Topical Encyclopedia
The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, was the central place of worship for the Israelites and the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant. Constructed under King Solomon's reign, it stood as a symbol of Israel's covenant with God. However, its sanctity was severely compromised during the reign of King Manasseh, who introduced idolatrous practices that defiled the holy site.
Manasseh's Reign and IdolatryManasseh, the son of Hezekiah, ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years (
2 Kings 21:1). His reign is marked by a significant departure from the religious reforms of his father, who had sought to restore the worship of Yahweh. Instead, Manasseh embraced and promoted idolatry, leading the nation into spiritual apostasy.
The Bible records that Manasseh "did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites" (
2 Kings 21:2). He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done (
2 Kings 21:3).
Desecration of the TempleOne of the most grievous acts of Manasseh was the desecration of the First Temple itself. He constructed altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD (
2 Kings 21:5). This act of defilement was a direct violation of the First Commandment and an affront to the holiness of the Temple, which was meant to be a place dedicated solely to the worship of Yahweh.
Moreover, Manasseh practiced witchcraft, divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists, further provoking the LORD to anger (
2 Kings 21:6). He even went so far as to place a carved image of Asherah that he had made in the house of the LORD, of which God had said to David and Solomon, "In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put My Name forever" (
2 Kings 21:7).
Impact on Judah and Divine JudgmentManasseh's idolatry and the pollution of the Temple had profound consequences for Judah. His actions led the people astray, causing them to do more evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (
2 Kings 21:9). The LORD spoke through His prophets, declaring that because of Manasseh's abominations, He would bring such disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle (
2 Kings 21:12).
The LORD's judgment was inevitable, as He declared, "I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish—wiping it and turning it upside down" (
2 Kings 21:13). This prophecy foreshadowed the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians, a direct result of the nation's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God.
Legacy and RepentanceDespite his grievous sins, Manasseh's account does not end without a note of repentance. According to
2 Chronicles 33:12-13, in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. The LORD was moved by his entreaty and brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. This act of divine mercy highlights the possibility of redemption, even for those who have strayed far from God's commandments.
Nevertheless, the damage done during Manasseh's reign had lasting effects on Judah, setting a precedent of idolatry that would plague the nation until its eventual exile. The pollution of the First Temple under Manasseh serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from the worship of the one true God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 21:4-7And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook2 Chronicles 33:4,5,7
Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Book of the Law
... as his messengers to her the first men of ... and burned them upon the altar, and polluted
it, according ... slopes of Olivet, opposite the beautiful temple of Jehovah ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 33 the book of.htm
The Assyrian Captivity
... and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and ... the Lord remembered mercy, and at first,
when "Pul ... as possible instituted important reforms in the temple service at ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm
An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... as really three as one when I worship, being the ... they who are least able, will first
adventure to ... have descended from the pinnacle of the temple, as afterwards ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... oracles, though in the reign of both the first and second ... revenues by which the treasury
of the temple was supported ... up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm
Resources
Was it God's desire for Israel to worship Him in a temple in Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning and significance of the Temple Mount? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Ezekiel's temple? | GotQuestions.orgTemple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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