Definition: But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Kings 21:9. It’s a really sobering verse about a significant shift in events and a troubling pattern of behavior. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period where the people of Manasseh, a region near Jerusalem, became increasingly corrupted and turned to evil ways. It essentially says that they didn’t listen to what was happening and instead actively chose to do more bad things than they had done before Israel was destroyed. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But they hearkened not…” : This means they didn't pay attention, didn't listen to the warnings or guidance of God. They were focused on something else, possibly a tempting or harmful path. “…and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.” : This is the key part. "The LORD destroyed" refers to the Israelites being exiled from their land and facing hardship. “Manasseh” was a region near Jerusalem, and this describes a period where Manasseh actively chose to do evil. The word "seduced" means to lead or influence someone into doing something wrong. The verse suggests they actively sought out ways to be wicked – perhaps through greed, violence, or disregard for God's laws. It’s like they were deliberately choosing a darker path than before. What does this mean in terms of history? This is a very dark part of the Bible. It speaks of: Political Corruption: This period likely involved political manipulation and abuse of power within Manasseh. Moral Decline: It highlights a significant loss of spiritual values and righteousness. A Cycle of Evil: It suggests a pattern – a tendency for people to stray from the righteous path, leading to further suffering. Important Note: This verse is disturbing because it shows how even seemingly stable communities can be susceptible to evil if they lose their focus on God. It’s a warning about the importance of staying true to our faith and avoiding temptation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or event? Give you some context around the time period described (around the time of King Manasseh)?