During King Manasseh's reign, he undid the religious reforms of his father, Hezekiah, who had sought to purify the worship practices of the Israelites by destroying high places and centralizing worship in Jerusalem. Manasseh's actions represented a significant departure from these reforms. By rebuilding the high places, he reintroduced local sites of worship that were often associated with idolatry and pagan practices. The altars to Baal and the Asherah pole were symbols of Canaanite religion, which included the worship of fertility gods and goddesses.
Manasseh's actions were not just a return to old practices but an embrace of the religious customs of the surrounding nations, which included the worship of the starry hosts—celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars. This syncretism, or blending of religious beliefs, was seen as a direct violation of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, which called for exclusive worship of the one true God. Manasseh's reign is often viewed as a low point in Judah's history, leading to spiritual and moral decline. His actions serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from established spiritual truths.