Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Chronicles 33

Manasseh ruled for fifty-five years, from 697 to 642 BC, longer than any other king in Judah. His reign included a period when he ruled with his father, Hezekiah, from 697 to 686 BC. A long reign often indicated blessing, even though Manasseh did evil in the Lord's sight. The Chronicler describes his humiliation, repentance, and the restoration of worship in Judah.

The carved idol represented Asherah (see 2 Kings 21:7).

A nose ring caused both pain and total humiliation. Assyrian records describe this treatment of their prisoners.

The book of Kings does not mention Manasseh’s repentance. It only tells of the promised judgment due to his wicked deeds (see 2 Kings 21:10–16). Chronicles describes the good things he did after repenting, following his father Hezekiah’s example. However, Manasseh’s actions could not turn the people's hearts back to the Lord or stop God’s judgment on Judah (2 Chronicles 33:17).

Manasseh's response met the requirements of Solomon's prayer during the temple's dedication (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Manasseh's experience was a small version of what the nation would face: exile and captivity due to turning away from God, followed by repentance and returning to the Lord.

Manasseh might have been fixing the walls when he was captured. His religious reforms were like Hezekiah's but not finished. Later, Josiah removed the temple altars that Manasseh had built (2 Kings 23:12).

The Chronicles of the Kings of Israel is a record that is no longer available.

the Records of the Seers: This document is no longer available.

Amon ruled for a short time from 642 to 640 BC.

The text does not specify the political forces behind Amon’s assassination. However, Egypt might have instigated it when Assyria's power weakened, creating an opportunity.