This verse from 2 Chronicles 33:6 describes the wicked acts of King Manasseh of Judah. Let's break it down:
"He also made his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom": This is the most horrifying aspect. The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Gehenna) was a valley outside Jerusalem. The practice of making children "pass through the fire" is understood as child sacrifice, often to pagan gods like Molech. It could have involved literally burning children alive, or a ritual where children were passed through or over a fire as a symbolic offering. Either way, it was a horrific act.
"He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft": These activities were forbidden by God in the Old Testament. They involved seeking knowledge or power from sources other than God, often through rituals, spells, and communication with the spirit world.
"and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards": "Familiar spirits" were believed to be demons or spirits that served as a medium's guide or source of information. Wizards were people who claimed to have supernatural powers and could communicate with the spirit world. Again, seeking out these people and engaging in these practices was forbidden and considered a form of idolatry.
"He did much evil in Yahweh's sight, to provoke him to anger": This summarizes the entire verse. Manasseh's actions were deeply offensive to God, breaking his commandments and turning away from him to worship other gods. The purpose and result of these actions was to anger and provoke Yahweh.
In essence, this verse portrays Manasseh as an exceptionally wicked king who engaged in idolatry, occult practices, and the horrific act of child sacrifice. These actions are presented as a direct affront to God and a cause for divine anger.
This verse from 2 Chronicles 33:6 describes the wicked acts of King Manasseh of Judah. Let's break it down:
"He also made his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom": This is the most horrifying aspect. The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Gehenna) was a valley outside Jerusalem. The practice of making children "pass through the fire" is understood as child sacrifice, often to pagan gods like Molech. It could have involved literally burning children alive, or a ritual where children were passed through or over a fire as a symbolic offering. Either way, it was a horrific act.
"He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft": These activities were forbidden by God in the Old Testament. They involved seeking knowledge or power from sources other than God, often through rituals, spells, and communication with the spirit world.
"and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards": "Familiar spirits" were believed to be demons or spirits that served as a medium's guide or source of information. Wizards were people who claimed to have supernatural powers and could communicate with the spirit world. Again, seeking out these people and engaging in these practices was forbidden and considered a form of idolatry.
"He did much evil in Yahweh's sight, to provoke him to anger": This summarizes the entire verse. Manasseh's actions were deeply offensive to God, breaking his commandments and turning away from him to worship other gods. The purpose and result of these actions was to anger and provoke Yahweh.
In essence, this verse portrays Manasseh as an exceptionally wicked king who engaged in idolatry, occult practices, and the horrific act of child sacrifice. These actions are presented as a direct affront to God and a cause for divine anger.