2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.
2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.
3 For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had broken down, and he erected altars to the Baals, and made Asherahs, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.
4 And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem shall my name be forever.”
5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord.
6 And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
7 And the carved image of the idol that he had made he set in the house of God, of which God said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my name forever.
8 and I will not again remove the foot of Israel from the land that I have appointed for your fathers, if only they will be careful to do all that I have commanded them, all the law, the statutes, and the rules given through Moses.
9 Manasseh led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed before the people of Israel.
10 The Lord spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention.
11 Therefore the Lord brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks and bound him with chains of bronze and brought him to Babylon.
12 And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.
13 He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God.
14 Afterward he built an outer wall for the city of David west of Gihon, in the valley, and for the entrance into the Fish Gate, and carried it around Ophel, and raised it to a very great height. And he put commanders of the army in all the fortified cities in Judah.
15 And he took away the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built on the mountain of the house of the Lord and in Jerusalem, and he threw them outside of the city.
16 He also restored the altar of the Lord and offered on it sacrifices of peace offerings and of thanksgiving, and he commanded Judah to serve the Lord, the God of Israel.
17 Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the Lord their God.
18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, behold, they are in the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
19 And his prayer, and how God was moved by his entreaty, and all his sin and his faithlessness, and the sites on which he built high places and set up the Asherim and the images, before he humbled himself, behold, they are written in the Chronicles of the Seers.
20 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as Manasseh his father had done.
21 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem.
22 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as Manasseh his father had done. He sacrificed to all the images that Manasseh his father had made, and served them.
23 And he did not humble himself before the Lord, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself, but this Amon incurred guilt more and more.
24 And his servants conspired against him and put him to death in his house.
25 But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against King Amon, and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place.
The True Meaning of 2 Chronicles 33
The Book of 2 Chronicles was written by an anonymous author, likely a Levite priest or scribe, who compiled historical accounts of the kingdom of Judah from the reign of King Solomon to the Babylonian exile. This chapter focuses on the reign of King Manasseh, one of Judah’s most wicked kings, and the dramatic events that would shape the nation’s future.
Manasseh’s reign began with him leading the people of Judah astray, embracing idolatry and even sacrificing his own sons. However, this chapter also recounts Manasseh’s eventual repentance and the restoration of his relationship with God. This dramatic turnaround foreshadows the ongoing struggle between obedience and rebellion that would define Judah’s history in the years to come.
The author’s detailed account of Manasseh’s reign serves as a cautionary tale, echoing the warnings found in the book of Deuteronomy about the consequences of forsaking the Lord (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Yet, even in the midst of Judah’s darkest hour, this chapter offers a glimmer of hope, reminding us that God’s mercy and forgiveness are available to those who truly repent, just as Manasseh himself experienced (1 Kings 21:1-18).
2 Chronicles 33:1-9
King Manasseh of Judah, one of the most notorious kings in the history of Judah, reigned as presented in 2 Chronicles 33:1-9. The passage starts by stating that Manasseh was just 12 years old when he became king, indicating his young age and potential vulnerability to negative influences. The mention of Manasseh’s reign lasting for 55 years highlights the long period of time that he had to establish his rule and make an impact on the kingdom.
The passage then goes on to describe Manasseh’s evil deeds, stating that he did evil in the eyes of the Lord by following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. Manasseh’s actions included rebuilding the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down, erecting altars to false gods, and even sacrificing his own sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom. These horrific acts not only defied God’s commands but also led the people of Judah astray, encouraging them to commit even greater sins.
Manasseh’s rebellion against God had severe consequences for the kingdom of Judah. The Lord warned Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. The Assyrian army invaded Judah, captured Manasseh, and took him in chains to Babylon. This defeat and captivity symbolized God’s judgment on Manasseh’s wickedness and the consequences of turning away from Him.
Despite Manasseh’s grave sins and the punishment he faced, there is a glimmer of hope in this passage. While in captivity, Manasseh repented before the Lord and humbled himself greatly. The text notes that God was moved by Manasseh’s prayer for mercy and restoration. Manasseh began to undo the damage he had caused by removing the foreign gods and idols from the temple and city after God allowed him to return to Jerusalem as king in response to his repentance.
This narrative of King Manasseh serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. It demonstrates that no matter how far we may have strayed, God is always ready to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him with genuine contrition. Manasseh’s story also highlights the mercy and grace of God, who is willing to forgive even the gravest of sins when accompanied by true repentance. Manasseh’s reign in the broader context of the Bible serves as a cautionary tale for future generations about the dangers of idolatry, disobedience to God’s commands, and the ultimate need for repentance and reconciliation. It echoes the themes found throughout the Old Testament of God’s justice and mercy, as well as the enduring call for His people to remain faithful and turn back to Him in times of trouble. The story of Manasseh stands as a testament to the transformative power of God’s forgiveness and the opportunity for redemption that is available to all who sincerely seek it.
2 Chronicles 33:10-13
King Manasseh of Judah, one of the most wicked and idolatrous kings in the history of Judah, is the subject of the account in 2 Chronicles 33:10-13. This passage recounts a pivotal moment in Manasseh’s life, where he faces a series of events that lead to his repentance and restoration.
Firstly, the passage describes how the Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. This indifference to God’s warnings led to Manasseh being captured by the Assyrian army who took him in chains to Babylon. Here we see the consequences of Manasseh’s disobedience and the severity of God’s judgment on him.
During his captivity, Manasseh humbled himself before God and prayed earnestly for His forgiveness. This act of humility and repentance shows a significant turning point in Manasseh’s life. Despite his past wickedness, God’s mercy was still available to him when he genuinely sought it with a contrite heart.
God heard Manasseh’s prayer and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. This act of forgiveness and restoration demonstrates the incredible grace and compassion of God. It serves as a powerful reminder that, no matter how far we have strayed or how egregious our sins may be, there is always a way back to God through genuine repentance and faith.
Manasseh’s story is a testament to the transformative power of God’s forgiveness and the importance of genuine repentance. It shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace if they are willing to turn away from their sins and seek His mercy. This narrative also emphasizes the overarching theme of the Bible – the unfailing love and willingness of God to forgive and restore those who humbly come to Him.
This passage also echoes the sentiments expressed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Psalm 51:17, where it says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” This concept of repentance and humility before God is a consistent message throughout the Bible, underscoring the importance of genuine remorse and willingness to change in order to receive God’s forgiveness and restoration.
2 Chronicles 33:14-17
The verses in 2 Chronicles 33:14-17 depict a significant moment in the reign of King Manasseh of Judah. Let’s break down these verses into important sections for a detailed commentary:
- “**Afterward he built an outer wall for the city of David west of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entrance of the Fish Gate; and he encircled Ophel with it and made it very high. Then he put army commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah. King Manasseh takes action to fortify Jerusalem by building an outer wall in this section. This physical act of fortification reflects Manasseh’s realization of the importance of protecting the city against external threats. The mention of the Fish Gate is significant as it was one of the gates through which fish, a staple food, entered Jerusalem, indicating the strategic location of the wall for the sustenance of the city.
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This act of fortification can be seen as a turning point for Manasseh, as it shows a shift towards acknowledging the need for protection and security, not just in a physical sense but also spiritually. This can serve as a lesson for readers about the importance of fortifying oneself against spiritual attacks and being vigilant against temptations or influences that may lead one astray.
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“He also removed the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the Lord, as well as all the altars which he had built on the mountain of the house of the Lord and in Jerusalem, and he threw them outside the city.“
- Here, we witness a pivotal moment where King Manasseh takes the radical step of removing foreign gods and idols from the house of the Lord. This action signifies Manasseh’s attempt to cleanse the temple of false worship practices and restore the worship of the one true God. It is a moment of repentance and a turning away from the idolatry that had plagued Judah under his rule.
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This episode is reminiscent of the commandments given in the Bible, particularly in Exodus 20:3-5, where God instructs His people not to have any other gods before Him and not to make idols for worship. Manasseh’s actions highlight the consequences of straying from God’s commandments and the importance of repentance and restoration.
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“**He set the altar of the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings and thank offerings on it; and he ordered Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel. Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed in the high places, although only to the Lord their God. King Manasseh attempts to reinstate proper worship practices by setting up the altar of the Lord and offering sacrifices in this final section. His call for Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel shows a desire for national repentance and a return to the ways of the Lord. However, the mention of people continuing to sacrifice in high places, albeit to the Lord, hints at the lingering influence of past idolatrous practices.
- This part of the narrative underscores the complexity of spiritual renewal and the challenges of completely eradicating ingrained sinful behaviors. It serves as a reminder that true repentance involves not only outward actions but also a genuine transformation of the heart. The striving of the people to worship the true God, even if not entirely in the prescribed manner, demonstrates a step in the right direction towards restoration and renewal. Themes of repentance, restoration, and the ongoing struggle between fidelity to God and the allure of idolatry are illustrated in the account of King Manasseh’s actions in these verses. It showcases the power of divine forgiveness and the possibility of transformation even after periods of rebellion. Manasseh’s journey serves as a cautionary tale but also offers hope that through genuine repentance and a commitment to serve the true God, redemption is attainable.
2 Chronicles 33:18-20
The Chronicles of the Kings of Israel contain the rest of the acts of Manasseh, his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. His prayer also, and how God was moved by his entreaty, and all his sin and his faithlessness, and the sites on which he built high places and set up the Asherim and the images, before he humbled himself, behold, they are written in the Chronicles of the Seers.”
This passage highlights the story of King Manasseh, who is portrayed as one of the most wicked kings in the history of Judah. Manasseh’s reign was marked by idolatry, the worship of false gods, and even sacrificing his own children in the fire. Despite his extreme wickedness, the remarkable part of this passage is the transformation that occurs in the later part of his life. It demonstrates the power of repentance and the limitless grace of God.
Manasseh’s prayer and repentance serve as a powerful example for us all. No matter how far we may have strayed from God, there is always an opportunity for redemption through sincere repentance. This story shows us that even the most sinful among us are not beyond the reach of God’s mercy and forgiveness if we genuinely turn our hearts towards Him.
The Chronicles of the Kings of Israel mentioned in the passage were historical records that detailed the reigns and deeds of the kings of Israel and Judah. These chroniclers played a crucial role in preserving the history of God’s people and documenting the consequences of their actions, whether good or bad. These records served as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commandments and the repercussions of turning away from Him. Manasseh’s story in the broader context of the Bible also echoes the themes of redemption and second chances prevalent throughout the scriptures. One such example is the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, where a wayward son returns home and is welcomed with open arms by his father, symbolizing God’s unconditional love and forgiveness for those who repent. Repentance’s transformative power and God’s grace are emphasized in 2 Chronicles 33:18-20, serving as a reminder that no one is too far gone. Manasseh’s story is a testament to the mercy and forgiveness that God offers to all who sincerely seek Him, reinforcing the timeless message of hope and redemption found in the Bible.
2 Chronicles 33:21-25
King Amon of Judah’s reign is described in 2 Chronicles 33:21-25. Let’s break down the verse into important sections for a deeper understanding.
Firstly, verse 21 mentions that Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king and he reigned in Jerusalem for two years. This short reign is significant as it contrasts with the longer reigns of some of the other kings of Judah, highlighting the brevity of Amon’s rule. Amon did evil in the sight of the Lord, as revealed in verse 22. This echoes the pattern seen throughout the historical books of the Bible where the righteousness of the King usually leads to blessings for the nation, while unrighteousness leads to consequences. Amon’s evil actions go against God’s commands, and in turn, affect the entire nation.
The mention of Amon’s lack of humility in verse 23 is particularly striking. Despite the consequences of his actions, instead of repenting and seeking forgiveness from the Lord, Amon continued in his evil ways. This pride and stubbornness ultimately led to his downfall. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance and the importance of humility before God.
Verse 24 describes how Amon’s own officials conspired against him and assassinated him in his own palace. This act of betrayal reflects the turmoil and instability that can result from a ruler’s wickedness. It also shows how Amon’s actions not only had consequences for himself but also for those around him, including his own officials.
Finally, in verse 25, we see the people of the land rise up and put Amon’s son Josiah on the throne after his father’s death. This demonstrates the people’s desire for change and their recognition of the need for a righteous leader. Josiah would go on to become one of the most righteous and revered kings of Judah, leading the nation in a revival of worship and obedience to God. The story of King Amon serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of arrogance, pride, and unrighteousness. It illustrates the importance of humility before God, the impact of a leader’s actions on the nation, and the potential for redemption and renewal through righteous leadership. The contrast between Amon and his son Josiah highlights the profound difference that a righteous ruler can make in the spiritual and moral direction of a nation, echoing the overarching theme of the importance of obedience to God’s commands throughout the Bible.
After 2 Chronicles 33
The final paragraph of the summary of this chapter would be:
King Manasseh had turned away from the Lord, leading the people of Judah astray. But in his distress, he humbled himself and cried out to God. The Lord heard his plea and restored him to his throne in Jerusalem. Though Manasseh had done much evil, he now sought to undo the damage and lead the people back to the true worship of the Lord. This marked a turning point, but the road ahead would not be easy. The people’s hearts had been hardened, and it would take time and steadfast leadership to bring them back to the ways of righteousness. The next chapter will reveal how Manasseh’s son, King Amon, would respond to this new spiritual direction for the kingdom of Judah.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.