2 Chronicles 33:6

Context

This verse describes the abominable practices of King Manasseh of Judah, the son of the righteous King Hezekiah. Manasseh reigned for 55 years, the longest of any king in Judah, and his rule was marked by a profound reversal of his father's godly reforms. He actively promoted idolatry and engaged in practices explicitly forbidden by God's law, leading the nation into deep spiritual apostasy. His actions represent a stark contrast to the devotion of his father, King Hezekiah, whose reign saw significant religious revival and trust in the Lord.

Key Themes and Messages

• Extreme Idolatry and Apostasy: Manasseh's actions, particularly "causing his children to pass through the fire," signify the ultimate rejection of the God of Israel and a horrific embrace of pagan worship, specifically associated with the Ammonite god Molech. This was a direct violation of the covenant God made with Israel.
• Forbidden Occult Practices: The verse lists a litany of practices condemned by God: "observed times" (divination, astrology), "enchantments" (sorcery, magic), "witchcraft," dealing with "familiar spirits" (necromancy, consulting mediums), and "wizards." These were all attempts to gain knowledge or power outside of God, relying on demonic or deceptive forces.
• Provoking God's Anger: The phrase "he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger" underscores the severity of Manasseh's sin. His actions were not merely ceremonial transgressions but direct affronts to God's holiness, justice, and exclusive claim to Israel's worship. God's anger here is a righteous response to profound betrayal and spiritual rebellion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "caused his children to pass through the fire" (Hebrew: he'ebir banaw ba'esh) refers to child sacrifice, a gruesome ritual often performed in the worship of Molech. This practice was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law, as seen in Leviticus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 18:10, which lists it among "abominations." The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Gehenna) was a literal valley just south of Jerusalem that became infamous for these horrific acts, and later became a symbol of judgment.

The various terms for occult practices—"observed times" ('onen, relating to omens or clouds for divination), "enchantments" (nachash, often serpent-like divination), "witchcraft" (kashaph, spell-casting), "familiar spirit" ('ov, a necromancer or medium), and "wizards" (yidde'oni, those who know by occult means)—highlight the comprehensive nature of Manasseh's spiritual perversion. These were all direct violations of God's command against pagan practices and seeking guidance from sources other than Him (cf. Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

Practical Application

Manasseh's egregious sins serve as a powerful warning against the dangers of idolatry and spiritual compromise. This verse reminds us that:

• God Hates Idolatry and Occult Practices: Any attempt to seek power, knowledge, or comfort outside of God, whether through ancient rituals or modern spiritualism, is an affront to His sovereignty and provokes His righteous anger.
• Influence of Leadership: Manasseh's actions illustrate the immense influence of leaders, for good or ill. His wickedness led an entire nation astray.
• The Seriousness of Sin: The detailed list of Manasseh's sins emphasizes that even seemingly subtle forms of spiritual rebellion are grave in God's sight.
• Hope for Repentance: While this verse highlights Manasseh's depravity, the broader narrative of 2 Chronicles reveals his later, profound repentance during captivity (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). This offers a powerful message of God's mercy and willingness to forgive even the most heinous sins when true repentance occurs.