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:
And he set {H7760} a graven image {H6459} of the grove {H842} that he had made {H6213} in the house {H1004}, of which the LORD {H3068} said {H559} to David {H1732}, and to Solomon {H8010} his son {H1121}, In this house {H1004}, and in Jerusalem {H3389}, which I have chosen {H977} out of all tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}, will I put {H7760} my name {H8034} for ever {H5769}:
He set the carved image for the asherah he had made in the house concerning which ADONAI had told David and Shlomo his son, "In this house and in Yerushalayim, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Isra'el, I will put my name forever.
Manasseh even took the carved Asherah pole he had made and set it up in the temple, of which the LORD had said to David and his son Solomon, “In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will establish My Name forever.
And he set the graven image of Asherah, that he had made, in the house of which Jehovah said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever;
Cross-References
-
2 Chronicles 7:16 (6 votes)
For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. -
1 Kings 8:29 (4 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. -
1 Kings 9:3 (4 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. -
2 Samuel 7:13 (4 votes)
He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. -
2 Kings 21:4 (3 votes)
And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name. -
Psalms 132:13 (3 votes)
For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired [it] for his habitation. -
Psalms 132:14 (3 votes)
This [is] my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
Commentary
2 Kings 21:7 describes one of the most egregious acts of idolatry committed by King Manasseh of Judah, the son of righteous King Hezekiah. It highlights his direct defiance of God's clear instructions regarding the sanctity of the Temple in Jerusalem, a place specifically chosen by the LORD as His dwelling.
Context
This verse occurs during the long and wicked reign of King Manasseh (697-642 BC), who succeeded his father, Hezekiah. While Hezekiah had diligently removed idolatry and restored proper worship of Yahweh, Manasseh systematically reversed these reforms, leading Judah into profound apostasy. His actions included rebuilding high places, erecting altars for Baal, worshipping the host of heaven, practicing child sacrifice, and engaging in divination. The ultimate insult, described here, was placing a "graven image of the grove" – an idol of the goddess Asherah – within the very Temple that King Solomon had built and dedicated to the LORD. This was a direct violation of God's repeated declarations that this "house" in Jerusalem was where He would "put my name for ever," signifying His exclusive presence and ownership. This promise was made to King David (as seen in 2 Samuel 7:13) and reiterated to Solomon (in 1 Kings 9:3), emphasizing the sacredness of the location.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "graven image of the grove" in the KJV translates the Hebrew pesel ha'asherah (פֶּסֶל הָאֲשֵׁרָה). Pesel refers to a carved or graven image, while 'asherah (אֲשֵׁרָה) specifically denotes a cultic pole or image dedicated to Asherah, a prominent Canaanite goddess often associated with Baal worship. This wasn't merely a general idol but a specific symbol of pagan fertility cults, making its placement in God's Temple particularly offensive. The phrase "put my name for ever" (sum shimiy sham) signifies God's enduring presence, His authority, and His unique identity being eternally linked to that specific place, making Manasseh's act an ultimate affront.
Significance and Application
Manasseh's desecration of the Temple serves as a powerful warning against spiritual compromise and the dangers of allowing worldly or pagan influences to corrupt true worship. For ancient Israel, the Temple was the physical embodiment of God's presence among His people. For believers today, this principle extends to the "temple" of our own hearts and the purity of the church. As Paul reminds us, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This verse challenges us to consider what "idols" or ungodly influences we might allow into our lives or our places of worship, which should be set apart exclusively for God's glory. It underscores the importance of guarding the sanctity of our spiritual lives and remaining faithful to God's commands, recognizing that He is a holy God who desires pure devotion.
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.