2 Chronicles - Chapter 33

2 Chronicles 33.1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: 2 Chronicles 33.2 But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. 2 Chronicles 33.3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. 2 Chronicles 33.4 Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever. 2 Chronicles 33.5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 33.6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. 2 Chronicles 33.7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever: 2 Chronicles 33.8 Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses. 2 Chronicles 33.9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel. 2 Chronicles 33.10 And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. 2 Chronicles 33.12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, 2 Chronicles 33.13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. 2 Chronicles 33.14 Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah. 2 Chronicles 33.15 And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. 2 Chronicles 33.16 And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel. 2 Chronicles 33.17 Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the LORD their God only. 2 Chronicles 33.18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel. 2 Chronicles 33.19 His prayer also, and how God was intreated of him, and all his sins, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers. 2 Chronicles 33.20 So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead. 2 Chronicles 33.21 Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 33.22 But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them; 2 Chronicles 33.23 And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more. 2 Chronicles 33.24 And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house. 2 Chronicles 33.25 But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.

2 Chronicles : Chapter 33

Redemptive Grace Through the Story of Manasseh

Chapter 33 of 2 Chronicles immerses us in the tumultuous reigns of Manasseh and Ammon, posing a fundamental question: How far can God's redeeming grace extend? This striking text depicts Manasseh's extreme wickedness, his repentance in prison, and his restoration, poignantly illustrating the transformative power of repentance.

Themes of Repentance and Mercy

This chapter explores profound themes such as the consequences of sin, the power of repentance, and God's limitless mercy. Manasseh's transformation, marked by his repentance, is contrasted with Amon's persistence in evil, thus highlighting the importance of choice and response to the divine call.

Reflection on Biblical Passages

We invite you to reflect on five biblical passages that illuminate the transformative themes of this revelatory chapter:

1. 2 Kings 21:1-3

"Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations whom the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. He rebuilt the idolatrous altars that his father Hezekiah had demolished; he also erected altars to Baal and made a sacred pole, just as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down before all the heavenly hosts and worshipped them.

This passage provides additional details about Manasseh's sins, mentioning his unfaithfulness and rebellion against God.

2. Jeremiah 15:4

"I will make all the kingdoms of the earth to oppress them because of Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for all that he has done to Jerusalem. »

This verse highlights the lasting consequences of Manasseh's sins, illustrating the impact of his actions on God's people.

3. 1 Timothy 1:15-16

"This is a faithful and worthy statement: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for this very reason, mercy was shown to me, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his longsuffering as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life." »

Manasseh's conversion is a poignant example of God's mercy toward the worst sinners, a theme that resonates deeply in this passage.

4. Psalms 107:10-15

“Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners of pain and iron, while they rebelled against the words of God and despised the purposes of the Most High. Therefore, he subjected them to hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help them. In their distress, they cried to the Lord, and he saved them from tribulation. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their chains.” Let them give thanks to the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works toward mankind."

This psalm reflects Manasseh's experience, his imprisonment, his repentance, and his release, testifying to God's saving power.

5. Luke 15:11-24

"Jesus continued: "A man had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, I want my share of the inheritance.' So he divided his property between them. [...] Then he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and, filled with compassion, ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. »

The parable of the prodigal son echoes Manasseh's story of repentance and restoration, illustrating God's compassion toward those who return to Him.

As we meditate on these passages, we are invited to understand that, no matter how deep our sin, God's grace is always ready to welcome and transform us. May our hearts be open to this wonderful promise of redemption.