2 Chronicles 33
BSB1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. 2 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. 3 For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down, and he raised up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles. And he worshiped and served all the host of heaven. 4 Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “My Name will remain in Jerusalem forever." 5 In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. 6 He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. 7 Manasseh even took the carved image he had made and set it up in the house of God, of which God had said to David and his son Solomon, “In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will establish My Name forever. 8 I will never again cause the feet of the Israelites to leave the land that I assigned to your fathers, if only they are careful to do all that I have commanded them through Moses—all the laws, statutes, and judgments." 9 So Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites. 10 And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they did not listen. 11 So the LORD brought against them the military commanders of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. 12 And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. 13 And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God. 14 After this, Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David from west of Gihon in the valley to the entrance of the Fish Gate, and he brought it around the hill of Ophel and heightened it considerably. He also stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah. 15 He removed the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the LORD, along with all the altars he had built on the temple mount and in Jerusalem, and he dumped them outside the city. 16 Then he restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings and thank offerings on it, and he told 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 As for the rest of the acts of Manasseh, along with 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, they are indeed written in the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. 19 His prayer and how God received his plea, as well as all his sin and unfaithfulness, and the sites where he built high places and set up Asherah poles and idols before he humbled himself, they are indeed written in the Records of the Seers. 20 And Manasseh rested with his fathers and was buried at his palace. And his son Amon reigned in his place. 21 Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem two years. 22 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done. Amon served and sacrificed to all the idols that his father Manasseh had made, 23 but he did not humble himself before the LORD as his father Manasseh had done; instead, Amon increased his guilt. 24 Then the servants of Amon conspired against him and killed him in his palace. 25 But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah king in his place.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 33
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 33
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 33
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 33
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
2 Chronicles 33 begins with the reign of Manasseh, who became king at the age of 12 and reigned for 55 years. Despite being the son of a godly king, Hezekiah, Manasseh turned away from God and led the nation into idolatry, even sacrificing his own son to the gods. God spoke to Manasseh through prophets, but he refused to listen until he was taken captive by the Assyrians. In captivity, Manasseh humbled himself and prayed to God, who heard his prayer and restored him to the throne. Manasseh then sought to undo the damage he had done, removing the idols and restoring the altar of the Lord. After Manasseh's death, his son Amon became king, but he followed in his father's earlier footsteps, rejecting God and worshiping idols. Amon's reign was short-lived, as he was assassinated by his own servants. The chapter concludes with the accession of Josiah, who would go on to become one of Judah's most righteous kings.
Context for the Chapter
2 Chronicles 33 is part of the larger narrative of the divided kingdom, which began with the reign of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12. The chapter is situated in the latter part of the kingdom of Judah, during a time of great spiritual upheaval. The Assyrian Empire is rising to power, and Judah is facing the threat of conquest. The chapter provides important background information for understanding the reforms of King Josiah, which are described in the next chapter.
Heart Application
This chapter reminds us of the importance of humility and seeking God's favor, even in the midst of great distress. It encourages us to examine our own lives and to seek restoration and redemption through the sacrifice of Christ. As we reflect on the story of Manasseh, we are reminded that God is a God of second chances, who desires to restore and redeem His people.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of two kings of Judah, Manasseh and Amon. Manasseh started out as a bad king, but later turned to God and tried to make things right. Amon, on the other hand, was a bad king who refused to listen to God. The chapter reminds us that God is always willing to forgive and restore those who humble themselves and seek His favor, as seen in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord has given us a striking example of His mercy in the restoration of Manasseh, that we may know that He is always ready to receive us when we return to Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Reign of Manasseh (33:1-20) — Manasseh became king at the age of 12 and reigned for 55 years, leading the nation into idolatry and sin.
- Manasseh's Captivity and Restoration (33:10-13) — Manasseh was taken captive by the Assyrians, but he humbled himself and prayed to God, who heard his prayer and restored him to the throne.
- Manasseh's Reforms (33:14-17) — After his restoration, Manasseh sought to undo the damage of his earlier reign, removing the idols and restoring the altar of the Lord.
- The Reign of Amon (33:21-25) — Amon became king after Manasseh's death, but he followed in his father's earlier footsteps, rejecting God and worshiping idols.
- Conclusion (33:24-25) — The chapter concludes with the accession of Josiah, who would go on to become one of Judah's most righteous kings.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of nations and the lives of individuals. As seen in 2 Chronicles 33:10-13, God's sovereignty is demonstrated in His ability to rescue and restore those who humble themselves and seek His favor.
- The Importance of Humility
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, as seen in Manasseh's willingness to humble himself and seek God's favor. This humility is a key aspect of the Christian life, as it allows us to recognize our dependence on God and to seek His guidance and direction.
- The Doctrine of Redemption
- The story of Manasseh's restoration points forward to the redemption that would come through Jesus Christ. Just as Manasseh was restored to the throne after humbling himself, so too can believers be restored to a right relationship with God through the humble sacrifice of Christ.
- The Consequences of Sin
- The chapter highlights the consequences of sin, as seen in the devastation that Manasseh's idolatry brought upon Judah. This serves as a warning to believers to avoid the dangers of sin and to seek God's forgiveness and restoration when they fail.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 33
- The Danger of Idolatry — The chapter teaches us about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of worshiping God alone. As seen in 2 Chronicles 33:2-3, idolatry can lead to spiritual devastation and the loss of God's blessing.
- The Importance of Seeking God's Favor — Manasseh's experience shows us the importance of seeking God's favor, even in the midst of great distress. This seeking is a key aspect of the Christian life, as it allows us to recognize our dependence on God and to seek His guidance and direction.
- The Power of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the power of humility, as seen in Manasseh's willingness to humble himself and seek God's favor. This humility is a key aspect of the Christian life, as it allows us to recognize our dependence on God and to seek His guidance and direction.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, despite their sin and rebellion. As seen in 2 Chronicles 33:10-13, God's faithfulness is demonstrated in His ability to rescue and restore those who humble themselves and seek His favor.
- The Importance of Leadership — The chapter teaches us about the importance of leadership in shaping the spiritual direction of a nation. As seen in the reigns of Manasseh and Amon, leadership can have a profound impact on the spiritual lives of God's people.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 33
- The Cycle of Sin and Repentance — The chapter highlights the cycle of sin and repentance that is seen throughout the Old Testament. Manasseh's rebellion and restoration serve as a reminder that God is always willing to forgive and restore those who humble themselves and seek His favor.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. As seen in 2 Chronicles 33:2-3, disobedience can lead to spiritual devastation and the loss of God's blessing.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, despite their sin and rebellion. As seen in 2 Chronicles 33:10-13, God's faithfulness is demonstrated in His ability to rescue and restore those who humble themselves and seek His favor.
- The Power of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the power of humility, as seen in Manasseh's willingness to humble himself and seek God's favor. This humility is a key aspect of the Christian life, as it allows us to recognize our dependence on God and to seek His guidance and direction.
- The Danger of Idolatry — The chapter teaches us about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of worshiping God alone. As seen in 2 Chronicles 33:2-3, idolatry can lead to spiritual devastation and the loss of God's blessing.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Manasseh's experience about the importance of humility and seeking God's favor?
- How does the story of Manasseh's restoration relate to the doctrine of redemption through Jesus Christ?
- What role does leadership play in shaping the spiritual direction of a nation, as seen in the chapter?
- How does the chapter emphasize the faithfulness of God, despite the sin and rebellion of His people?
- What application can we make to our own lives from the story of Manasseh's restoration, as seen in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Reign of Manasseh (33:1-20)
| 33:1 | Manasseh became king at the age of 12 and reigned for 55 years. |
| 33:2 | He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. |
| 33:3 | He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. |
| 33:4 | He built altars in the temple of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, 'In Jerusalem I will put my Name.' |
| 33:5 | In the two courts of the temple of the Lord, he built altars to all the starry hosts. |
| 33:6 | He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger. |
| 33:7 | He took the carved Asherah pole he had made and put it in the temple, of which the Lord had said to David and to his son Solomon, 'In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my Name forever. |
| 33:8 | I will not again make the feet of the Israelites wander from the land I gave their ancestors, if only they will be careful to do everything I commanded them and will keep the whole Law that my servant Moses gave them.' |
| 33:9 | But the people did not listen. Manasseh led them astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites. |
| 33:10 | The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they did not listen. |
| 33:11 | So the Lord brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon. |
| 33:12 | In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. |
| 33:13 | And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God. |
| 33:14 | Afterward he rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David, west of the Gihon spring in the valley, as far as the entrance of the Fish Gate and encircling the hill of Ophel; he also made it much higher. He stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities in Judah. |
| 33:15 | He got rid of the foreign gods and removed the idol from the temple of the Lord, as well as all the altars he had built on the temple hill and in Jerusalem; and he threw them out of the city. |
| 33:16 | Then he restored the altar of the Lord and sacrificed fellowship offerings and thank offerings on it, and told Judah to serve the Lord, the God of Israel. |
| 33:17 | The people, however, continued to sacrifice at the high places, but only to the Lord their God. |
| 33:18 | The other events of Manasseh's reign, including his prayer to his God and the words the seers spoke to him in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, are written in the annals of the kings of Israel. |
| 33:19 | His prayer and how God was moved by his entreaty, as well as all his sins and unfaithfulness, and the sites where he built high places and set up Asherah poles and idols before he humbled himself, are written in the records of the seers. |
| 33:20 | Manasseh rested with his ancestors and was buried in his palace. And his son Amon succeeded him as king. |
2. The Reign of Amon (33:21-25)
| 33:21 | Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem two years. |
| 33:22 | He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as his father Manasseh had done. Amon worshiped and offered sacrifices to all the idols Manasseh had made. |
| 33:23 | But unlike his father Manasseh, he did not humble himself before the Lord; Amon increased his guilt. |
| 33:24 | Amon's officials conspired against him and assassinated him in his palace. |
| 33:25 | Then the people of the land killed all who had plotted against King Amon, and they made Josiah his son king in his place. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Manasseh's captivity and restoration?
Manasseh's captivity and restoration serve as a reminder that God is always willing to forgive and restore those who humble themselves and seek His favor, as seen in 2 Chronicles 33:10-13.
What can we learn from Amon's brief but sinful reign?
Amon's reign teaches us about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of humility, as seen in 2 Chronicles 33:21-23. Unlike his father Manasseh, Amon did not humble himself before the Lord, and his reign was cut short as a result.
How does the chapter relate to the doctrine of redemption through Jesus Christ?
The story of Manasseh's restoration points forward to the redemption that would come through Jesus Christ. Just as Manasseh was restored to the throne after humbling himself, so too can believers be restored to a right relationship with God through the humble sacrifice of Christ, as seen in Romans 5:8.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 33:1 → 2 Kings 21:1 | The reign of Manasseh is also described in 2 Kings 21:1-18, which provides additional details about his idolatrous practices. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 33:10 → 2 Kings 21:10 | The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they did not listen, as described in 2 Kings 21:10-15. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 33:12 → Psalm 107:10-16 | Manasseh's prayer and restoration are reminiscent of the psalmist's description of those who cry out to God in their distress, as seen in Psalm 107:10-16. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 33:14 → Nehemiah 3:1 | The rebuilding of the outer wall of Jerusalem is also described in Nehemiah 3:1-32, which provides additional details about the restoration of the city. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 33:18 → 1 Timothy 2:5 | The prayer of Manasseh is an example of the importance of prayer and seeking God's favor, as emphasized in 1 Timothy 2:5. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 33:21 → 2 Kings 21:19-24 | The reign of Amon is also described in 2 Kings 21:19-24, which provides additional details about his idolatrous practices. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 33:23 → Proverbs 29:1 | Amon's refusal to humble himself is an example of the dangers of stubbornness and disobedience, as warned against in Proverbs 29:1. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 33:25 → Matthew 1:10-11 | The accession of Josiah is an important event in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as described in Matthew 1:10-11. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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An Amazing Royal Conversion by Peter Masters | This sermon delves into the incredible royal conversion story of King Manasseh, highlighting his journey from extreme evil to repentance and restoration by God's mercy. It draws pa |
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Abraham, My Friend: 02 in the Beginning god... by Ron Bailey | This sermon is the second installment in a series on the life of Abraham, focusing on the theme of beginnings. The speaker emphasizes that every Christian biography should begin wi |
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Do Not Forsake My Law by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, turning back to God, and seeking His wisdom. It highlights the consequences of shedding innocent blood, promoting idolatry, and |
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There's Mercy With the Lord by Jackie Hughes | In this sermon, the preacher shares various stories and experiences to emphasize the power of sin and the hope found in the gospel. He highlights the destructive nature of sin, sho |
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Two Men Chiefs of Sinners Manasseh and Saul by Svend Christensen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Saul, who later became the apostle Paul. Saul was initially a persecutor of Christians, but he had a life-changing encounter wit |
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Seven Life Changing Words by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of engaging the heart and mind when speaking words of faith. He contrasts Christianity with other religions that use mantras, |
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Manasseh Humbling Himself Before the Lord by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the remarkable story of Manasseh, a prideful rebel who engaged in abominable practices but experienced phenomenal spiritual recovery through genuine humili |
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Manasseh Pridefully Rebelling Against the Lord by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra delivers a powerful sermon on the life of King Manasseh, who walked in prideful rebellion against the Lord, engaging in evil practices that shocked even more than Nebu |
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When He Was in Affliction, He Besought by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that no sinner should despair of God's mercy, using the story of Manasseh, who committed numerous sins yet found redemption in his affliction. After being tak |
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What Turned the Heart of a King? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson explores the transformative power of affliction through the story of Manasseh, the most wicked king of Israel, who turned to God in his time of great distress. Desp |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 33
In this chapter, we see the reign of two kings of Judah, Manasseh and Amon. Manasseh's long and wicked reign is a striking example of the patience and longsuffering of God, who waited for him to repent and turn to Him. Despite his many sins, Manasseh was restored to the throne after he humbled himself and prayed to God. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and seeking God's favor, even in the midst of great distress. The chapter also highlights the dangers of disobedience and the importance of obedience to God's commands. As Matthew Henry notes, 'those who will not be reformed by the word of God will be ruined by the rod of God.' The story of Manasseh's restoration points forward to the redemption that would come through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate example of humility and obedience. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God's favor and living in obedience to His commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 and Romans 5:8. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Cycle of Sin and Repentance
The chapter highlights the cycle of sin and repentance that is seen throughout the Old Testament. Manasseh's rebellion and restoration serve as a reminder that God is always willing to forgive and restore those who humble themselves and seek His favor.
The Importance of Leadership
The chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership in shaping the spiritual direction of a nation. Manasseh's idolatrous practices had a profound impact on Judah, while his later restoration efforts helped to undo some of the damage.
The Faithfulness of God
Despite the sin and rebellion of His people, God remains faithful to His covenant promises. The chapter highlights God's commitment to His people, even when they are unfaithful to Him.