ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with Baal. The "Asherah pole" was a wooden symbol or idol representing the goddess, and its presence in Judah signifies a deep entrenchment of pagan worship. The Hebrew term "Asherah" can refer both to the goddess and the cultic object, indicating the pervasive nature of this idolatry. Manasseh's actions here are a stark violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols.

as Ahab king of Israel had done
Ahab, one of the most infamous kings of Israel, is often remembered for his promotion of Baal worship, largely influenced by his marriage to Jezebel. The comparison to Ahab underscores the severity of Manasseh's apostasy. Ahab's reign was marked by significant spiritual and moral decline, and Manasseh's emulation of Ahab's practices suggests a similar trajectory for Judah. This historical parallel serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God.

He also worshiped all the host of heaven
The "host of heaven" refers to celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars, which were often deified in ancient Near Eastern religions. The Hebrew term "tsaba" implies a multitude or army, indicating the vast array of heavenly bodies worshiped. This practice was explicitly forbidden in Deuteronomy 4:19, highlighting Manasseh's blatant disregard for God's commandments. Worshiping the host of heaven represents a further departure from monotheism and a deeper entrenchment in idolatry.

and served them
The act of serving these deities indicates a devotion and allegiance that should have been reserved for Yahweh alone. The Hebrew word "abad" means to serve or worship, suggesting a complete submission to these false gods. This service is not merely ritualistic but involves a heart posture that has turned away from the covenant relationship with God. Manasseh's actions reflect a profound spiritual rebellion, leading Judah into a period of darkness and divine judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manasseh
The king of Judah who led the nation into idolatry, reversing the reforms of his father, Hezekiah.

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

3. Baal
A Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and storms, worshiped by many in the region.

4. Asherah Pole
A wooden symbol associated with the worship of the goddess Asherah, often placed near altars.

5. Ahab
A former king of Israel notorious for his promotion of Baal worship, married to Jezebel.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Reverting to Sinful Practices
Manasseh's actions demonstrate how quickly a nation can fall back into sin when godly leadership is absent. We must remain vigilant in our personal and communal faith practices to prevent backsliding.

The Influence of Leadership
The king's actions had a profound impact on the spiritual direction of the nation. This underscores the importance of godly leadership in all areas of life, including family, church, and government.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Manasseh's idolatry led to severe consequences for Judah, reminding us that turning away from God leads to spiritual and often physical ruin.

The Hope of Repentance
Despite Manasseh's grave sins, his later repentance shows that God's mercy is available to all who genuinely turn back to Him, no matter how far they have strayed.

The Importance of Destroying Idols
Just as Hezekiah destroyed physical idols, we must identify and remove any idols in our lives, whether they be material possessions, relationships, or personal ambitions that take precedence over God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Manasseh's rebuilding of the high places reflect a broader pattern of spiritual decline in Judah, and what can we learn from this about maintaining spiritual vigilance?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our leadership, whether in the home, church, or community, aligns with godly principles to prevent the spread of idolatry?

3. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our relationship with God, and how can we actively work to remove them from our lives?

4. How does Manasseh's account of repentance encourage us to seek God's forgiveness, and what steps can we take to genuinely repent from our own sins?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Manasseh's life to help others who may be struggling with spiritual backsliding or idolatry in their own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18:4
Describes Hezekiah's reforms, including the destruction of high places and idols, which Manasseh later rebuilt.

1 Kings 16:30-33
Details Ahab's reign and his establishment of Baal worship in Israel, paralleling Manasseh's actions.

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
Commands the Israelites to destroy high places and idols, highlighting the disobedience of Manasseh.

Jeremiah 19:5
Condemns the practice of building altars to Baal, which Manasseh engaged in.

2 Chronicles 33:12-13
Chronicles Manasseh's eventual repentance, offering hope for redemption.