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2 Chronicles 33

25 verses

TL;DR

Manasseh's reign is marred by idolatry and severe sin, leading to Assyrian exile, yet he repents, is restored, and builds a wall; his son Amon continues the sinful trend and is assassinated, paving the way for Josiah.

Summary

Manasseh began ruling at twelve and reigned fifty‑five years, during which he rebuilt high places, erected altars to Baal and other deities, and performed idolatrous rituals, even within the temple. His actions brought divine judgment: the Assyrians captured him, and he was exiled to Babylon. While in captivity, Manasseh humbled himself, prayed, and was restored to Jerusalem, after which he erected a protective wall, removed the foreign gods, and rebuilt the temple altar. Nevertheless, the people continued to worship at high places. Manasseh’s acts and repentance are recorded in the annals. He died, was buried, and his son Amon succeeded him, repeating the same disobedience, adding more sin, and eventually being assassinated. The people avenged him by killing the conspirators, and Josiah ascended the throne.

Outline
  1. Manasseh’s reign and idolatrous practices (vs. 1‑9)
  2. Judgment, exile, repentance, restoration, and fortification (vs. 10‑17)
  3. Manasseh’s death, Amon’s brief reign, assassination, and Josiah’s ascension (vs. 18‑25)
Themes
Idolatry versus covenant fidelityDivine judgment and mercyCyclical pattern of sin and repentance
Keywords
idolatryrepentanceexileAssyriaJerusalemhigh placesaltarwall
People
ManassehAmonJosiah
Places
JerusalemValley of the Son of HinnomGihonOphelthe city of David
Things
high placesaltarsBaalimgrovesfireenchantmentswitchcraftfamiliar spiritfamiliar wizardscarved imageswallpeace offeringsthank offerings
Key Verses
  • 2 Chronicles 33:12: Shows Manasseh’s genuine repentance and God’s mercy.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:15: Illustrates the removal of idols and restoration of proper worship.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:23: Highlights Amon’s intensification of sin and the cycle’s continuation.
Questions
  • Why did Manasseh choose to build altars within the temple?
  • What does Manasseh’s repentance reveal about the nature of divine forgiveness?
  • How does the construction of the wall reflect Manasseh’s concern for Judah’s security?
  • In what ways does Amon’s reign illustrate the dangers of repeating ancestral sins?
  • What lessons can be drawn for modern faith communities from this chapter?
Sentiment

mixed
The narrative portrays both severe judgment for idolatry and gracious restoration through repentance.