During his youth, Manasseh naturally fell under the influence of the leading Jewish nobles, with whom the pure religion of Yahweh was always unpopu…

And he did that which was evil. — Perhaps under the pernicious influence of his courtiers. (Compare the case of Rehoboam.…

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord
Was guilty of idolatry:

after the abomina…