Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary2 Chronicles 33

The Reign of ManassehThis section describes the reign of Manasseh, who was one of the most wicked kings of Judah. Even though his father Hezekiah was a good king who loved God, Manasseh chose to do evil. He brought back the sins and idol worship of the nations around him, destroying the good changes his father had made. Manasseh’s actions remind us that it is possible for children of godly parents to turn away from God. It also shows how easily people can return to sin, and how powerful and dangerous false worship can be.v. 1: Manasseh became king when he was only twelve years old, and he ruled for fifty-five years in Jerusalem .

v. 2: He did evil things, copying the disgusting practices of the nations that the ORD had driven out before Israel .

v. 3: Manasseh rebuilt the pagan places of worship that his father Hezekiah had destroyed. He set up altars for idols and made poles for Asherah, just as the nations around them had done .

v. 4-5: He even built altars to false gods inside the temple of the ORD, the very place where God had said His name would be forever. He put altars for all the stars in both courtyards of the temple (2 Chronicles 33:4-5 ).

v. 6: Manasseh offered his own children as sacrifices in the fire to idols. He practiced witchcraft, sought omens, and asked mediums and spiritists for advice. He did many things that made the ORD angry .

v. 7-8: He put a carved idol in God’s temple, ignoring God’s promise that His name would be in Jerusalem forever. Manasseh led the people to ignore God’s covenant and do whatever they wanted instead (2 Chronicles 33:7-8 ).

v. 9: Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to sin even more than the nations that had lived in the land before them . This made their sins even worse because they knew better.

v. 10: The ORD spoke to Manasseh and his people through the prophets, but they did not listen . God showed them grace by sending warnings, but they refused to change their ways.

Manasseh Humbled and RestoredThis section tells the story of King Manasseh’s punishment, repentance, and restoration. Manasseh had led Judah into great sin, but when he faced trouble and was taken captive, he humbled himself and prayed to the Lord

v. 12: While Manasseh was suffering in captivity, he humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. In his distress, he finally turned to God and prayed sincerely for help .

v. 13: God listened to Manasseh’s prayer and showed him mercy. Manasseh was allowed to return to Jerusalem and was restored as king. Then Manasseh understood that the Lord

v. 14: After coming back, Manasseh rebuilt a wall outside the city of David for greater protection, and he put army leaders in all the fortified cities of Judah. He wanted to strengthen his kingdom after his troubles .

v. 15: Manasseh removed the foreign gods and the idol from the temple of the Lord

v. 16: He repaired the altar of the Lord

v. 17: However, the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the Lord

v. 18-19: The rest of Manasseh’s acts, his prayer, and the messages from the prophets were written in the records of the kings of Israel and in the sayings of the seers. These writings also included an account of his sins and repentance (2 Chronicles 33:18-19 ).

v. 20: Manasseh died and was buried in his own house. His son Amon became king after him. Even though Manasseh repented and was forgiven, his burial was less honorable than that of other kings, reminding us that it can be difficult to recover public respect after a sinful life (2 Chronicles 33:20 ).