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2 Kings 21:2

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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.

And he did {H6213} that which was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, after the abominations {H8441} of the heathen {H1471}, whom the LORD {H3068} cast out {H3423} before {H6440} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

He did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective, following the disgusting practices of the nations whom ADONAI had expelled ahead of the people of Isra'el.

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, after the abominations of the nations whom Jehovah cast out before the children of Israel.

Commentary

This verse introduces King Manasseh, the son of the righteous King Hezekiah, and immediately establishes the wicked nature of his reign. It sets the stage for one of the darkest periods in Judah's history, highlighting his profound departure from the spiritual legacy of his father.

Context

King Manasseh ascended the throne of Judah at the young age of 12 and reigned for 55 years, the longest reign of any king in Judah or Israel. Despite being the son of Hezekiah, who had led significant religious reforms, Manasseh actively reversed his father's efforts and plunged Judah into deep idolatry and pagan practices. The "heathen" refers to the Canaanite nations and other surrounding peoples whom God had previously driven out of the land because of their detestable religious and social practices. Manasseh's reign, marked by profound wickedness, is also detailed in 2 Chronicles 33:2.

Key Themes

  • Profound Disobedience: Manasseh's actions were a direct affront to God's commandments and a blatant rejection of the covenant relationship. He did "evil in the sight of the LORD," indicating a violation of divine standards.
  • Idolatry and Paganism: The verse emphasizes his adoption of the "abominations of the heathen." This included practices such as Baal worship, Asherah poles, child sacrifice, and divination, which were strictly forbidden by God and had led to the downfall of the prior inhabitants of the land.
  • Warning from History: By imitating the practices of the nations whom the LORD had "cast out," Manasseh ignored the clear historical precedent of divine judgment against such wickedness, setting Judah on a dangerous path.

Linguistic Insights

The term "evil" (Hebrew: ra') here signifies not merely misfortune, but deep moral wickedness and wrongdoing that is offensive to God. More significantly, "abominations" (Hebrew: to'ebah) is a powerful term used throughout the Old Testament to describe practices that are utterly detestable and repugnant to God, often linked to idolatry, sexual perversion, and child sacrifice. These were sins so grave that they defiled the land and warranted severe judgment.

Related Scriptures

The specific "abominations" that Manasseh embraced were the very practices that God had explicitly forbidden Israel to engage in, as detailed in laws concerning pagan worship and immorality (Deuteronomy 18:9-12). The phrase "whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel" serves as a stark reminder of God's judgment against such practices, highlighting that the land itself would "vomit out" those who defiled it (Leviticus 18:28).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a sober warning against the dangers of backsliding and embracing worldly practices that contradict God's word. Manasseh's story reminds us that:

  • Spiritual Heritage is Not a Guarantee: Being raised in a godly environment does not automatically ensure personal righteousness; each individual must choose to follow the LORD.
  • The Enduring Nature of Sin: The "abominations" condemned in ancient Israel often find parallels in modern forms of idolatry, whether through materialism, self-worship, or moral relativism.
  • God's Standards Remain: What was "evil in the sight of the LORD" then remains so today. Believers are called to discern and resist cultural influences that are contrary to God's will, striving for purity and obedience (Romans 12:2).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 16:51 (2 votes)

    Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done.

  • 2 Kings 21:7 (2 votes)

    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:

  • Jeremiah 15:4 (2 votes)

    And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for [that] which he did in Jerusalem.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:2 (2 votes)

    But did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:4 (2 votes)

    Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.

  • Deuteronomy 12:31 (2 votes)

    Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

  • 2 Kings 21:16 (2 votes)

    Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD.