I can think of no other Bible character who went down hill so rapidly! One would think the man to have been hopelessly apostate! Unredeemable! Beyond reach … even of the Grace of God!

Watch what he did in today’s Verse. “And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.” 2nd Chronicles 33:6

And the historian in 2 Kings 21:6 agrees! “And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.”

The King actually became so influenced, so infatuated (these sins no longer sound like things done simply under “duress”) with the “spirit of that wicked age” that he actually burned to death his child (or children) in an act of worship to a heathen god!

God no where in the Bible condones child sacrifice!

Manasseh became an advocate of “demon worship” as well.

He consulted the evil “underworld,” seeking advice on how to govern his kingdom!

All the activities listed in today’s verse are forbidden by Almighty God. Furthermore, they are “abominable” to Him. Manasseh did all these things “in the Face of the Lord!” The Hebrew says, “in the eye of the Lord.”

And these deeds … “provoked to anger” our great God. This verb is “kaas,” meaning “to anger” 43 times in Scripture. But also meaning “to grieve” 1 time. And get this, “to be sorrowful” 1 time!

“Much wickedness!”

It’s a wonder God allowed Manasseh to continue living!

Seems here like a man “addicted” to sin.

I started to say what a bad influence (surely) he was being on his child or children. But I forgot, he killed them (cremated them while they were still living) in the name of wickedness.

Yes, one step down the so-called “slippery slope” of sin can land you … who knows where?

And Manasseh gives us proof.

Is there any hope?

Stay with these daily Lessons, folks.

God is not through yet!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell