2 Chronicles 33:6

KJV

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he caused {H5674} his children {H1121} to pass through {H5674} the fire {H784} in the valley {H1516} of the son {H1121} of Hinnom {H2011}: also he observed times {H6049}, and used enchantments {H5172}, and used witchcraft {H3784}, and dealt {H6213} with a familiar spirit {H178}, and with wizards {H3049}: he wrought {H6213} much {H7235} evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, to provoke him to anger {H3707}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made his children pass through the fire [as a sacrifice] in the Ben-Hinnom Valley. He practiced soothsaying, divination and sorcery; and he appointed mediums and persons who used spirit guides. He did much that was evil from ADONAI's perspective, thus provoking him to anger.

Berean Standard Bible

He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

American Standard Version

He also made his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom; and he practised augury, and used enchantments, and practised sorcery, and dealt with them that had familiar spirits, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 33:6 vividly details the profound spiritual rebellion of King Manasseh of Judah, the son of the righteous King Hezekiah. This verse catalogues Manasseh's egregious sins, including the horrific practice of child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom and a comprehensive embrace of various occult practices such as observing times, enchantments, witchcraft, dealing with familiar spirits, and consulting wizards. His actions represent a deliberate and extensive departure from the covenant with Yahweh, culminating in a direct provocation of the LORD's righteous anger through his widespread evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Manasseh's ascent to the throne after his father, King Hezekiah, a monarch renowned for his fervent devotion and significant religious reforms (see [2 Chronicles 29-32](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29-32 - Hezekiah's Reforms and Trust in God")). The description of Manasseh's wickedness in [2 Chronicles 33:2-9](/2_chronicles/33-2 "2 Chronicles 33:2-9 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign") stands in stark contrast to Hezekiah's reign, highlighting a dramatic and devastating reversal of spiritual trajectory for the kingdom of Judah. Verse 6 specifically enumerates the most abhorrent of Manasseh's practices, setting the stage for the severe judgment that would eventually befall Judah and for Manasseh's later, miraculous repentance and restoration described in [2 Chronicles 33:10-13](/2_chronicles/33-10 "2 Chronicles 33:10-13 - Manasseh's Repentance and Restoration"). This immediate juxtaposition emphasizes the profound impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual health.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Manasseh reigned for an unprecedented 55 years (c. 697-642 BC), during a period when Judah was largely a vassal state to the powerful Assyrian Empire. Assyrian influence extended beyond politics to culture and religion, often encouraging or imposing the worship of their deities and practices. Child sacrifice, particularly to the Ammonite god Molech, was a gruesome ritual practiced by various pagan cultures in the ancient Near East, explicitly condemned by Yahweh in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice") and [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominations to the Lord")). The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Gehenna), located just south of Jerusalem, became infamous as the primary site for these horrific acts, eventually becoming a symbolic place of judgment. The various occult practices listed were also widespread in the ancient world, representing attempts to manipulate divine forces or gain forbidden knowledge through means other than God's revealed will, all of which were strictly forbidden for Israel as abominations to the LORD (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Practices Detestable to the Lord")).
* **Key Themes:** The central themes illuminated by this verse include **profound apostasy and idolatry**, demonstrating the depths to which a nation can fall when its leadership abandons God. Manasseh's actions represent a comprehensive **violation of the Mosaic Covenant**, challenging God's exclusive claim to Israel's worship and His holiness. The verse also underscores the **destructive power of wicked leadership**, as Manasseh's influence led the entire nation astray. Furthermore, it highlights **God's righteous anger and judgment** as a just response to such blatant and extensive rebellion. Despite the severity of Manasseh's sin, the broader narrative of [2 Chronicles 33](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Reign and Repentance") ultimately introduces the theme of **divine mercy and the possibility of radical repentance**, even for the most grievous sins, though this particular verse focuses solely on the depth of his depravity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"pass through the fire" (Hebrew, _he'ebir ba'esh'_):** This phrase specifically refers to the horrific ritual of child sacrifice, often associated with the worship of the Ammonite god Molech. While some scholars have debated whether it meant merely a ritual purification by fire, the overwhelming biblical and archaeological evidence points to the literal burning of children as an offering. This practice was considered an ultimate act of defiance against Yahweh, defiling both the parents and the land, and was punishable by death (e.g., [Leviticus 20:2-5](/leviticus/20-2 "Leviticus 20:2-5 - Punishment for Child Sacrifice")).
* **"valley of the son of Hinnom" (Hebrew, _ge' ben-hinnom'_):** Known today as Gehenna, this was a literal valley located just south and west of Jerusalem. It became infamous as the site where child sacrifices were performed, particularly during the reigns of wicked kings like Manasseh and Ahaz. Due to the abominable acts committed there, it later became a symbol of defilement, judgment, and ultimate destruction, often referenced in the New Testament as a metaphor for hell.
* **"wrought much evil... to provoke him to anger" (Hebrew, _harbah l'ha'as'_):** The verb "wrought" (from _'asah_) means "to do" or "to make," emphasizing Manasseh's active and deliberate engagement in wickedness. The phrase "much evil" (from _ra'_) signifies the extensive and comprehensive nature of his sin. "To provoke him to anger" (from _ka'as_) highlights that Manasseh's actions were not merely ceremonial errors but direct, intentional affronts to God's holiness, justice, and covenantal relationship with Israel. This anger is not an irrational outburst but a righteous response to profound betrayal and spiritual rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom:"** This clause details the most heinous of Manasseh's sins: the sacrifice of his own offspring. This act, committed in a specific, notorious location, underscores the depth of his apostasy and his willingness to embrace the most abhorrent pagan practices, directly violating the covenant God had established with Israel and demonstrating a complete disregard for human life and divine law.
* **"also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards:"** This comprehensive list enumerates various forms of divination and occult practices that Manasseh engaged in. "Observed times" (Hebrew, _'onen_) refers to divination through omens, clouds, or auspicious times. "Enchantments" (Hebrew, _nachash_) relates to snake charming or various forms of augury and divination. "Witchcraft" (Hebrew, _kashaph_) involves spell-casting and sorcery. "Dealt with a familiar spirit" (Hebrew, _'ov_) refers to consulting mediums or necromancers who claimed to communicate with the dead. "Wizards" (Hebrew, _yidde'oni_) are those who possess occult knowledge or communicate with spirits. Together, these practices reveal Manasseh's full immersion in forbidden spiritual activities, seeking power and knowledge from demonic or deceptive sources rather than from the living God.
* **"he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."** This concluding statement serves as a summary and theological commentary on Manasseh's actions. It emphasizes that his wickedness was not hidden but was blatant and offensive "in the sight of the LORD," who sees all. The explicit mention of "provoking God to anger" highlights the severity of his covenant violations and the direct challenge his actions posed to God's sovereignty and holiness. It signifies God's righteous indignation against such a profound and deliberate betrayal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. A prominent one is **Catalogue/List**, as seen in the enumeration of various occult practices ("observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards"). This detailed listing emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of Manasseh's spiritual perversion, leaving no doubt about the extent of his rebellion. The phrase "he wrought much evil" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, underscoring the extreme degree of his wickedness and its cumulative effect. Furthermore, the explicit statement that his actions were "to provoke him to anger" serves as a direct **Statement of Consequence** and **Theological Commentary**, revealing God's emotional and righteous response to such profound covenant breaking. Finally, the mention of the "valley of the son of Hinnom" carries a strong element of **Symbolism**, as this specific geographical location became synonymous with horrific apostasy and later, in Jewish and Christian tradition, a powerful symbol of divine judgment (Gehenna).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 33:6 serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of idolatry and spiritual rebellion in the eyes of a holy God. Manasseh's actions represent the ultimate betrayal of the covenant relationship, substituting the worship of the one true God with the most abhorrent pagan practices, including the sacrifice of innocent life. This verse underscores that God's anger is not capricious but a righteous response to direct affronts against His character, His commands, and His covenant faithfulness. It teaches that seeking power, knowledge, or security outside of God, whether through ancient occult rituals or modern forms of spiritualism and self-reliance, is a dangerous and detestable act that incurs divine displeasure. The comprehensive nature of Manasseh's sin highlights humanity's propensity for depravity when left to its own devices and the profound need for divine intervention and redemption.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")
* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")
* [1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon's Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Manasseh's reign, as encapsulated in this verse, stands as a chilling warning against the seductive power of idolatry and spiritual compromise. While we may not literally "pass our children through the fire" or consult "wizards" in the same way, the underlying principles of Manasseh's sin remain profoundly relevant. Modern idolatry often manifests in more subtle forms: the worship of self, success, material possessions, power, or even ideologies that displace God from the center of our lives. Any pursuit that promises ultimate satisfaction, security, or meaning apart from Christ becomes an idol. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, to discern where we might be seeking knowledge, comfort, or control outside of God's revealed will. It reminds us of the immense responsibility of leadership, whether in a nation, a church, or a family, as our choices profoundly impact those under our influence. Ultimately, Manasseh's story, while beginning with such profound wickedness, later reveals God's boundless mercy and willingness to forgive even the most heinous sins upon genuine repentance, offering a powerful message of hope for all who turn to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be "observing times" or "using enchantments" by seeking guidance or security from sources other than God's Word and Spirit?**
* **What "idols" in my life, whether material possessions, relationships, or personal ambitions, might be subtly displacing God from His rightful place of ultimate authority and worship?**
* **How does the example of Manasseh's profound wickedness and later repentance challenge or confirm my understanding of God's justice and mercy?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was "passing children through the fire"?**

Answer: "Passing children through the fire" was a horrific ritual of child sacrifice, primarily associated with the worship of the Ammonite deity Molech. It involved literally burning children as an offering to this pagan god. This was not merely a symbolic purification ritual but the actual immolation of infants and young children. The practice was an extreme act of devotion to false gods and a direct, abominable violation of God's covenant with Israel, explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")).

**Why was the "valley of the son of Hinnom" significant?**

Answer: The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Hebrew: _Ge Hinnom_), located just outside the southern wall of Jerusalem, became infamous as the primary site where these abhorrent child sacrifices were conducted, particularly during the reigns of wicked kings like Manasseh and Ahaz. Due to the unspeakable atrocities committed there, it became a symbol of defilement and abomination. In later Jewish and Christian tradition, the name "Gehenna" (derived from _Ge Hinnom_) evolved to become a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, hell, and eternal destruction, as seen in various New Testament passages (e.g., [Matthew 5:22](/matthew/5-22 "Matthew 5:22 - Danger of Hellfire")).

**What does it mean that Manasseh's actions "provoke him to anger"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that Manasseh's actions were not merely minor transgressions but direct, deliberate, and profound affronts to God's holy character, His covenant, and His exclusive claim to Israel's worship. God's "anger" here is not an irrational or capricious outburst but a righteous and just indignation against blatant rebellion, spiritual adultery, and the unspeakable evil of child sacrifice. It underscores the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly idolatry and the shedding of innocent blood, and His unwavering commitment to His own holiness and justice. It reflects God's covenant faithfulness, as He had warned Israel of the consequences of such disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 33:6, with its grim depiction of Manasseh's profound depravity, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a Savior. Manasseh's comprehensive embrace of child sacrifice and occult practices reveals the depth of human rebellion and the futility of seeking life, power, or wisdom apart from God. This verse highlights the righteous anger of God against sin, an anger that ultimately finds its perfect and just satisfaction not in the destruction of humanity, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The ultimate "passing through the fire" was endured by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") on the cross, where He bore the full weight of divine wrath for the sins of the world, including the very abominations that Manasseh committed (cf. [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")). Christ, as the true Prophet, Priest, and King, perfectly fulfills what Manasseh so grievously failed to uphold. He is the one who truly observes God's times, not through divination, but through perfect obedience to the Father's will (cf. [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does What the Father Does")). He is the ultimate source of wisdom and power, making all occult practices obsolete and demonic (cf. [Colossians 2:8-10](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8-10 - Christ's Supremacy Over Philosophy")). Furthermore, Manasseh's later, radical repentance (though not in this verse) points forward to the boundless grace and forgiveness made available through Christ's atoning sacrifice, demonstrating that even the most heinous sins can be cleansed and forgiven through faith in Him (cf. [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness") and [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")). The Valley of Hinnom, a place of death and judgment, foreshadows the ultimate judgment from which Christ delivers those who trust in Him, offering eternal life instead of destruction (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")).

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

Leviticus 19:31

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.

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.

Leviticus 19:26

Ye shall not eat [any thing] with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.

2 Kings 21:6

And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger.

Leviticus 18:21

And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through [the fire] to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Leviticus 20:6

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Jeremiah 7:31

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart.