2 Kings 21:4

Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My Name."

Study Bible

He built altars
This phrase indicates an act of rebellion against God’s commandments. The Hebrew root for "built" is "בָּנָה" (banah), which typically signifies construction or establishment. In this context, it is used negatively, as King Manasseh constructed altars for pagan worship within the sacred precincts of the temple. This act was a direct violation of the first commandment and a desecration of the temple, which was meant to be a place dedicated solely to the worship of Yahweh. Historically, this reflects a period of syncretism in Judah, where foreign religious practices were incorporated into the worship of the God of Israel, leading the nation into idolatry.

in the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites. The Hebrew term for "house" is "בַּיִת" (bayit), signifying not just a physical structure but a dwelling place for God’s presence. The temple was built by Solomon as a fulfillment of God’s promise to David, and it symbolized God’s covenant with Israel. By building altars to other gods within this sacred space, Manasseh was not only defiling the temple but also challenging the very presence and authority of God in Israel.

of which the LORD had said
This phrase underscores the authority and the direct communication of God’s will to His people. The LORD, or "יהוה" (Yahweh), is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. The use of "had said" indicates that God’s instructions regarding the temple were clear and unequivocal. This highlights the gravity of Manasseh’s sin, as it was a conscious decision to go against the explicit word of God.

'In Jerusalem I will put My Name.'
The declaration "In Jerusalem I will put My Name" signifies God’s choice of Jerusalem as the spiritual center for His people. The Hebrew concept of "Name" (שֵׁם, shem) goes beyond mere identification; it represents God’s character, authority, and presence. By choosing Jerusalem, God was establishing a unique relationship with the city and its inhabitants. This phrase is a reminder of the special status Jerusalem held as the city where God’s presence dwelt in the temple. Manasseh’s actions were a direct affront to this divine election, as he introduced foreign gods into the very place where God had chosen to manifest His presence. Historically, this period of apostasy under Manasseh’s reign led to significant spiritual decline in Judah, setting the stage for future judgment and exile.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manasseh
The king of Judah who reigned for 55 years and was known for his idolatrous practices, including building altars to false gods in the temple of the LORD.

2. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites and where God's presence was said to dwell.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, chosen by God as the place where His name would reside, signifying His presence and covenant with His people.

4. Altars
Structures built for the purpose of offering sacrifices. In this context, they were built for idol worship, which was a direct violation of God's commandments.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who had established Jerusalem as the place where His name would dwell, emphasizing His unique relationship with Israel.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Worship
Worship should be directed solely to God, in the manner He has prescribed. Manasseh's actions serve as a warning against altering or compromising true worship.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual decay and separation from God. It is crucial to guard against anything that takes the place of God in our lives.

God's Chosen Place
God chose Jerusalem as the place for His name, symbolizing His presence and covenant. We should honor the places and ways God has designated for worship.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite Manasseh's grave sins, his account also includes repentance, reminding us of God's willingness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him.

The Importance of Leadership
Leaders have a significant impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Manasseh's idolatry led Judah astray, highlighting the responsibility of leaders to guide others toward God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Manasseh's building of altars in the temple reflect a departure from God's commands, and what can we learn about the importance of adhering to God's instructions for worship?

2. In what ways does the choice of Jerusalem as the place for God's name emphasize the significance of location in worship, and how can this principle be applied in our own worship practices today?

3. Considering the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 33, how does Manasseh's eventual repentance demonstrate God's mercy, and what does this teach us about the possibility of redemption?

4. How can we identify and remove "altars" or idols in our own lives that may be hindering our relationship with God?

5. What lessons can we learn from Manasseh's leadership about the influence of leaders on the spiritual health of a community, and how can we apply these lessons in our own roles of influence?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12
Discusses the centralization of worship in the place that God would choose, highlighting the importance of worshiping God in the prescribed manner and location.

1 Kings 9
God's promise to Solomon that His eyes and heart would be perpetually on the temple in Jerusalem, underscoring the significance of the temple as a sacred place.

2 Chronicles 33
Provides a parallel account of Manasseh's reign, including his eventual repentance, illustrating God's mercy and the possibility of redemption.