2 Chronicles 33:3

KJV

For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he built {H1129} again {H7725} the high places {H1116} which Hezekiah {H3169} his father {H1} had broken down {H5422}, and he reared up {H6965} altars {H4196} for Baalim {H1168}, and made {H6213} groves {H842}, and worshipped {H7812} all the host {H6635} of heaven {H8064}, and served {H5647} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he rebuilt the high places which Hizkiyahu his father had smashed; he erected altars for the ba'alim, made sacred poles and worshipped all the army of heaven and served them.

Berean Standard Bible

For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down, and he raised up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles. And he worshiped and served all the host of heaven.

American Standard Version

For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; and he reared up altars for the Baalim, and made Asheroth, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse vividly portrays the profound spiritual regression of Judah under King Manasseh, the son of the righteous King Hezekiah. It details Manasseh's deliberate and comprehensive reversal of his father's godly reforms, specifically his re-establishment of pagan worship practices, including the rebuilding of high places, the erection of altars for Baalim, the making of Asherah poles (groves), and the worship of celestial bodies, thereby leading the nation into deep and widespread apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 33:3 immediately follows the account of King Hezekiah's zealous and extensive reforms, which included the cleansing of the temple, the restoration of Passover, and the destruction of idolatrous sites like the high places and Asherah poles (see [2 Chronicles 29-31](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms Begin")). Manasseh's actions, as described in this verse, represent a shocking and deliberate repudiation of his father's legacy and a direct reversal of the spiritual revival that had swept through Judah. This sharp contrast highlights Manasseh's profound wickedness and sets the stage for the severe divine judgment that would eventually befall Judah, culminating in the Babylonian exile, as his sins are repeatedly cited as a primary cause (e.g., [2 Kings 21:10-15](/2_kings/21-10 "2 Kings 21:10-15 - Prophecy of Judah's Destruction")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Manasseh reigned for 55 years (c. 697-642 BC), one of the longest reigns in Judah's history. This period was largely dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which exerted significant political and cultural influence over its vassal states, including Judah. Assyrian religion often included astral worship, and the reintroduction of "the host of heaven" worship by Manasseh likely reflects this influence. Furthermore, the worship of Baalim and Asherah was deeply entrenched Canaanite idolatry, which had plagued Israel since its entry into the promised land. "High places" were elevated cultic sites, sometimes used for legitimate Yahwistic worship in early Israel, but more often corrupted by pagan practices, becoming centers for syncretism and abominations, which Hezekiah had diligently destroyed (e.g., [2 Kings 18:4](/2_kings/18-4 "2 Kings 18:4 - Hezekiah's Destruction of Idols")). Manasseh's actions signify a complete capitulation to surrounding pagan cultures and a profound rejection of the Mosaic covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Apostasy and Idolatry**, showcasing Manasseh's comprehensive embrace of forbidden worship, which is repeatedly condemned throughout the Old Testament as a violation of the first two commandments (e.g., [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Leadership**, demonstrating how a king's spiritual choices profoundly impact the entire nation, leading them into sin and provoking divine wrath. Manasseh's long reign of wickedness had a deep and lasting corrupting influence on Judah. Thirdly, it emphasizes the theme of **Covenant Disobedience**, as Manasseh's actions are a direct and defiant breach of the covenant stipulations that demanded exclusive worship of Yahweh. Despite God's patience, such persistent disobedience ultimately leads to judgment, a recurring motif in Chronicles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **high places (Hebrew, _bāmôt'_):** These were elevated sites, often hilltops, used for religious worship. While some pre-temple Israelite worship occurred at such sites, they frequently became corrupted by Canaanite idolatry, serving as locations for altars to foreign gods and illicit practices. Hezekiah had broken them down as part of his reform; Manasseh's rebuilding signifies a deliberate return to forbidden syncretism.
* **Baalim (Hebrew, _bĕ‘ālîm'_):** This is the plural form of "Baal," referring to the various local manifestations or aspects of the Canaanite storm and fertility god. The use of the plural indicates a widespread and diverse adoption of Baal worship throughout Judah, not just devotion to a single deity, but to a pantheon of local "lords."
* **groves (Hebrew, _’ăshērîm'_):** This term refers to sacred poles or trees, often made of wood, that were cultic objects associated with the worship of Asherah, a prominent Canaanite goddess often depicted as Baal's consort and a deity of fertility. Their presence indicates the embrace of Canaanite fertility cults, which often involved immoral practices.
* **host of heaven (Hebrew, _tsĕvā’ hashāmāyim'_):** This phrase denotes the worship of celestial bodies—the sun, moon, and stars—as deities. This form of astral worship was common in Mesopotamia and among surrounding nations, and it was explicitly forbidden by God to Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:19](/deuteronomy/4-19 "Deuteronomy 4:19 - Prohibition of Astral Worship")). Its inclusion here shows Manasseh's comprehensive adoption of foreign religious practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down":** This clause immediately establishes Manasseh's defiant act of spiritual regression. "Built again" emphasizes a deliberate undoing of his father's righteous efforts to purify the land and restore exclusive worship of Yahweh. The "high places" were symbols of syncretism and idolatry, and their reconstruction signaled a national return to forbidden practices.
* **"and he reared up altars for Baalim":** This specifies one of the primary forms of idolatry Manasseh promoted. "Reared up altars" indicates active and public promotion of foreign worship, creating designated places for sacrifices and rituals to the Canaanite gods, directly challenging the singularity of the Jerusalem Temple and the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
* **"and made groves":** This refers to the establishment of Asherah poles, cultic objects central to Canaanite fertility worship. The phrase "made groves" suggests not merely tolerating existing paganism but actively manufacturing and distributing these idolatrous symbols, further embedding paganism into the fabric of Judahite society.
* **"and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them":** This final clause broadens the scope of Manasseh's apostasy to include astral worship, a practice common in Assyria and Babylon. "Worshipped" and "served them" indicate a full devotion to these celestial deities, treating created things as the Creator, a profound theological transgression that violated the very first commandment and underscored the depth of his spiritual rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of Manasseh's actions. **Contrast** is paramount, juxtaposing Manasseh's destructive idolatry against Hezekiah's zealous reforms, highlighting the tragic reversal of spiritual progress. The use of **Enumeration** (listing "high places," "Baalim," "groves," "host of heaven") emphasizes the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of Manasseh's apostasy, demonstrating that he embraced not just one form of idolatry but a wide array of forbidden practices. The repeated use of the verb "built" or "reared up" alongside "made" and "worshipped/served" creates a sense of **Accumulation**, showing Manasseh's active and relentless pursuit of wickedness, systematically dismantling his father's legacy and installing a new, corrupt religious order. This systematic undoing also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the severe consequences and divine judgment that would inevitably follow such widespread and deliberate covenant disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 33:3 serves as a stark reminder of humanity's persistent inclination towards idolatry and the devastating consequences of rejecting the one true God. Manasseh's actions embody the very essence of covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating how quickly a nation can descend into spiritual darkness when its leadership turns away from divine truth. This verse underscores the biblical principle that genuine worship must be exclusive to Yahweh, and any deviation into syncretism or the worship of created things is a profound affront to the Creator. It highlights the pervasive nature of idolatry, which can manifest in various forms, from overt pagan rituals to the subtle worship of anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives. The narrative of Manasseh's reign, initiated by the sins detailed in this verse, ultimately illustrates the long-suffering patience of God, yet also His unwavering commitment to justice when His covenant is repeatedly broken.

* [Deuteronomy 4:19](/deuteronomy/4-19 "Deuteronomy 4:19 - Warning Against Astral Worship")
* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Jeremiah 7:30-31](/jeremiah/7-30 "Jeremiah 7:30-31 - Judah's Abominations in the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Manasseh's story, beginning with the egregious acts described in 2 Chronicles 33:3, offers a powerful and sobering lesson for believers today. It reveals the fragility of spiritual inheritance and the ease with which a generation can depart from the faith of their predecessors, even after experiencing periods of revival and righteousness. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and communities: are we diligently upholding the spiritual purity and devotion passed down to us, or are we, like Manasseh, subtly or overtly rebuilding "high places" and "groves" in our hearts and societies? Modern idolatry may not involve physical altars to Baal or Asherah, but it manifests in anything—be it success, comfort, material possessions, power, or even self-image—that usurps God's rightful place as the supreme object of our worship and affection. The profound impact of Manasseh's leadership serves as a stark warning about the responsibility of those in influence, urging us to consider how our choices, both personal and communal, either lead others towards God or away from Him. Ultimately, this verse calls us to constant vigilance, spiritual discernment, and unwavering commitment to exclusive worship of the one true God, lest we fall into the same patterns of apostasy that plagued ancient Judah.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "high places" or "groves" in my own life or in contemporary culture that subtly draw worship away from God?**
* **How can I actively guard against spiritual regression and ensure that I am building upon, rather than dismantling, the godly legacy of those who have gone before me?**
* **In what ways does my leadership, whether in my family, church, workplace, or community, either promote or hinder genuine worship of God?**

### FAQ
**Was Manasseh's sin unforgivable, given the severity described in this verse?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 33:3 details Manasseh's profound and widespread wickedness, his sin was not unforgivable. The Chronicler, uniquely among the biblical accounts, records Manasseh's later repentance. According to [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance"), when he was in distress and taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers and prayed to Him. God heard his plea and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. This remarkable account serves as a powerful testament to God's boundless grace and willingness to forgive even the most grievous sins, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of His mercy if they genuinely repent. However, it is also important to note that while Manasseh's personal sin was forgiven, the societal consequences of his long reign of idolatry had deeply corrupted Judah, contributing significantly to the nation's eventual judgment and exile, as seen in later biblical narratives (e.g., [2 Kings 23:26-27](/2_kings/23-26 "2 Kings 23:26-27 - Judah's Fate Sealed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound apostasy of King Manasseh, as depicted in 2 Chronicles 33:3, starkly highlights humanity's inherent bent towards idolatry and the desperate need for a perfect King. Unlike Manasseh, who systematically dismantled his father's righteous reforms and led his people into spiritual darkness, Jesus Christ is the ultimate King who perfectly upholds God's law and never deviates into sin or idolatry. He is the true and eternal [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus, Son of David"), whose kingdom is not of this world, untainted by the pagan influences and corruptions that plagued earthly monarchs like Manasseh. Christ's mission was not to rebuild high places or altars to false gods, but to break down every spiritual stronghold and false idol, establishing true worship in spirit and truth (see [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), including the sin of idolatry, offering forgiveness and reconciliation that Manasseh himself experienced in a limited way. Furthermore, Christ's reign brings about a new covenant where God's law is written on hearts, ensuring a people who will truly know and serve Him (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), a spiritual transformation far beyond any temporary reform or repentance seen in the Old Testament. He is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), whose perfect rule ultimately cleanses the land and hearts, establishing a kingdom where only God is worshipped.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 16:21

Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.

Deuteronomy 17:3

And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;

2 Chronicles 31:1

¶ Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.

2 Chronicles 30:14

And they arose and took away the altars that [were] in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast [them] into the brook Kidron.

Jeremiah 19:13

And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.

Ecclesiastes 9:18

Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

2 Kings 18:4

He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.