2 Chronicles 33:6 – “He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse highlights some of the most shocking and evil practices committed by King Manasseh during his reign over Judah. Manasseh engaged in child sacrifice, offering his own children in fire—a horrendous pagan practice done in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, a place associated with idolatry and the worship of false gods, particularly the god Molek.
In addition to sacrificing his children, Manasseh also delved into the occult by practicing divination, witchcraft, and seeking omens. He consulted with mediums and spiritists, people who claimed to communicate with the dead or use dark powers to predict the future. All of these practices were strictly forbidden by God and were considered abominations because they represented a total rejection of God’s authority and His provision for His people. Manasseh’s actions are described as “much evil,” and they provoked God’s anger because they violated God’s commands in almost every possible way.
Historical Context
Manasseh’s reign in Judah was marked by extreme idolatry and rebellion against God’s laws. The Valley of Ben Hinnom, where child sacrifices took place, was notorious for its association with pagan worship and dark rituals. Child sacrifice was a common practice among the surrounding nations, particularly in the worship of gods like Molek, and it represented the most extreme form of rebellion against God.
Manasseh’s use of divination, witchcraft, and consulting with mediums was also deeply influenced by the pagan nations around Judah. These practices were condemned by God in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-12), as they involved seeking guidance and power from sources other than God. During Manasseh’s reign, these practices became widespread, leading Judah further into sin and idolatry.
Manasseh’s actions reflected the spiritual decay that had set in during his rule, and they contributed to God’s decision to eventually send Judah into exile as punishment for their persistent disobedience.
Theological Implications
This verse carries several important theological implications. First, it reveals the destructive nature of sin when left unchecked. Manasseh’s actions were not isolated incidents; they were part of a pattern of deeper rebellion against God. By sacrificing his own children and turning to witchcraft and divination, Manasseh was showing that he had rejected God’s ways in favor of his own understanding and the false promises of pagan practices.
This verse also illustrates God’s justice. It says that Manasseh’s actions “aroused [God’s] anger.” God’s anger is not like human anger—impulsive or petty—but is a righteous response to sin and injustice. God had been patient with Judah for generations, but Manasseh’s reign demonstrated a total disregard for God’s commandments, pushing the nation to the brink of judgment.
Finally, this verse reminds us that no matter how far someone falls, God’s mercy is still available. While Manasseh’s sins were grave, the story of his later repentance (2 Chronicles 33:12-13) shows that God is willing to forgive even the worst of sins when there is genuine repentance.
Literary Analysis
The chronicler’s description of Manasseh’s actions in this verse is meant to highlight the extreme nature of his evil. The verse lists the specific practices that were forbidden by God—child sacrifice, divination, witchcraft, consulting with spirits—all of which represent complete rebellion against God’s law. The phrase “He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing His anger” is a summary of Manasseh’s character at this point in the narrative. It is meant to show just how far Judah had fallen under his leadership.
The imagery of the Valley of Ben Hinnom is also significant. This valley would later become associated with Gehenna, a term used by Jesus in the New Testament to describe hell, symbolizing judgment and destruction (Mark 9:43). This gives the reader a sense of the severity of Manasseh’s actions and the consequences they would bring upon the nation.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 18:21 – God forbids the Israelites from sacrificing their children to Molek, a direct command that Manasseh violated.
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – God condemns practices like divination, witchcraft, and consulting mediums, all of which Manasseh engaged in.
- Jeremiah 7:31 – The prophet Jeremiah speaks against the practice of child sacrifice in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, calling it something God never commanded or even imagined.
- 2 Kings 21:6 – A parallel account of Manasseh’s evil practices, reinforcing the gravity of his sin.
- Romans 1:28-32 – Paul describes the result of turning away from God, listing many sins, including idolatry and murder, which are similar to the practices seen in Manasseh’s time.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern Christians, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of straying from God and embracing practices that are opposed to His will. While child sacrifice and witchcraft may seem far removed from today’s society, the underlying issue of turning away from God and placing trust in other things remains relevant. Many modern forms of idolatry—whether it’s money, power, or seeking guidance from sources outside of God’s Word—can have similarly destructive effects on our relationship with God.
This verse challenges believers to examine their own lives for areas where they may be compromising their faith or allowing cultural influences to draw them away from God. It also emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in God’s truth and avoiding anything that contradicts His Word.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, this verse might seem to focus solely on God’s anger, but it also points to His deep love and desire for justice. God’s anger is a response to the injustice and evil that Manasseh introduced into Judah, particularly the horrific practice of child sacrifice. God’s love for His people and for righteousness compels Him to act when there is extreme wickedness.
Despite Manasseh’s great sin, God’s love is also demonstrated later in the story when Manasseh repents and seeks God’s forgiveness (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Even though Manasseh had done things that provoked God’s anger, God was still willing to forgive him when he turned back. This shows that God’s love is greater than our worst sins, and His grace is available to anyone who humbly seeks Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Manasseh’s sins, especially his involvement in child sacrifice and occult practices, highlight the brokenness of humanity and our need for a Savior. Jesus Christ came to deal with the very sins that people like Manasseh committed. In fact, Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross took on the punishment for the sins of the world, including the most egregious offenses like those seen in Manasseh’s life.
Jesus’ ministry also confronted spiritual forces and false practices. He cast out demons and rebuked those who relied on dark spiritual powers. His life and resurrection demonstrated His authority over all things, including the occult practices that Manasseh embraced. Through Jesus, we are offered freedom from sin, darkness, and judgment. As Paul writes in Colossians 1:13, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some modern-day practices or beliefs that might be considered similar to the idolatry and occult activities Manasseh engaged in?
- How does this passage challenge you to think about the influence of cultural practices on your own faith?
- What does Manasseh’s story teach us about the seriousness of sin and the consequences of turning away from God?
- How does God’s willingness to forgive Manasseh later in his life encourage you in your own walk with God, especially when you’ve made mistakes?
- In what ways can we, as followers of Jesus, guard against practices and influences that are contrary to God’s Word?
Manasseh’s actions in this verse demonstrate the depth of human sin and rebellion, but his later repentance shows the boundless mercy of God. Jesus Christ provides the ultimate solution to sin by offering redemption through His sacrifice, freeing us from the power of darkness and giving us new life in Him.