Text: 2 Kings 21:3
OT Text Referred to: Deuteronomy 4:19
Subject: Manasseh worships the host of heaven that Deuteronomy forbids
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Contrast
Significance: In 2 Kings 21:3, Manasseh "worshiped all the host of heaven and served them" (וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ לְכָל־צְבָא הַשָּׁמַיִם וַיַּעֲבֹד אֹתָם). Deuteronomy 4:19 explicitly warns against this: "When you look up to the heavens and see the sun, moon, and stars — all the host of heaven — do not be drawn into bowing down to them and serving them, things the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven." Manasseh's worship of astral deities directly violates this Deuteronomic prohibition. The contrast is stark: Moses warned Israel not to worship what God made for decoration and benefit; Manasseh built altars to these heavenly bodies inside the temple courts themselves.