2 Kings 21:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made his son {H1121} pass {H5674} through the fire {H784}, and observed times {H6049}, and used enchantments {H5172}, and dealt {H6213} with familiar spirits {H178} and wizards {H3049}: he wrought {H6213} much {H7235} wickedness {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, to provoke him to anger {H3707}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made his son pass through the fire [as a sacrifice]. He practiced soothsaying and divination and 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 own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

American Standard Version

And he made his son to pass through the fire, and practised augury, and used enchantments, 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
King Manasseh's reign, spanning an unprecedented 55 years, marked a profound and devastating reversal of the spiritual reforms initiated by his father, Hezekiah. This verse encapsulates the depth of his apostasy, detailing a litany of detestable practices including child sacrifice, various forms of divination, sorcery, and necromancy. These actions were not merely cultural deviations but direct, intentional affronts to Yahweh's holiness and sovereignty, explicitly designed to provoke divine wrath and leading Judah into an unprecedented era of spiritual darkness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of 2 Kings 21, which chronicles the shockingly wicked reign of King Manasseh, son of the righteous King Hezekiah. Immediately preceding this verse, 2 Kings 21:1-5 details Manasseh's age at accession, the length of his reign, and his immediate re-establishment of idolatrous practices, including rebuilding the high places and erecting altars to Baal and Asherah. Verse 6 then escalates the description of his depravity, listing specific abominable acts that surpass even the wickedness of the Canaanites. Following this verse, 2 Kings 21:7-9 describes Manasseh's ultimate sacrilege: placing a carved image of Asherah in the very Temple of the Lord, thereby defiling the sacred space and leading Judah further astray than any nation before them. The chapter culminates with God's pronouncement of judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem because of Manasseh's egregious sins, setting the stage for the eventual Babylonian exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Manasseh's reign (c. 697-642 BCE) occurred during a period of Assyrian dominance. Unlike his father Hezekiah, who resisted Assyrian influence and relied on Yahweh, Manasseh likely adopted a policy of appeasement, embracing Assyrian religious practices as a means of political submission or cultural assimilation. The practices listed in 2 Kings 21:6—child sacrifice, divination, sorcery, and necromancy—were deeply embedded in the religious cultures of Judah's pagan neighbors, particularly the Canaanites and Mesopotamians. Child sacrifice, often associated with the deities Molech or Baal, was a horrific ritual involving the immolation of infants, strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law as an abomination to Yahweh (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). Divination and sorcery were attempts to manipulate or discern the future through forbidden means, bypassing God's direct revelation. Consulting "familiar spirits" (necromancy) was an attempt to communicate with the dead, a practice explicitly condemned as an affront to God's exclusive authority over life and death (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")). Manasseh's adoption of these practices represented a full-scale spiritual rebellion against the covenant God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It highlights the theme of **apostasy and covenant infidelity**, showcasing Judah's profound departure from the exclusive worship of Yahweh mandated by the covenant at Sinai. Manasseh's actions are presented as the epitome of **royal responsibility and its impact**, demonstrating how a king's wickedness can lead an entire nation into sin and ultimately judgment, echoing the warnings in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The inclusion of child sacrifice underscores the extreme moral degradation and the **desecration of human life** that accompanies idolatry. Furthermore, the phrase "to provoke him to anger" emphasizes the theme of **divine wrath and righteous judgment**, illustrating God's active response to persistent and egregious rebellion against His holiness and commands. This verse serves as a crucial turning point, marking the point of no return for Judah's spiritual decline, despite the later reforms of King Josiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **made his son pass through the fire (Hebrew, _he'evir et-b'no ba'esh'_):** This chilling phrase refers to the horrific ritual of child sacrifice, a practice vehemently condemned throughout the Old Testament. While some scholars suggest it might refer to a purification ritual involving fire without death, the overwhelming biblical and archaeological evidence, particularly in the context of Molech worship, points to the literal burning of children as an offering. It represents the ultimate transgression against human life and divine law, a barbaric act that utterly desecrated the sanctity of human life created in God's image.
* **observed times (Hebrew, _v'onen'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cloud over" or "to practice soothsaying," this term refers to various forms of divination, particularly the practice of interpreting omens, portents, or auspicious times for actions. It encompasses astrology, fortune-telling, and attempting to discern the future or gain secret knowledge through non-divine, often superstitious, means. This practice was strictly forbidden as it sought guidance from sources other than Yahweh, undermining His sovereignty and exclusive claim to revealing truth.
* **dealt with familiar spirits (Hebrew, _ovot'_):** The term _ovot_ refers to necromancers or mediums who claimed to be able to conjure or communicate with the dead. These "familiar spirits" were understood as demonic entities or the spirits of the dead, through whom the medium would receive information. This practice was an extreme form of spiritual rebellion, directly defying God's prohibition against seeking guidance from the dead (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:11](/deuteronomy/18-11 "Deuteronomy 18:11 - Prohibition of Necromancy")) and instead turning to dark, deceptive forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made his son pass through the fire":** This clause highlights Manasseh's ultimate act of depravity, sacrificing his own offspring, likely to the Ammonite god Molech or the Canaanite god Baal. This was not merely tolerating paganism but actively participating in its most heinous ritual, demonstrating a complete rejection of Yahweh's covenant and the sanctity of human life.
* **"and observed times, and used enchantments":** These phrases describe Manasseh's engagement in various forms of divination and sorcery. "Observed times" (omen-taking, astrology) and "used enchantments" (magic, spells) reveal his reliance on illicit supernatural means to gain knowledge or exert control, bypassing God's authority and seeking power from demonic or deceptive sources.
* **"and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards":** This specifies his involvement in necromancy—consulting mediums and those claiming to communicate with the dead. This practice was a direct affront to God, who alone possesses knowledge of the future and the realm of the dead, and it opened the nation to demonic influence and false guidance.
* **"he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD":** This overarching statement summarizes the pervasive nature and profound extent of Manasseh's sin. "Wrought much wickedness" indicates that these were not isolated incidents but a systematic and extensive pattern of ungodliness, permeating his reign and the nation. The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" emphasizes that these actions were committed in full view of the omniscient God, making his rebellion all the more audacious and inexcusable.
* **"to provoke [him] to anger":** This final clause clarifies the divine response to Manasseh's actions. God's "anger" is not an irrational outburst but a righteous and just response to such flagrant and persistent rebellion against His holiness, His covenant, and His people. It underscores the gravity of Manasseh's sins and their direct impact on the divine-human relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the extreme nature of Manasseh's wickedness. **Accumulation** is evident in the rapid succession of detestable practices listed ("made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards"), creating a cumulative effect that emphasizes the breadth and depth of his apostasy. This list functions as a form of **hyperbole** in its impact, suggesting an unprecedented level of evil. The phrase "wrought much wickedness" serves as a summarizing **amplification**, reinforcing the pervasive and extensive nature of his sin. Finally, the concluding phrase "to provoke [him] to anger" utilizes **anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (anger) to God, thereby making His righteous indignation palpable and underscoring the direct, personal affront Manasseh's actions represented to the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 21:6 stands as a stark testament to the profound consequences of covenant infidelity and the dangers of syncretism. Manasseh's actions represent a systematic rejection of Yahweh's exclusive claim to worship and a deliberate embrace of practices explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law. The theological implication is clear: God's holiness demands absolute allegiance, and His justice will not overlook such egregious violations, particularly those involving child sacrifice and the pursuit of illicit spiritual power. This verse serves as a pivotal point, marking the spiritual nadir of Judah and setting the stage for the inevitable divine judgment that would culminate in the Babylonian exile, demonstrating that even a long-suffering God has limits to His patience in the face of such profound and pervasive evil.

* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")
* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")
* [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Condemnation of Molech Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Manasseh's story, particularly the chilling details of 2 Kings 21:6, serves as a sobering reminder of the insidious nature of sin and its profound consequences, both individually and corporately. It challenges us to examine our own lives and societies for any subtle or overt forms of idolatry, whether it be the worship of material possessions, power, self, or even intellectual pursuits that displace God from His rightful place. The verse's condemnation of occult practices warns us against seeking guidance or power from any source other than the one true God, whether through New Age spiritualities, horoscopes, or any form of divination that promises knowledge or control outside of His revealed will. True wisdom and security are found only in diligent study of God's Word, fervent prayer, and humble submission to His sovereign plan. Manasseh's reign demonstrates that the spiritual health of a nation often mirrors the spiritual health of its leaders, urging us to pray for and hold accountable those in authority, and to be vigilant against practices that desecrate life or undermine God's authority in our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be "observing times" or "using enchantments" by seeking guidance or security outside of God's revealed will?**
* **How does the concept of child sacrifice, in its ancient form, challenge me to consider the sanctity of life in contemporary ethical dilemmas?**
* **What forms of "wickedness" in my own life or society might be "provoking God to anger," and what steps can be taken towards repentance and reform?**

### FAQ
**Was Manasseh the worst king in Judah's history?**

Answer: While the Bible records many wicked kings in Judah and Israel, 2 Kings 21:6, along with the surrounding verses, strongly suggests that Manasseh was indeed the most wicked king of Judah. The text states that he "wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger" (2 Kings 21:6) and that he "did more evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the people of Israel" (2 Kings 21:9). His introduction of child sacrifice and widespread occult practices, coupled with the defilement of the Temple, marked an unprecedented level of apostasy that ultimately sealed Judah's fate, leading to God's pronouncement of judgment and the eventual Babylonian exile (2 Kings 21:10-15). Even though [2 Chronicles 33:10-13](/2_chronicles/33-10 "2 Chronicles 33:10-13 - Manasseh's Repentance") records his later repentance and restoration, his initial reign left an indelible mark of spiritual devastation on the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound wickedness of Manasseh, epitomized by his willingness to sacrifice his own son and engage in every detestable pagan practice, starkly highlights humanity's desperate need for a divine intervention. Manasseh's actions represent the ultimate rebellion against God's holiness and the sanctity of life, demonstrating the depths of sin that separate humanity from its Creator. In contrast to Manasseh's abhorrent act of sacrificing his son to false gods, the Gospel reveals God's ultimate and perfect sacrifice: He did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Gave His Son")). Jesus Christ, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, taking upon Himself the very anger and judgment that Manasseh's wickedness provoked ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")). Through Christ's atoning death and resurrection, the power of sin and death, including the spiritual darkness associated with occult practices and idolatry, is decisively broken ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil Powers")). Believers are now called to worship God in spirit and truth, freed from the bondage of sin and the need for any other mediator or source of power, finding all wisdom and guidance in Christ alone ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ as Our Wisdom")).

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 17:17

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil 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 19:31

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

Leviticus 19:26

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

2 Kings 16:3

But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.

2 Chronicles 33:6

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.

Deuteronomy 18:10

There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,