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. His prayerThe Hebrew word for "prayer" is "תְּפִלָּה" (tefillah), which signifies a heartfelt communication with God. Manasseh's prayer is a profound example of repentance and seeking divine mercy. In the context of ancient Israel, prayer was not merely a ritual but a sincere plea for forgiveness and restoration. This highlights the power of prayer in transforming a life, even one as wayward as Manasseh's. and how God received his plea
The phrase underscores the responsiveness of God to genuine repentance. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama) means "to hear" or "to listen," indicating that God is attentive to the cries of a contrite heart. This reflects the biblical theme of God's grace and willingness to forgive those who turn back to Him, emphasizing His merciful nature. as well as all his sins and unfaithfulness
The term "sins" (חַטָּאָה, chatta'ah) and "unfaithfulness" (מַעַל, ma'al) denote moral and spiritual failures. Manasseh's life was marked by idolatry and rebellion against God, yet the chronicler records these to show the depth of his transformation. This serves as a reminder that no sin is too great to be forgiven when one truly repents. and the sites where he built high places
"High places" (בָּמָה, bamah) were elevated sites used for idol worship, often in defiance of God's command to worship Him alone. Archaeological findings have uncovered such sites, confirming the biblical narrative. Manasseh's actions in erecting these places reflect a period of spiritual decline in Judah, yet also set the stage for his eventual repentance. and set up Asherah poles and carved images
Asherah poles (אֲשֵׁרָה, Asherah) and carved images were associated with Canaanite fertility worship, which was strictly forbidden in Israelite law. Manasseh's involvement in such practices illustrates the extent of his apostasy. However, his later removal of these idols signifies a return to covenant faithfulness, demonstrating the possibility of redemption. before he humbled himself
The act of humbling oneself (כָּנַע, kana) is a recurring biblical theme, indicating submission to God's authority. Manasseh's humility is a pivotal moment in his life, marking the turning point from rebellion to obedience. This transformation is a powerful testament to the change that can occur when one acknowledges their need for God. they are written in the records of the seers
The "records of the seers" (חֹזֶה, chozeh) refers to prophetic writings or historical accounts maintained by those who had divine insight. This phrase suggests that Manasseh's account was preserved as a lesson for future generations. It underscores the importance of documenting God's dealings with His people, serving as both a warning and an encouragement to remain faithful. Persons / Places / Events 1. ManassehKing of Judah who initially led the nation into idolatry but later repented and turned back to God. 2. GodThe sovereign Lord who hears prayers and responds to genuine repentance. 3. High PlacesSites where Manasseh initially set up altars for idol worship, contrary to God's commands. 4. Asherah Poles and IdolsObjects of pagan worship that Manasseh erected, symbolizing his unfaithfulness. 5. Records of the SeersHistorical accounts that document Manasseh's actions and his eventual repentance. Teaching Points The Power of RepentanceManasseh's account demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Genuine repentance can lead to restoration. God's Response to PrayerGod is moved by sincere entreaty. Manasseh's prayer shows that God listens and responds to those who humble themselves. Consequences of SinManasseh's initial actions had severe consequences for Judah, reminding us that sin impacts not only the individual but also the community. The Importance of HumilityHumbling oneself before God is crucial for spiritual renewal and transformation. Documenting God's WorkThe records of the seers serve as a reminder of the importance of remembering and sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Manasseh's account encourage us to approach God with our own failures and sins? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our repentance is genuine and not just a response to consequences? 3. How can we apply the lesson of humility from Manasseh's life to our daily walk with God? 4. What are some modern-day "high places" or idols that we might need to tear down in our lives? 5. How can we use our personal testimonies to encourage others in their faith journey, similar to the records of the seers documenting Manasseh's repentance? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 21Provides a parallel account of Manasseh's reign, detailing his idolatry and subsequent repentance. Psalm 51David's prayer of repentance, illustrating the power of a contrite heart and God's mercy. Isaiah 55:6-7Encourages seeking the Lord while He may be found and promises mercy to those who repent. Luke 15:11-32The Parable of the Prodigal Son, highlighting themes of repentance and forgiveness. James 4:8-10Calls believers to draw near to God, cleanse their hands, and purify their hearts. People Amon, Ben, David, Hezekiah, Israelites, Josiah, Manasseh, SolomonPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Fish Gate, Gihon, Jerusalem, Ophel, Valley of HinnomTopics Asherah, Asherahs, Asherim, Ashe'rim, Behold, Beside, Built, Carved, Chronicles, Engraved, Entreated, Entreaty, Erected, Established, Faithlessness, Graven, Groves, History, Hozai, Humbled, Idols, Images, Intreated, Matters, Moved, Pillars, Places, Poles, Prayer, Pride, Received, Recorded, Records, Sayings, Seers, Shrines, Sin, Sins, Sites, Transgression, Trespass, Unfaithfulness, Wherein, Wood, Written, WrongdoingDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 33:19 8276 humility
8840 unfaithfulness, to God 2 Chronicles 33:1-25 5366 king 2 Chronicles 33:18-19 7781 seer Library Manasseh's Sin and Repentance
'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. 10. And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. 11. Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. 12. And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureManasseh
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem."--2 CHRON. xxxiii. l. Fifty and five years--he wore the crown a longer time than any other of the house of David. Of all the kings that reigned in Jerusalem, this man's reign filled the largest space; yet he is the one king of Judah about whom we are told least. In the modern city of Venice there is a hall which is adorned with the portraits of all the doges …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
DO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch: …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations," …
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
OR, GOOD NEWS FOR THE VILEST OF MEN; BEING A HELP FOR DESPAIRING SOULS, SHOWING THAT JESUS CHRIST WOULD HAVE MERCY IN THE FIRST PLACE OFFERED TO THE BIGGEST SINNERS. THE THIRD EDITION, IN WHICH IS ADDED, AN ANSWER TO THOSE GRAND OBJECTIONS THAT LIE IN THE WAY OF THE THEM THAT WOULD BELIEVE: FOR THE COMFORT OF THEM THAT FEAR THEY HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST. BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. London: Printed for Elizabeth Smith, at the Hand and Bible, on London Bridge, 1691. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Chronicles 33:19 NIV2 Chronicles 33:19 NLT2 Chronicles 33:19 ESV2 Chronicles 33:19 NASB2 Chronicles 33:19 KJV
2 Chronicles 33:19 Commentaries
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