The structure of verses 7-8 is complicated since they contain a flashback quotation of what the LORD had said to David and to Solomon as contrasting background for the evil actions of Manasseh. A proposed restructuring of the two verses together is given at the end of the comments on verse 8. But note that Contemporary English Version provides a different kind of model, restructuring verses 6-7 together as follows:

• and even set up the pole for Asherah there. Manasseh practiced magic and witchcraft; he asked fortunetellers for advice and sacrificed his own son. He did many sinful things and made the LORD very angry.

• Years ago the Lord told David and his son Solomon:

• Jerusalem is the place I prefer above all places in Israel. It belongs to me, and there I will be worshiped forever.

The graven image of Asherah that he had made: The Hebrew word for graven should be understood to mean “sculptured” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “carved” (New Revised Standard Version). Compare 2 Kgs 17.41. In many languages it will be helpful to remind the reader that Asherah is a goddess, as Good News Translation has done. New Century Version translates the whole expression “Manasseh carved an Asherah idol.”

Which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel: This clause qualifies the city of Jerusalem. See the comments at 1 Kgs 11.32.

I will put my name for ever: As in earlier passages where this expression is used (1 Kgs 9.3; 11.36; 14.21 and verse 4 above), this indicates the LORD’s determination regarding a permanent place where he was to be worshiped.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .