2 Chronicles 33:2

But did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

But did {H6213} that which was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, like unto the abominations {H8441} of the heathen {H1471}, whom the LORD {H3068} had cast out {H3423} before {H6440} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

He did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective, following the disgusting practices of the nations whom ADONAI had expelled ahead of the people of Isra'el.

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.

And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, after the abominations of the nations whom Jehovah cast out before the children of Israel.

Context

This verse immediately follows the introduction of King Manasseh, son of the righteous King Hezekiah, who began his reign at the young age of twelve and ruled for an astonishing fifty-five years in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 33:1). In stark contrast to his father's devout leadership, Manasseh plunged the Kingdom of Judah into profound spiritual darkness. This verse sets the tone for his long and notoriously wicked reign, indicating a deliberate and comprehensive rejection of the Lord's commands and a return to the pagan practices that God had explicitly forbidden.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Idolatry and Apostasy: The central theme is Manasseh's active embrace of idolatry and practices that were an utter affront to God. He "did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD," reversing the reforms of his father and leading the nation astray.
  • Imitation of Pagan Nations: The phrase "like unto the abominations of the heathen" highlights that Manasseh adopted the very practices of the Canaanite nations whom the Lord had driven out before the children of Israel due to their wickedness. This imitation was a direct violation of God's covenant with Israel, which called them to be distinct and holy.
  • God's Consistent Standard: The verse implicitly underscores God's unchanging nature and His unwavering standard of holiness. What was an "abomination" to Him in the time of the Canaanites remained an abomination in the time of Manasseh, and continues to be so.

Linguistic Insights

The term "abominations" translates the Hebrew word תּוֹעֲבֹת (to'evot), which signifies practices that are utterly detestable, morally repugnant, and offensive to God. In the Old Testament, this term is frequently used to describe various forms of idolatry, child sacrifice, divination, sorcery, and sexual perversions – all practices that were characteristic of the pagan nations and which Manasseh subsequently reintroduced and championed in Judah (as detailed in subsequent verses like 2 Chronicles 33:6).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of spiritual compromise and the ease with which a people can regress into ungodly practices, especially when leadership sets a poor example. It challenges believers today to:

  • Discern God's Will: We must constantly evaluate our actions and choices against God's revealed will, ensuring we are not adopting behaviors or values that are "abominations" in His sight, even if they are common in the surrounding culture.
  • Uphold God's Standards: The call to be distinct and holy, not conforming to the patterns of the world, remains relevant for all who follow God (Romans 12:2).
  • Recognize Influence: Leaders, whether in families, churches, or communities, bear a significant responsibility for the spiritual direction of those under their care. Manasseh's reign illustrates the devastating impact of negative influence.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:3

    Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

  • Deuteronomy 18:9

    ¶ When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

  • Deuteronomy 18:14

    For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do].

  • 2 Kings 17:15

    And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were] round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

  • 2 Kings 21:2

    And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

  • Psalms 106:35

    But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.

  • Psalms 106:40

    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

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