And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is that Manasseh didn't just "do evil"; he actively mimicked the exact "despicable practices" of the nations God had already driven out. This wasn't a new form of rebellion, but a deliberate, almost proud return to the very sins God had judged and removed, showing a startling disregard for His previous actions and warnings.
And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter begins with the introduction of Manasseh, a king who followed in his father Hezekiah's footsteps only to drastically turn away from God. Unlike Hezekiah's reforms, Manasseh re-established idolatry and oppressive practices, actively undoing the covenant faithfulness that had marked his father's reign. The surrounding verses detail the depth of his wickedness, which ultimately leads to divine judgment on Jerusalem.
We all have blind spots, but God sees our hearts clearly. This verse reminds us that even hidden wickedness is visible to Him.
A God Who Watches
King Manasseh was a powerful ruler, but his actions are judged by a higher standard: 'in the sight of the LORD.' This phrase isn't just a casual observation; it emphasizes God's constant, discerning gaze. He isn't surprised by evil, nor is He indifferent to it. His perspective is the ultimate reality check for human behavior.
Why 'Despicable' Practices?
When cultures embrace evil, it can feel like the norm. This verse warns against the seductive pull of following the crowd, especially when that crowd is actively rebelling against God.
Blurring the Lines
The text says Manasseh followed 'the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel.' This is crucial context. These nations were characterized by extreme wickedness, including child sacrifice and occult practices, which God had judged and removed to make way for Israel.
A Deliberate Rejection
Manasseh wasn't just making bad choices; he was actively adopting the very patterns of sin that God had condemned and purged. It was a deliberate turn away from God's ways and a embrace of what God found abhorrent. This wasn't ignorance; it was rebellion, amplified by adopting foreign, evil traditions.
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Understand the original words
ra' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to actions, thoughts, or moral qualities that are morally corrupt, contrary to God’s nature, and displeasing in His sight. It often denotes a departure from covenant faithfulness.
This verse highlights how King Manasseh actively adopted the pagan religious practices that God had commanded Israel to eradicate from the land of Canaan, plunging Judah into deep spiritual corruption.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, establishing them as a nation with His Law.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquer the Promised Land and drive out its inhabitants.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling many and scattering the people.
c. 697-642 BC— this verse
Reign of Manasseh
Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, reigns as King of Judah. His rule is marked by extreme idolatry and the re-establishment of pagan worship.
c. 642-640 BC
Reign of Amon
Manasseh's son Amon succeeds him and continues his father's wicked practices.
c. 640-609 BC
Reign of Josiah
Josiah becomes king and later initiates significant religious reforms after the Book of the Law is discovered.
This passage directly warns Israel against adopting the detestable practices of the surrounding nations, highlighting the same kind of religious corruption that Manasseh later engaged in.
Judges 2:11-14This section describes Israel's recurring pattern of doing evil and turning away from God after God's deliverance, mirroring the spiritual slide of kings like Manasseh.
Jeremiah 15:4This prophetic lament connects Manasseh's actions to future judgment, emphasizing how his evil deeds led to God's anger and the eventual scattering of the people.
Leviticus 18:24-30This chapter explicitly lists the sins of the nations that Israel was forbidden to follow, providing a clear backdrop for the 'despicable practices' mentioned in 2 Kings 21.
What's easy to miss here is that Manasseh didn't just "do evil"; he actively mimicked the exact "despicable practices" of the nations God had already driven out. This wasn't a new form of rebellion, but a deliberate, almost proud return to the very sins God had judged and removed, showing a startling disregard for His previous actions and warnings.
This chapter begins with the introduction of Manasseh, a king who followed in his father Hezekiah's footsteps only to drastically turn away from God. Unlike Hezekiah's reforms, Manasseh re-established idolatry and oppressive practices, actively undoing the covenant faithfulness that had marked his father's reign. The surrounding verses detail the depth of his wickedness, which ultimately leads to divine judgment on Jerusalem.
This chapter begins with the introduction of Manasseh, a king who followed in his father Hezekiah's footsteps only to drastically turn away from God. Unlike Hezekiah's reforms, Manasseh re-established idolatry and oppressive practices, actively undoing the covenant faithfulness that had marked his father's reign. The surrounding verses detail the depth of his wickedness, which ultimately leads to divine judgment on Jerusalem.
"And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel." — What's easy to miss here is that Manasseh didn't just "do evil"; he actively mimicked the exact "despicable practices" of the nations God had already driven out. This wasn't a new form of rebellion…
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Last reviewed October 2026