2 Kings 21:3
“And he (King Manasseh) built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.”
This verse is a part of the historical account of the reign of King Manasseh, who ruled over the kingdom of Judah. It provides insight into his actions and spiritual practices during his reign.
During the reign of King Hezekiah, Manasseh’s father, many reforms were implemented to eradicate idolatry and restore worship of the Lord God according to the Mosaic Law. However, when Manasseh ascended to the throne, he made a stark departure from his father’s ways and led the nation back into idolatry.
The verse describes how King Manasseh rebuilt the high places, which were locations of pagan worship that had been previously destroyed by his father. This act signified a return to the worship of false gods and idols. Manasseh went further by erecting altars for Baal, a prominent Canaanite deity associated with fertility, and he made a grove, likely referring to an Asherah pole or sacred tree that was commonly associated with the worship of pagan goddesses.
Moreover, the verse mentions that Manasseh worshipped “all the host of heaven.” This phrase refers to the practice of worshiping the celestial bodies as deities. It suggests that Manasseh engaged in astrology or star worship, attributing divine significance to the sun, moon, stars, and other celestial entities.
By engaging in these practices, Manasseh not only defied the commandments of the Lord but also followed the example of Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, who promoted idolatry and disregarded God’s laws.
The consequences of King Manasseh’s actions were severe, not only for himself but also for the nation of Judah. As the account continues, it reveals that Manasseh led the people astray, causing them to do evil in the sight of the Lord. The Lord’s response to the nation’s idolatry and wickedness is later described in subsequent verses.
