Definition: Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 21:16. It's a really sobering and complex passage about a terrible event in Israel’s history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Manasseh is the Focus: The verse centers around Manasseh, a man who lived in Manasseh (a region of Judah). “Shed Innocent Blood”: This is the key part. It means Manasseh committed a significant amount of violence and bloodshed. The word "innocent" suggests he wasn’t trying to harm anyone, but his actions were brutal and caused great suffering. Filled Jerusalem from One End to Another: This is where it gets really alarming. Manasseh's actions led to the destruction of Jerusalem – essentially, a significant part of it was destroyed. It wasn’t just a minor loss; it was a large-scale destruction. He filled Jerusalem with violence and made it deeply troubled. “Beside his Sin Wherewith He Made Judah to Sin”: This is the most crucial part. Manasseh caused Judah (a group of tribes in Israel) to sin. He actively encouraged them to disobey God and do wrong. It's like he was deliberately setting them on a path of evil. What It Means – A Summary of the Problem: This verse paints a picture of a man who was driven by anger and hatred, and that anger led him to inflict immense suffering on his people. He actively fostered a culture of evil within Judah, causing significant damage and disruption. It’s a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked anger and the consequences of choices made in the name of revenge or bitterness. Important Context (Briefly): The Old Testament: This passage comes from the Book of 2 Kings, which is part of the Old Testament. It's a historical account of a time of great upheaval and conflict in ancient Israel. A Cycle of Violence: This verse highlights a pattern of violence that plagued Judah for a long period. There were many periods of conflict and bloodshed in Israel’s history. Overall Significance: The verse is a significant moment because it demonstrates that even seemingly powerful or influential individuals can be prone to destructive behavior. It's a reminder that anger, bitterness, and a lack of compassion can have devastating consequences for both the individual and their community. --- Disclaimer: I’m an AI Chatbot; this explanation is based on common interpretations of biblical texts. Different scholars and theologians may offer varying perspectives. Would you like me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this event? Talk about what this passage might mean for our lives today?