2 Kings 21
Meaning of 2 Kings 21
2 Kings 21 is a chapter in the Bible that primarily covers the reigns of two kings of Judah, Manasseh and Amon.
1. Manasseh’s Reign (verses 1-18): The chapter starts with the reign of King Manasseh, who becomes king at the age of twelve and reigns in Jerusalem for fifty-five years. Unlike his father Hezekiah, a righteous king who followed God faithfully, Manasseh is portrayed as a wicked ruler. He reintroduces pagan worship and idolatry to Judah, which includes practices like rebuilding high places, erecting altars for Baal, worshipping the host of heaven, building altars in the temple of God, practicing witchcraft and divination, and even sacrificing his son (child sacrifice). These actions are seen as a significant deviation from God’s commandments and are blamed for provoking God’s anger.
2. Prophecy Of Punishment (verses 10-15): In response, God sends prophets to declare His judgment on Judah. Due to their idolatrous ways under Manasseh, God promises to bring disaster upon them, likened to a farmer wiping a dish and turning it upside down.
3. Manasseh’s Death (verses 16-18): The chapter shows that Manasseh was responsible for much innocent blood, presumably caused by the large-scale human sacrifices and persecutions of Yahweh cultists which occurred during his reign. Despite his long rule and powerful influence, he dies and is buried in his palace garden rather than the royal tombs, possibly a sign of disfavor.
4. Amon’s Reign (verses 19-26): Manasseh’s son, Amon, takes the throne after him. Like his father, Amon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, worshipping and sacrificing to idols. His reign is relatively short, only two years, and he faces assassination by his own servants. However, the people of the land kill those who plot against Amon and put his son Josiah on the throne, thus continuing the Davidic line.
This chapter largely demonstrates the consequences of violating the covenant with God and turning to idolatry and injustice. Manasseh and Amon are portrayed as negative examples, kings whose evil actions are said to lead towards Judah’s destruction.
2 Kings 21 kjv
The 21st chapter of 2 Kings in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible narrates the reign and deeds of two kings; Manasseh, the king of Judah, and his son Amon.
In the beginning of the chapter, Manasseh, who was twelve years old when he became king, is introduced. He ruled in Jerusalem for fifty-five years. Manasseh did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the abominable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites.
Manasseh is described as having rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed. He erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole (an idol) as King Ahab of Israel had done, worshipped the starry host and even built altars to them in the temple of the Lord. He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. This greatly angered God.
Despite receiving warnings from God through His prophets, Manasseh not only ignored them but also led Judah into greater sin. Because of this, God foretold that calamity would come upon Jerusalem and Judah.
Following Manasseh’s death, his son Amon became king. He followed his father’s ways, doing what was evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was killed by his servants in his own house after two years of reign. However, the people of the land killed those who had conspired against King Amon and then made his son Josiah king in his place.
2 Kings 21 nkjv
2 Kings 21 is a chapter from the New King James Version of the Bible that focuses primarily on the reigns of two kings, Manasseh and Amon, both of whom were Judean kings.
Manasseh, who was twelve when he started his reign, is recorded as the king who ruled for the longest time, fifty-five years, in Jerusalem. However, he is repeatedly cited as doing what was “evil in the sight of the Lord”, notably regressing from the religious reforms made by his father, King Hezekiah. Manasseh worshiped and built high places for Baal, made a wooden image, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. He even used the temple of God for his idolatry. Manasseh led the people astray, so they did great wickedness against the Lord.
Despite warnings from the Lord, Manasseh did not listen, and his people led a very sinful life. This chapter of 2 Kings affirms that the actions of Manasseh provoked God to anger.
Following Manasseh’s death, his son Amon became king, who followed in the footsteps of his father. Like his father, Amon did what was “evil in the sight of Lord”. During his two-year reign, Amon worshiped the idols his father had made, and he did not humble himself before the Lord.
His servants conspired against Amon and killed him in his own house. However, ‘the people of the land’ killed those who had conspired against King Amon, and subsequently made his son Josiah king in his place – a narrative that thus leads us into the next chapter of 2 Kings. In his relatively short reign, Amon perpetuated the sins of his father, thereby leading the people of Judah further astray.
The chapter concludes with Amon’s death and the ascension of his son, Josiah, to the throne. Remember that the actions of both Manasseh and Amon lead to the eventual downfall of the society they were set to govern, making this chapter an important narrative about the consequences of turning away from God’s path.
2 Kings 21 niv
2 Kings 21 in the New International Version tells the story of King Manasseh and King Amon, who both ruled in Judah. This chapter mainly highlights the wickedness of these kings and their unfaithfulness to God which eventually led to Judah’s downfall.
King Manasseh’s rule, which lasted for 55 years, was marked by evil ways and idolatry. The beginning verses indicate that he did what was considered detestable to God, including rebuilding the high places that his father King Hezekiah had destroyed, erecting altars for Baal, worshiping and serving the stars, and even placing a carved idol of Asherah in the temple, God’s house. The chapter emphasizes that Manasseh led the people of Judah astray, provoking God to anger through his wicked practices.
God sent prophets to Manasseh to warn him of the impending danger of his actions, and to ask him to repent and change his ways. However, they were ignored. As a result, God declared that He would bring disaster to Jerusalem and Judah, with the same terrible fate that befell Samaria and the house of Ahab.
Following Manasseh, King Amon ruled Judah for two years. Like his father Manasseh, he did what was evil in God’s sight. He didn’t humble himself before God as Manasseh did, he increased his guilt. Eventually, his own officials conspired against him and assassinated him. His son Josiah succeeded him as king.
This chapter warns about the danger of idolatry and disobedience to God. The examples of Manasseh and Amon show that actions have consequences, even for a nation as a whole.
What is 2 Kings 21 all about?
2 Kings 21 revolves around the life and reign of two Judah Kings – Manasseh and Amon.
The chapter opens with Manasseh who was only twelve when he became king, and reigned in Jerusalem for fifty-five years. Despite his long reign, Manasseh is highlighted as an extremely wicked and idolatrous king. Contrary to his God-fearing father, Hezekiah, Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray by promoting idol worship and other detestable practices. The chapter tells us that Manasseh rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had demolished, erected altars to Baal, and made an Asherah pole. He also bowed down and worshiped the starry host, along with other kinds of idolatry contrary to God’s commandments.
Manasseh’s actions upset God and faced severe rebuke. God declared through His prophets that He would bring disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah, so terrifying that it would make people’s ears tingle.
The later part of the chapter (verses 19 to 26) focuses on Manasseh’s son, Amon, who succeeded him and continued to do what was evil in God’s sight, much like his father. He never turned away from the sins of his father, leading to his servants conspiring against him and killing him in his own house. He was succeeded by his son Josiah.
In essence, 2 Kings 21 depicts the dire consequences of disobedience to God and the perpetuation of evil during the reign of these two kings of Judah.
What does 2 Kings 21 teaches?
2 Kings Chapter 21 records the reign of two kings of Judah: Manasseh and Amon.
The main themes of 2 Kings 21 are disobedience, punishment, and its consequences. The chapter first talks about Manasseh, who reigned in Jerusalem for 55 years and started at the age of 12. Manasseh did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. Manasseh built shrines, worshipped idols, practiced witchcraft, and even sacrificed his own son in fire. This was in stark contrast to his father Hezekiah, who had followed God faithfully.
Despite the prophet’s warnings, Manasseh did not repent, and so Jerusalem suffered punishment due to his actions. The text says that Manasseh led the people of Jerusalem astray, causing them to sin more than any of nations that the Lord destroyed before the children of Israel.
The second half talks about Amon, Manasseh’s son, who followed in his father’s footsteps and continued to do wrong in the sight of the Lord. He did not humble himself but trespassed more and more. His servants conspired against him, assassinated him, and he had a short reign of only two years.
In summary, 2 Kings 21 teaches about the grave consequences that come with disobedience to God’s commands and leading others into sin. Both Manasseh and Amon strayed far from obeying God’s commands and lead their people into greater sin, resulting in not only their downfall but also great suffering for their people. It’s a warning to all about the severity of sin and the importance of obedience to God.
A Sermon on 2 Kings 21
2 Kings 21 is a significant part of the Bible, which narrates the reigns of two notorious kings of Judah – Manasseh and Amon. A sermon about this chapter might focus on various themes, like the consequences of disobedience, the state of society under wicked leadership, and the concept of repentance.
1. **The State of Society under Wicked Leadership:** 2 Kings 21 starts by describing the reign of Manasseh. It mentions his evil actions, which include idolatry, child sacrifice, sorcery, and divination. Despite being the son of the righteous King Hezekiah, Manasseh led his people astray and induced them to do more evil than the nations God had destroyed before the Israelites. Consideration can be given to the importance of good leadership according to God’s will.
2. **Consequences of Disobedience:** This chapter illustrates the severe consequences of disobedience against God. God sends His prophets to warn Manasseh and the people of Judah, but they do not listen. The punishment, however, is severe – God promises destruction and disaster for Jerusalem.
3. **The Concept of Repentance:** While Manasseh’s repentance is not mentioned in this chapter but is in 2 Chronicles 33, it still provides a powerful discussion point. Despite all the evil he has done, God still accepts Manasseh’s sincere repentance, demonstrating God’s mercy and willingness to forgive.
4. **Amon’s Continuation of Evil:** Amon, Manasseh’s son, is mentioned in the latter part of the chapter, further emphasizing the long-lasting effects of Manasseh’s negative behavior. Like his father, Amon does evil in the Lord’s sight, perpetuating a cycle that proves difficult to break.
A preacher based on this chapter might help the congregation to draw lessons from this historical event, reminding them of the importance of staying true to God’s commandments, the consequences of disobedience, and the power of sincere repentance.
Key people in 2 Kings 21
In 2 Kings 21, the key figures mentioned are:
1. Manasseh: He is the primary character of this chapter and the son of Hezekiah. Manasseh becomes the king of Judah at the age of 12 and reigns for 55 years. His reign is notorious for its wickedness and idolatry. He is portrayed as a king who does evil in the eyes of the Lord, and commits many sinful acts, such as idol worship, child sacrifice, and witchcraft.
2. Amon: Amon is the son of Manasseh, carries on his father’s wickedness and rule for a relatively short period of time. Like his father, Amon does what is evil in the eyes of the Lord.
3. Hezekiah: Hezekiah, Manasseh’s father, is mentioned as a well-respected and God-fearing king, providing a stark contrast to his son.
4. Hephzibah: She is mentioned as the mother of Manasseh.
5. Meshullemeth: She is mentioned as the mother of Amon and the wife of Manasseh.
6. Prophets (Although unnamed): Prophets are mentioned in the passage who bring warnings and prophecies of disaster due to the evils committed by Manasseh. They pointed out the imminent danger that awaited Jerusalem because of the idolatry and disobedience to God’s laws.
Real world examples on 2 Kings 21
2 Kings 21 in the Bible tells the story of Manasseh, king of Judah, who is remembered as one of the most wicked and vile kings in the history of Judah. Despite the legacy of his father, Hezekiah, who reigned righteously before him, Manasseh led his people into idolatry and irreligious practices, prompting the ire of the Lord.
Here are some real-world examples that could potentially illustrate the themes found within 2 Kings 21:
1. Corrupt Leadership: In recent history, many leaders have been remembered as tyrants for their oppressive, selfish, or harmful leadership styles, much like Manasseh. Examples include Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, or Kim Jong-un, who have guided their nations in ways that have been detrimental to the well-being and survival of their people.
2. Consequences of Bad Decision-Making: Manasseh’s decision to lead his people into idolatry angered the Lord, leading to various predicaments for Judah. For instance, an individual might face similar consequences in modern times for stealing or committing other criminal offenses. Such actions can lead to penalties such as jail time or fines that could serve as the direct negative consequences of unlawful actions.
3. Influence Over Others: Manasseh’s reign effectively influenced his people into straying from their religious beliefs and made them adopt pagan practices. In the real world, it’s not uncommon to see individuals or entities exercise such influence—whether negative or positive—over others. This might be a powerful figure in society advocating for harmful practice or an influential individual encouraging destructive behavior among their followers.
4. Religious Apostasy: In many societies today, there are instances where individuals abandon their religious faith and beliefs, often for atheism or other faiths, much like how Manasseh led his people into idolatry. This act is known as apostasy.
5. Repentance and Forgiveness: Despite Manasseh’s wickedness, according to Chronicles, he repented and sought God’s forgiveness in his later years. This is a real-world practice as people often regret their past actions and seek forgiveness from those they’ve wronged or from God, if they are religious.
Remember, however, that religious texts can be interpreted in various ways and these examples are merely some of the possible real-world applications of 2 Kings 21’s events and themes.
Brief Explanation of 2 Kings 21
2 Kings Chapter 21 primarily covers the reigns of two Judean kings, Manasseh and Amon.
In the beginning, Manasseh becomes king after Hezekiah’s death. His reign is marked by dishonor as he does evil in the sight of the Lord, even more so than the nations God had destroyed before the Israelites. He rebuilds the high places his father had demolished, erects altars for Baal, practices sorcery, divination, and consults mediums and spiritists, thus provoking God to anger. Despite God’s warning, Manasseh fails to listen and leads his people astray, fostering and promoting idolatry.
Because of Manasseh’s disregard for God’s commandments, God declares that he will bring such disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah that those who hear it will be appalled. Unfortunately, Manasseh dies unrepentant, and his son Amon takes over.
Amon’s reign, much like his father’s, was marked by evil. He walked in his father’s ways, serving and worshipping the idols his father had worshipped. He did not follow the humble and repentant ways of his father but increased his guilt. His officials conspire against him and assassinate him. Amon’s son, Josiah, succeeds him.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Kings 21
1. Who was Manasseh and why was he significant in 2 Kings 21?
Manasseh was the son of Hezekiah and the king of Judah for 55 years, which is the longest reign among the kings of Judah. Despite his father’s faithfulness to God, Manasseh is known for leading Judah into idolatry and witchcraft. His evil acts are clearly outlined in this chapter.
2. What did Manasseh do that was considered evil in the sight of the Lord?
According to 2 Kings 21, Manasseh did more evil than the nations that Jehovah had destroyed before the Israelites. He rebuilt high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars to Baal, made an Asherah pole, and bowed down and worshiped the whole host of Heaven. He also built altars within the house of God, even in the two courts of the house of Jehovah.
3. How did God react to Manasseh’s actions?
God was very angry with Manasseh’s actions and pronounced judgment upon Jerusalem. He spoke through His prophets saying that He would wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.
4. Who was Amon and what is his relevance in this chapter?
Amon was the son of Manasseh who followed in his father’s footsteps and did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He reigned for just two years before his officials conspired against him and assassinated him in his palace. However, the people of the land killed those who had conspired against him.
5. What does this chapter teach about God’s character and His response to sin?
This chapter depicts God’s sheer holiness and intolerance for sin, especially after repeated warnings. His response to sin, even if delayed, is inevitable, demonstrating his justice. However, His judgment is always just, and He often provides opportunities for repentance before executing judgment.
6. How does this chapter fit into the larger narrative of 2 Kings?
2 Kings chronicles the divided kingdom, and chapter 21 highlights some of the worst kings in Judah’s history, leading to its downfall. This chapter, among others, details the continuous cycle of sin, judgment, restoration, and repeated sin that marks the history of the Kings.
7. Does God forgive Manasseh?
The book of 2 Kings doesn’t mention Manasseh’s repentance; however, in 2 Chronicles 33, it’s mentioned that Manasseh humbles himself before God, repents, and God forgives him. This episode underscores the theme of God’s mercy and readiness to forgive those who truly repent.
Possible References for 2 Kings 21
2 Kings 21 refers to the 21st chapter in the second book of Kings in the Bible.
This chapter describes the reign of two kings: King Manasseh and King Amon, who were kings of Judah. The chapter provides a recount of their respective rulerships, mainly focusing on their religious practices which differ greatly from their predecessors.
The primary themes covered in this chapter are:
1. The Reign of Manasseh (2 Kings 21:1-18): Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, is described as an evil king who turned away from the God of Israel and led the people towards idolatrous practices. He even erected altars to foreign gods in the temple of the Lord, contradicting the religious law of his time. God forewarned the destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of his actions.
2. The Reign of Amon (2 Kings 21:19-26): Following the death of Manasseh, his son Amon became king. Like his father, he is depicted as wicked in the eyes of the Lord, worshipping and serving idols. Amon’s officials conspire against him and assassinate him, but the people of the land kill those who had conspired against King Amon. After his death, Amon’s son Josiah is made king.
The chapter serves as a depiction of the spiritual decline in the kingdom of Judah and sets the stage for the eventual downfall of Jerusalem.
Conclusion on 2 Kings 21
2 Kings 21 deals with the reigns of two Judean kings, Manasseh and Amon, who are shown as sinful and corrupt leaders who led Judah into idol worship and other offenses against God, leading the nation away from its covenant with God.
The conclusion of the chapter marks a significant turning point. Despite Manasseh’s reign being the longest in the history of Judah, it’s also described as the most evil. His son Amon followed in his father’s footsteps, ignoring the teachings of the Lord and worshiping idols.
The chapter concludes with the observation that they both ‘shed innocent blood’ and did more ‘evil in the eyes of the LORD’ than the pagans whom the LORD had destroyed. These actions angered the LORD, resulting in prophecy of doom for Jerusalem and Judah due to their repeated disobedience.
A verse near the end of the chapter, 2 Kings 21:13 says, “I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.” This foreshadows the coming devastation by Babylon, which leads to Judah’s exile.
The underlying conclusion is that leaders who disregard the commands of God and lead their people astray will ultimately face severe consequences. The wickedness of Manasseh and Amon sealed Judah’s fate, and the prophecies of destruction spoken by God’s messengers finally took effect due to their disobedience.