In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. In both courtyardsThe phrase "in both courtyards" refers to the two main areas within the temple complex: the inner and outer courtyards. These courtyards were integral to the temple's design, serving as spaces for worship and sacrifice. The inner courtyard was more exclusive, reserved for priests and certain sacred rituals, while the outer courtyard was accessible to the general populace. The fact that altars were built in both courtyards signifies a comprehensive defilement of the temple, indicating that the idolatry was not limited to a secluded area but permeated the entire sacred space. This act of desecration highlights the extent of King Manasseh's apostasy and his blatant disregard for the sanctity of the temple, which was meant to be a place dedicated solely to the worship of Yahweh. of the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The temple was a symbol of the covenant between God and Israel, representing His promise to dwell with them. By building altars to other gods within this sacred space, Manasseh was not only violating the first commandment but also undermining the very foundation of Israel's relationship with God. This act of sacrilege was a direct affront to the divine order established by God and a profound betrayal of the covenantal relationship. he built altars
The construction of altars signifies an intentional and deliberate act of idolatry. In the ancient Near Eastern context, altars were structures used for sacrifices and offerings to deities. By building altars, Manasseh was establishing places of worship for false gods, thereby institutionalizing idolatry within the nation of Judah. This action reflects a conscious choice to turn away from the worship of Yahweh and embrace the religious practices of surrounding pagan nations, which often included astral worship and other forms of idolatry. to all the host of heaven
The phrase "to all the host of heaven" refers to the worship of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, stars, and planets. This form of idolatry was prevalent among the nations surrounding Israel and was strictly forbidden by God (Deuteronomy 4:19). The "host of heaven" were often associated with various deities in ancient Near Eastern religions, and their worship involved complex rituals and sacrifices. By dedicating altars to these celestial entities, Manasseh was not only adopting pagan practices but also leading the people of Judah into spiritual adultery. This act of apostasy was a grave sin, as it diverted the people's worship away from the Creator to the created, violating the core tenets of monotheistic faith and the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Persons / Places / Events 1. ManassehThe king of Judah who reigned for 55 years and is known for his idolatrous practices, including building altars to celestial bodies in the temple of the LORD. 2. The House of the LORDRefers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites and where God's presence was believed to dwell. 3. Altars to the Host of HeavenManasseh constructed altars dedicated to the worship of celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, which was a direct violation of God's commandments. 4. Courtyards of the TempleThe temple had multiple courtyards, and Manasseh's actions defiled these sacred spaces by introducing idolatrous worship. 5. Idolatry in JudahThis event is part of a broader account of idolatry in Judah, which led to spiritual decline and eventual judgment. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry leads to spiritual decay and separation from God. Manasseh's actions serve as a warning against placing anything above God in our lives. The Sanctity of Worship SpacesThe temple was a sacred place dedicated to the worship of Yahweh. We must respect and honor places of worship, ensuring they remain dedicated to God alone. Repentance and RestorationDespite Manasseh's grave sins, his account later includes repentance. This teaches us that no matter how far we stray, God offers forgiveness if we genuinely repent. Influence of LeadershipLeaders have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Manasseh's idolatry led Judah astray, reminding us of the responsibility leaders have to guide others toward God. Guarding Against Cultural InfluencesManasseh's idolatry was influenced by surrounding nations. We must be vigilant against cultural pressures that lead us away from biblical truths. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Manasseh's construction of altars in the temple courtyards reveal about his understanding of God's commandments? 2. How can we identify and remove "altars" or idols in our own lives that may be taking the place of God? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our places of worship remain dedicated to God and free from idolatrous influences? 4. How does Manasseh's eventual repentance encourage us in our own spiritual journeys, especially when we have strayed from God? 5. What lessons can we learn from Manasseh's leadership about the influence of leaders on the spiritual health of a community or nation? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 4:19Warns against worshiping the host of heaven, emphasizing that such practices are forbidden by God. 2 Kings 21:5Provides a parallel account of Manasseh's actions, highlighting the severity of his idolatry. Exodus 20:3-5The Ten Commandments explicitly prohibit idolatry, underscoring the gravity of Manasseh's sin. Jeremiah 19:13Speaks of the consequences of idolatry and the defilement of sacred spaces. People Amon, Ben, David, Hezekiah, Israelites, Josiah, Manasseh, SolomonPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Fish Gate, Gihon, Jerusalem, Ophel, Valley of HinnomTopics Altars, Army, Buildeth, Built, Courts, Heaven, Heavens, Host, Hosts, Outer, Sky, Squares, Starry, Stars, TempleDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 33:5 4281 stars
7471 temples, heathen
8748 false religion 2 Chronicles 33:1-6 8807 profanity 2 Chronicles 33:1-7 8831 syncretism 2 Chronicles 33:1-9 5714 men 2 Chronicles 33:1-25 5366 king 2 Chronicles 33:2-10 7245 Judah, kingdom of 2 Chronicles 33:3-5 4170 host of heaven
8709 astrology 2 Chronicles 33:3-6 4185 sorcery and magic Library Manasseh's Sin and Repentance
'So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel. 10. And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. 11. Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. 12. And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureManasseh
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem."--2 CHRON. xxxiii. l. Fifty and five years--he wore the crown a longer time than any other of the house of David. Of all the kings that reigned in Jerusalem, this man's reign filled the largest space; yet he is the one king of Judah about whom we are told least. In the modern city of Venice there is a hall which is adorned with the portraits of all the doges …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
DO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch: …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations," …
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
OR, GOOD NEWS FOR THE VILEST OF MEN; BEING A HELP FOR DESPAIRING SOULS, SHOWING THAT JESUS CHRIST WOULD HAVE MERCY IN THE FIRST PLACE OFFERED TO THE BIGGEST SINNERS. THE THIRD EDITION, IN WHICH IS ADDED, AN ANSWER TO THOSE GRAND OBJECTIONS THAT LIE IN THE WAY OF THE THEM THAT WOULD BELIEVE: FOR THE COMFORT OF THEM THAT FEAR THEY HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST. BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. London: Printed for Elizabeth Smith, at the Hand and Bible, on London Bridge, 1691. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Chronicles 33:5 NIV2 Chronicles 33:5 NLT2 Chronicles 33:5 ESV2 Chronicles 33:5 NASB2 Chronicles 33:5 KJV
2 Chronicles 33:5 Commentaries
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