2 Kings 21:6 describes the egregious sins of King Manasseh of Judah. Let's break down what each phrase means in its historical and religious context:
"He made his son to pass through the fire": This refers to child sacrifice. Some scholars believe it could be a ritualistic practice of purification or dedication to a pagan deity, often Molech. It involved burning children as offerings. This was a horrific act, explicitly condemned by Yahweh in the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:21, Deuteronomy 12:31).
"Practiced sorcery": Sorcery encompasses a range of magical practices, often used for divination, manipulating events, or harming others. It involved invoking supernatural powers outside of Yahweh. It violated the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel.
"Used enchantments": Similar to sorcery, enchantments involve using spells or incantations to influence people or events through supernatural means.
"Dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards": "Familiar spirits" are supernatural entities (demons or spirits) that individuals claimed to control or communicate with. "Wizards" were people who practiced divination and magic, often claiming to have access to hidden knowledge through these spirits. God specifically forbade consulting mediums and spiritists (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
"He did much evil in Yahweh’s sight, to provoke him to anger": This is the overarching summary. Manasseh's actions were deeply offensive to Yahweh because they directly contradicted God's commands, broke the covenant between God and Israel, and involved worshipping other gods.
In essence, this verse highlights Manasseh's complete rejection of Yahweh and embrace of pagan religious practices that were abhorrent to God. His actions led to the decline of Judah and ultimately contributed to the Babylonian exile.
2 Kings 21:6 describes the egregious sins of King Manasseh of Judah. Let's break down what each phrase means in its historical and religious context:
"He made his son to pass through the fire": This refers to child sacrifice. Some scholars believe it could be a ritualistic practice of purification or dedication to a pagan deity, often Molech. It involved burning children as offerings. This was a horrific act, explicitly condemned by Yahweh in the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:21, Deuteronomy 12:31).
"Practiced sorcery": Sorcery encompasses a range of magical practices, often used for divination, manipulating events, or harming others. It involved invoking supernatural powers outside of Yahweh. It violated the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel.
"Used enchantments": Similar to sorcery, enchantments involve using spells or incantations to influence people or events through supernatural means.
"Dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards": "Familiar spirits" are supernatural entities (demons or spirits) that individuals claimed to control or communicate with. "Wizards" were people who practiced divination and magic, often claiming to have access to hidden knowledge through these spirits. God specifically forbade consulting mediums and spiritists (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
"He did much evil in Yahweh’s sight, to provoke him to anger": This is the overarching summary. Manasseh's actions were deeply offensive to Yahweh because they directly contradicted God's commands, broke the covenant between God and Israel, and involved worshipping other gods.
In essence, this verse highlights Manasseh's complete rejection of Yahweh and embrace of pagan religious practices that were abhorrent to God. His actions led to the decline of Judah and ultimately contributed to the Babylonian exile.