2 Kings 21:6

“And he made his son pass through the fire, etc.] To Molech, after the manner of the old Canaanites and Phoenicians; his son Amon, that succeeded him, and other children, as appears from (<143306>2 Chronicles 33:6), where mention is made of the place where it was done, the valley of the son of Hinnom: and observed times; lucky or unlucky, which was judged of by omens, and by the position of the stars: and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards; to get knowledge of things to come; all which are forbid and condemned by the law of Moses; (see <051810>Deuteronomy 18:10-12), he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger; in all those evils…”

“made his son pass through the fire--(See on Kg2 16:3). observed times--from an observation of the clouds. used enchantments--jugglery and spells. dealt with familiar spirits--Septuagint, "ventriloquists," who pretended to ask counsel of a familiar spirit and gave the response received from him to others. and wizards--wise or knowing ones, who pretended to reveal secrets, to recover things lost and hidden treasure, and to interpret dreams. A great influx of these impostors had, at various times, poured from Chaldea into the land of Israel to pursue their gainful occupations, especially during the reigns of the latter kings; and Manasseh was not only their liberal patron, but zealous to appear…”

“On the meaning of the phrase “passing through the fire,” see 2 Kings 16:3, and Leviticus 20:2-5. To “observe times” was forbidden in the Law (marginal references), and was no doubt among the modes of divination practiced by the Canaanite nations. It has been explained as, (1) Predicting from the state of the clouds and atmosphere; (2) Fascination with the eye; (3) Watching and catching at chance words as ominous. Dealt with familiar spirits - This practice was forbidden by Moses Leviticus 19:31 under the penalty of death Leviticus 20:27. Its nature is best learned from Saul’s visit to the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7, etc.). Wizards - “Wizards” - literally, “wise men” - are always joined…”

“Through the fire - Between two fires, by which he dedicated him to Molock, in contempt of the seal of circumcision by which he had been dedicated to God. Times - Lucky, or unlucky days according to the superstitious practice of the heathens. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 21:7”

“21:6 Manasseh’s wickedness included participation in the abominable Molech rites and all manner of forbidden cult and occult practices (16:3; see Lev 18:21). • the Lord’s . . . anger: God responded to Manasseh’s detestable religious practices with his righteous judgment, just as he had with the northern kingdom (2 Kgs 17:18-20).”

“am 3321, bc 683 he made: Kg2 16:3, Kg2 17:17; Lev 18:21, Lev 20:2, Lev 20:3; Ch2 28:3, Ch2 33:6; Mic 6:7 observed times: Lev 19:26, Lev 19:31; Deu 18:10-14 familiar: Ch1 10:13; Isa 8:19, Isa 19:3; Act 16:16 wrought: Kg2 24:3, Kg2 24:4; Gen 13:13 4 Kings (2 Kings) 21:7”