2 Kings 21:6 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. Made his son pass through the fire - Consecrated him to Moloch.

Observed times - ועונן veonen; he practiced divination by the clouds; by observing their course at particular times, their different kinds, contrary directions, etc., etc.

Used enchantments - ונחש venichesh; he used incantations, spells, and charms.

Dealt with familiar spirits - ועשה אוב veasah ob; he was a necromancer; was a raiser of spirits, whom he endeavored to press into his service; he had a Python.

And wizards - וידענים veyiddeonim; the knowing ones, the white witches, and such like; see on Leviticus 19:26-31 (note), where most of these terms are particularly explained and illustrated.

2 Kings 21:6

6 And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.