Verse 1
Manasseh. This chapter is complementary to 2 Kings 21:11-17, concerning his reformation, are supplementary. See App-56.
Verse 2
heathen = nations.
children = sons.
Verse 3
groves = "Asheroth. See App-42.
the host of heaven. Compare Deuteronomy 17:3.
Verse 4
had said. In Deuteronomy 12:11. 1 Kings 8:29; 1 Kings 9:3. 1 Kings 6:6; 1 Kings 7:16.
name. See note on Psalms 20:1.
Verse 6
pass through the fire. Compare Leviticus 18:21. Deuteronomy 18:10. 2 Kings 23:10. 2 Kings 28:3.
observed times. Consulted auguries.
times = clouds, which were watched for auguries.
familiar spirit. See note on Leviticus 19:31.
evil = the evil. Hebrew. ra"a" (with Art). App-44.
Verse 7
idol = similitude.
God. Hebrew. Elohim.(with Art.) = the [true] God. App-4.
and = even.
Verse 8
your. Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulg read "their". Compare 2 Kings 21:8.
so that = if only.
Verse 11
captains = princes. See note on "Gezer", 1 Kings 9:15-17.
the king of Assyria. Esar-haddon.
among the thorns = with hooks, or rings. A monument has been found showing this king Esar-haddon leading two captives with hooks or rings through their lips. And in an inscription he says: "I transported (from Syria) into Assyria men and women innumerable . . . I counted among the vassals of my realm twelve kings of Syria, beyond the mountains, Balou king of Tyre, Manasseh king of Judah".
Verse 15
Israel. See note on 1 Kings 12:17.
Verse 19
His prayer. Not recorded. That given in the Apocrypha not considered genuine.
images. Same word as 2 Chronicles 33:22 and Deuteronomy 7:5. Always plural in O.T.
the seers = the chozai. See note on 1 Chronicles 29:29.
Verse 20
slept with his fathers. See note on Deuteronomy 31:16.
in his own house. The Septuagint reads "in the garden of his own house". Compare 2 Kings 21:18.
Verse 21
Amon. Compare 1 Kings 21:19-24.
Verse 22
as = according as.
Verse 23
but Amon = "but he Amon".
trespassed more and more = he multiplied trespass. Hebrew. "asham.
Verse 25
the People of the land = the commonalty. Compare 2 Chronicles 36:1.