2 Kings 21:20

KJV

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he did {H6213} that which was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, as his father {H1} Manasseh {H4519} did {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective, as had M'nasheh his father.

Berean Standard Bible

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done.

American Standard Version

And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, as did Manasseh his father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 21:20 concisely evaluates the brief reign of King Amon of Judah, condemning his actions as "evil in the sight of the LORD" and explicitly linking his spiritual depravity to that of his notoriously wicked father, Manasseh. This verse underscores the continued moral and spiritual decline of the southern kingdom, illustrating a deliberate perpetuation of apostasy that further propelled Judah towards divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate and damning summary of Amon's two-year reign, following the detailed account of his father Manasseh's extensive idolatry and bloodshed in [2 Kings 21:1-18](/2_kings/21-1 "2 Kings 21 - Manasseh's Reign"). It is a bridge between the long, destructive period of Manasseh and the subsequent, albeit brief, period of reform under Josiah, Amon's son, beginning in [2 Kings 22](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22 - Josiah's Reforms Begin"). The brevity and negative assessment of Amon's reign highlight the persistent spiritual decay within Judah, demonstrating that Manasseh's influence continued unabated through his son, despite Manasseh's own repentance recorded in [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance"). The formulaic nature of the assessment ("did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD") places Amon firmly in the line of unfaithful kings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Amon reigned over Judah from 642-640 BC, a period marked by the waning power of the Assyrian Empire, which had previously exerted significant cultural and religious influence over Judah, contributing to Manasseh's syncretistic practices. While the decline of Assyria might have offered an opportune moment for Judah to return to exclusive worship of Yahweh, Amon chose instead to perpetuate the idolatry introduced by his father, including the worship of Baal, Asherah, and astral deities, and possibly even child sacrifice, as described in [2 Kings 21:3-7](/2_kings/21-3 "2 Kings 21:3-7 - Manasseh's Idolatry"). His reign reflects the deep entrenchment of paganism within Judahite society, indicating a widespread spiritual apostasy that had permeated even the royal household and continued to challenge the covenant relationship with God.

* **Key Themes:** Amon's reign, though short, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Kings. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Generational Influence and Responsibility**, showing how the spiritual choices of a father (Manasseh) can profoundly impact a son (Amon), even leading to a deliberate perpetuation of wickedness. However, the text also implicitly underscores **Individual Accountability**, as Amon is judged for his own choices, not merely as a victim of his upbringing. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Persistent Idolatry and Apostasy** in Judah, demonstrating the nation's consistent failure to adhere to the covenant with Yahweh despite divine warnings and previous reforms. Finally, the recurring phrase "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God is the ultimate standard of righteousness and that unfaithfulness will inevitably lead to consequences, as seen in [2 Kings 21:23](/2_kings/21-23 "2 Kings 21:23 - Amon's Assassination") and the nation's accelerating trajectory towards exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'_):** This term, frequently used in the Old Testament, describes not merely a moral failing but an active, deliberate opposition to God's will and covenant. In the context of kingship, it denotes actions that violate divine law, promote idolatry, oppress the people, and lead the nation away from Yahweh. It signifies a state of being morally corrupt and spiritually rebellious, incurring divine displeasure.
* **Sight of the LORD (Hebrew, _`eyney YHWH`_):** This anthropomorphic expression emphasizes God's omnipresence and perfect knowledge. It means that Amon's actions were not hidden from God, nor were they judged by human standards alone. God's perspective is the ultimate and infallible measure of righteousness, and His verdict of "evil" is an absolute theological condemnation of Amon's reign, signifying a direct affront to His holy character and commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he did [that which was] evil":** This is the standard, formulaic assessment used by the biblical author to characterize the reign of unrighteous kings in Judah and Israel. It signifies that Amon's actions and policies were in direct violation of God's covenant laws, particularly the first two commandments against idolatry and false worship. His reign was marked by a deliberate choice to reject Yahweh's exclusive claim to worship and to promote practices anathema to God's character.
* **"in the sight of the LORD":** This crucial phrase underscores the theological nature of the judgment. Amon's wickedness was not merely a matter of human opinion or political expediency; it was a direct offense against the holy and righteous God of Israel. It emphasizes divine observation and accountability, indicating that God was the ultimate judge of Amon's reign, and His verdict was unequivocally negative, setting the stage for the consequences that would follow.
* **"as his father Manasseh did":** This comparative clause is highly significant. It explicitly links Amon's reign to that of Manasseh, widely considered Judah's most wicked king. This is not simply a statement of similar behavior but implies a deliberate emulation and continuation of Manasseh's idolatrous and oppressive policies. Unlike Manasseh, who repented later in his life (as recorded in 2 Chronicles), Amon showed no such change of heart, actively choosing to perpetuate the spiritual apostasy and wickedness that had so deeply corrupted Judah under his predecessor.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Kings 21:20 is **Formulaic Language**. The phrase "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" is a recurring, standardized expression used throughout the books of Kings to provide a concise theological evaluation of each monarch's reign. This formula serves as a divine verdict, categorizing kings as either righteous or unrighteous based on their adherence to the Mosaic covenant and their promotion or suppression of Yahweh worship. The addition of "as his father Manasseh did" functions as a specific **Allusion** to the detailed account of Manasseh's profound wickedness earlier in the chapter, providing immediate context and amplifying the severity of Amon's actions without needing to list them exhaustively. It also employs **Comparison**, drawing a direct parallel between Amon and his infamous father, thereby condemning Amon by association and highlighting the perpetuation of a destructive spiritual legacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 21:20 starkly illustrates the profound theological truth that human actions are always judged by divine standards. Amon's deliberate choice to follow in his father Manasseh's wicked footsteps, rather than seeking the Lord, underscores the concept of individual moral responsibility despite generational influence. It highlights God's unwavering righteousness and His intolerance for idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God observes all deeds and renders a just verdict, ultimately leading to consequences for both individuals and nations that persist in rebellion against His revealed will. The continued spiritual decline under Amon further solidifies the narrative of Judah's accelerating trajectory towards exile, a direct result of sustained disobedience.

* [Deuteronomy 6:18](/deuteronomy/6-18 "Deuteronomy 6:18 - Do what is right in the sight of the LORD")
* [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Responsibility for Sin")
* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - When the Wicked Rule")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amon's short and wicked reign, summarized in 2 Kings 21:20, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. While we are undeniably shaped by our families, cultures, and past experiences, this verse powerfully asserts our ultimate individual responsibility before God. Amon chose to perpetuate evil, demonstrating that even a terrible legacy does not negate our capacity to choose righteousness. This challenges us to critically examine our own lives: are we passively accepting destructive patterns, or are we actively seeking God's grace to break cycles of sin and pursue a path of obedience? The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD" prompts us to consider what truly offends a holy God in our modern context—perhaps not overt idolatry, but subtle forms of self-worship, materialism, or the pursuit of power that displaces God from His rightful place. Our choices, whether in leadership within our families, communities, or workplaces, have far-reaching spiritual consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "generational patterns" or influences in your life, whether positive or negative, do you recognize, and how are you actively responding to them in light of God's Word?**
* **How do you discern what is truly "evil in the sight of the LORD" in contemporary society, beyond obvious moral failings?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to exercise personal responsibility, even when external circumstances or past influences might tempt you to deviate from God's will?**
* **How does your leadership, whether in your home, church, or community, reflect a desire to do what is "good in the sight of the LORD" rather than following popular or convenient paths?**

### FAQ
**Why was Amon's reign so short, and what happened to him?**

Answer: Amon reigned for only two years (642-640 BC), a stark contrast to his father Manasseh's 55-year rule. His reign ended abruptly when he was assassinated by his own servants within the royal palace, as recorded in [2 Kings 21:23](/2_kings/21-23 "2 Kings 21:23 - Amon's Assassination"). The text doesn't explicitly state the motive for the assassination, but it was likely due to political instability, dissatisfaction with his continued idolatrous policies, or internal court intrigue. The people of the land then executed the conspirators and installed Amon's young son, Josiah, as king.

**Did Amon ever repent, like his father Manasseh is said to have done?**

Answer: The biblical record in 2 Kings 21 gives no indication whatsoever that Amon repented of his wickedness. While [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance") describes Manasseh's later repentance and humbling himself before God, no such account exists for Amon. This absence is significant, highlighting Amon's deliberate and unyielding choice to persist in the evil ways of his father, ultimately leading to his demise without any spiritual redemption noted in the sacred text.

**What does "evil in the sight of the LORD" mean for us today, beyond ancient idolatry?**

Answer: "Evil in the sight of the LORD" signifies anything that violates God's character, commands, and covenant. While ancient Israel's primary struggle was with literal idolatry (worshiping other gods), for us today, it extends to anything that displaces God from His rightful supremacy in our lives. This can include spiritual apathy, self-worship, materialism, unchecked pride, injustice, greed, sexual immorality, or any attitude and action that contradicts the love, holiness, and righteousness revealed in God's Word. It challenges us to live lives of genuine obedience and worship, aligning our values and choices with God's perfect will, as supremely demonstrated in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who perfectly did what was good in the sight of the Father [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amon's tragic reign, characterized by his deliberate perpetuation of "evil in the sight of the LORD" and his emulation of his wicked father Manasseh, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a perfect King. Amon's failure to break the cycle of sin and his ultimate demise highlight the futility of human kingship in delivering true righteousness and lasting peace. In stark contrast stands Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and always did "that which was pleasing to Him" [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father") and was "without sin" [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest"). Unlike Amon, who continued a legacy of spiritual decay, Jesus came to break the power of sin and death, offering redemption from the generational curses and personal wickedness that plague humanity [Romans 5:12-19](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12-19 - Adam and Christ Compared"). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the only means by which we can be reconciled to God and empowered to live lives that are truly "good in the sight of the LORD" through His Spirit [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). Amon's story, therefore, points us to the glorious reign of Christ, whose kingdom is eternal, righteous, and brings true spiritual transformation [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Coming King").

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

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.

2 Kings 21:7

And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

Matthew 23:32

Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

2 Kings 21:11

Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, [and] hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which [were] before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:

2 Chronicles 33:22

But he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;

2 Chronicles 33:23

And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.