2 Kings 21:4

And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

And he built {H1129} altars {H4196} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, of which the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, In Jerusalem {H3389} will I put {H7760} my name {H8034}.

He erected altars in the house of ADONAI, about which ADONAI had said, "In Yerushalayim I will put my name."

Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I will put My Name.”

And he built altars in the house of Jehovah, whereof Jehovah said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

Commentary

2 Kings 21:4 describes a pivotal act of desecration by King Manasseh of Judah, highlighting his profound spiritual rebellion against the LORD.

Context

This verse introduces King Manasseh, son of the righteous King Hezekiah. Despite his father's piety, Manasseh embarked on one of the most idolatrous reigns in Judah's history. His actions directly violated God's commands regarding exclusive worship. The "house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon, which was designated as the sole place where God chose to "put His name" and receive worship from His people. Manasseh's construction of pagan altars within this sacred space was a deliberate and defiant act of apostasy, a stark contrast to the reforms enacted by his father.

Key Themes

  • Blatant Idolatry and Desecration: Manasseh's building of altars for foreign gods within the very Temple dedicated to Yahweh represents the highest form of spiritual rebellion and defilement. This act was not merely a lapse but a systematic effort to introduce pagan worship into the heart of Israelite faith.
  • God's Holy Presence and Exclusive Claim: The phrase "In Jerusalem will I put my name" underscores God's unique claim over the Temple and the city. It signifies His divine presence, authority, and covenant relationship with Israel, making Manasseh's actions a direct affront to God's holiness and His established order for worship (1 Kings 8:29).
  • Consequences of Disobedience: This verse foreshadows the severe judgment that would eventually befall Judah due to Manasseh's extensive wickedness, which exceeded even the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had driven out.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "put my name" (šîm šēm) is profoundly significant. It doesn't merely mean to label a place, but rather to establish God's active presence, authority, and ownership there. When God "puts His name" in a place, it becomes a sanctuary, a focal point for His covenant relationship with His people, signifying His manifest glory and the place where He is to be truly known and worshipped.

Practical Application

This account serves as a powerful warning against spiritual compromise and syncretism. Just as Manasseh defiled the physical temple, believers today are called to recognize their bodies as "temples of the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 6:19). We are to guard our hearts and lives from anything that would defile our relationship with God, ensuring that our worship is pure and undivided. The story of Manasseh reminds us of the seriousness of spiritual rebellion and the enduring holiness of God, who desires genuine devotion over ritualistic observance.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 7:13 (5 votes)

    He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

  • 1 Kings 8:29 (5 votes)

    That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, [even] toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.

  • Jeremiah 32:34 (4 votes)

    But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it.

  • Deuteronomy 12:5 (3 votes)

    ¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

  • 2 Kings 16:10 (3 votes)

    ¶ And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that [was] at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof.

  • 2 Kings 16:16 (3 votes)

    Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded.

  • 1 Kings 9:3 (3 votes)

    And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.