21:1ff Manasseh followed the example of his grandfather Ahaz more than that of his father. He adopted the wicked practices of the Babylonians and Canaanites, including sacrificing his own son (21:6). Manasseh did not listen to the words of God’s prophets but willfully led his people into sin. (See his profile in 2 Chronicles 33, p. 945, for more information about his life.)
21:6 Manasseh was an evil king, and he angered God with his sin. Listed among Manasseh’s sins are occult practices—fortune-telling, enchantments, and the use of mediums and wizards. God has specific laws against the occult (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:9-13) because it demonstrates a lack of faith in him, involves sinful actions, and opens the door to demonic influences. Today, many books, television shows, and games emphasize fortune-telling, séances, and other occult practices. Don’t let desire to know the future or the belief that superstition is harmless lead you into condoning occult practices. They are counterfeits of God’s power and have as their root a system of beliefs totally opposed to God.
21:16 Tradition says that during Manasseh’s massive slaughter, Isaiah was sawed in two when trying to hide in a hollow log (see Hebrews 11:37, 38). Other prophets may also have been killed at this time.