211 Manasseh was twelve e years old when he became king , and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem ; and his mother's name was Hephzibah . 2 He did evil in the sight of the Lord , according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord dispossessed before e the sons of Israel . 3 For he rebuilt e the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed ; and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah , as Ahab king of Israel had done , and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. 4 He built altars in the house of the Lord , of which the Lord had said , " In Jerusalem I will put My name ." 5 For he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord . 6 He made his son pass through the fire , practiced witchcraft and used divination , and dealt with mediums and spiritists . He did much evil in the sight of the Lord provoking Him to anger. 7 Then he set the carved image of Asherah that he had made , in the house of which the Lord said to David and to his son Solomon , " In this house and in Jerusalem , which I have chosen from all the tribes of Israel , I will put My name forever . 8 "And I will not make the feet of Israel wander anymore from the land which I gave their fathers , if only they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that My servant Moses commanded them." 9 But they did not listen , and Manasseh seduced them to do evil more than the nations whom the Lord destroyed before e the sons of Israel .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 21:1-9
Commentary on 2 Kings 21:1-9
(Read 2 Kings 21:1-9)
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to others. It is much happier when young persons are sheltered under the care of parents or guardians, till age gives experience and discretion. Though such young persons are less indulged, they will afterwards be thankful. Manasseh wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, as if on purpose to provoke him to anger; he did more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed. Manasseh went on from bad to worse, till carried captive to Babylon. The people were ready to comply with his wishes, to obtain his favour and because it suited their depraved inclinations. In the reformation of large bodies, numbers are mere time-servers, and in temptation fall away.