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2 Kings 21

26 verses

TL;DR

The chapter chronicles the reigns of Manasseh and Amon, both of whom embrace idolatry, leading to divine judgment and the transition to the reformist king Josiah.

Summary

Manasseh began ruling Judah at twelve and reigned fifty‑five years, restoring high places, building altars to Baal, and practicing occult arts, provoking God's wrath. Prophets foretell severe judgment: Jerusalem will be destroyed and its people abandoned because of their persistent idolatry. After Manasseh’s death, his son Amon continues the same apostasy, reigns briefly, and is assassinated by his own servants. The conspirators are subsequently killed by the populace, who place Josiah—his son—on the throne. The chapter underscores the cyclical pattern of apostasy, punishment, and restoration in Judah’s history.

Outline
  1. Manasseh’s reign and idolatrous reforms (verses 1‑17)
  2. Prophetic declaration of judgment against Jerusalem (verses 18‑16)
  3. Amon’s reign, assassination, and Josiah’s ascension (verses 18‑26)
Themes
Idolatry and apostasyDivine judgment and covenant faithfulnessCyclical rise and fall of Judah’s kings
Keywords
idolatryhigh placesBaalprophetsjudgmentcovenantJerusalemAmonJosiah
People
ManassehHephzibahAmonMeshullemethJosiahHaruzJotbahHezekiahAhabprophets
Places
JerusalemUzzaSamariahouse of the LORDgarden of UzzaJotbah
Things
high placesaltars to Baalgrovegraven imagefire ritualsenchantmentsfamiliar spiritsprophetic warnings
Key Verses
  • 2 Kings 21:2-5: Illustrates the depth of Manasseh’s idolatry and his reversal of his father Hezekiah’s reforms.
  • 2 Kings 21:6: Details Manasseh’s occult practices that provoke divine anger.
  • 2 Kings 21:13-14: Prophetic pronouncement of Jerusalem’s destruction and abandonment.
  • 2 Kings 21:20-24: Shows Amon’s continuation of apostasy, his assassination, and the people’s choice of Josiah.
Questions
  • How does Manasseh’s idolatry compare to the reforms of his father, Hezekiah?
  • What does the repeated theme of judgment reveal about the covenant relationship between Judah and God?
  • In what ways does the chapter portray the role of the people in restoring or destroying the kingdom?
  • How might the prophetic warnings influence our understanding of divine justice and mercy?
Sentiment

negative
The chapter describes severe apostasy and impending judgment.