And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. And he did evilThe phrase "did evil" in Hebrew is "וַיַּעַשׂ הָרַע" (vaya'as hara). This expression is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe actions that are morally and spiritually corrupt, particularly in the context of the kings of Israel and Judah. The word "evil" (הָרַע, hara) encompasses not just moral wickedness but also actions that are contrary to God's commandments. In the conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the importance of obedience to God's laws and the consequences of straying from His path. in the sight of the LORD
The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" underscores the omnipresence and omniscience of God. In Hebrew, it is "בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה" (be'enei Yahweh), meaning that all actions are visible and known to God. This serves as a reminder that human actions, whether good or evil, are always under divine scrutiny. For believers, this is a call to live righteously, knowing that God sees and judges all. according to the abominations
The term "abominations" in Hebrew is "כְּתוֹעֲבוֹת" (keto'avot), referring to practices that are detestable and repugnant to God. These often include idolatry, child sacrifice, and other pagan rituals. The use of this term indicates the severity of the king's actions, aligning them with the most egregious sins condemned by God. From a conservative viewpoint, this serves as a warning against adopting cultural practices that are contrary to biblical teachings. of the nations
The "nations" (הַגּוֹיִם, hagoyim) refers to the Gentile peoples surrounding Israel, particularly those inhabiting Canaan before the Israelites. These nations were known for their idolatrous practices, which God explicitly commanded Israel to avoid. The historical context here is crucial, as it reflects the ongoing struggle of Israel to remain distinct and faithful amidst surrounding pagan influences. that the LORD had driven out
This phrase recalls the divine action of God in clearing the land of Canaan for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "driven out" is "הוֹרִישׁ" (horish), which implies a forceful removal. This act was part of God's covenant promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the expectation that His people would remain faithful in return. before the Israelites
The term "before the Israelites" (מִפְּנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, mipnei benei Yisrael) emphasizes the historical and covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The Israelites were chosen to be a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes. This phrase serves as a reminder of their unique identity and calling, which was compromised by adopting the practices of the nations God had previously judged and removed. Persons / Places / Events 1. ManassehThe king of Judah who reigned for 55 years and is noted for his evil practices, including idolatry and leading Judah astray. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Manasseh ruled. It was a place of both great faith and great apostasy. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who had given the Israelites the land and commanded them to follow His laws. 4. The NationsRefers to the pagan nations that inhabited Canaan before the Israelites, known for their idolatrous practices. 5. The AbominationsThe detestable practices of the pagan nations, which included idol worship and other acts contrary to God's commands. Teaching Points The Consequences of IdolatryManasseh's actions serve as a warning about the spiritual and societal decay that follows when leaders and individuals turn away from God. The Importance of ObedienceThe Israelites were commanded to follow God's laws and avoid the practices of the nations. Disobedience led to severe consequences. God's Patience and JusticeDespite Manasseh's evil, God eventually brought judgment, demonstrating His patience but also His commitment to justice. The Influence of LeadershipManasseh's reign shows how a leader's actions can lead an entire nation astray, emphasizing the responsibility of those in authority. Repentance and RestorationAlthough not detailed in this verse, Manasseh's later repentance ( 2 Chronicles 33:12-13) highlights God's willingness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Manasseh's reign illustrate the dangers of adopting the practices of surrounding cultures, and how can we apply this lesson in our lives today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our leaders, both spiritual and secular, are held accountable to God's standards? 3. How does the account of Manasseh challenge us to examine areas in our lives where we might be compromising with worldly values? 4. What steps can we take to avoid the influence of modern-day "abominations" that are contrary to God's Word? 5. How does Manasseh's eventual repentance encourage us about the possibility of redemption, even after significant wrongdoing? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 18:9-12This passage warns the Israelites against adopting the detestable practices of the nations they were to dispossess, highlighting the same abominations Manasseh engaged in. 2 Kings 21:1-9Provides a parallel account of Manasseh's reign, detailing his idolatry and the consequences for Judah. Exodus 34:11-16God commands the Israelites to avoid making covenants with the inhabitants of the land to prevent them from falling into idolatry. Romans 1:18-32Describes the consequences of turning away from God and engaging in idolatry, similar to the actions of Manasseh. 2 Chronicles 34:1-7Describes the reforms of Josiah, Manasseh's grandson, who sought to undo the idolatrous practices established by Manasseh. People Amon, Ben, David, Hezekiah, Israelites, Josiah, Manasseh, SolomonPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Fish Gate, Gihon, Jerusalem, Ophel, Valley of HinnomTopics Abominable, Abominations, Cast, Copying, Detestable, Disgusting, Dispossessed, Driven, Drove, Evil, Heathen, Israelites, Nations, Practices, Presence, Sight, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 33:1-2 5746 youth 2 Chronicles 33:1-6 8807 profanity 2 Chronicles 33:1-7 8831 syncretism 2 Chronicles 33:1-9 5714 men 2 Chronicles 33:1-25 5366 king 2 Chronicles 33:2-10 7245 Judah, kingdom of 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 33:2 NIV2 Chronicles 33:2 NLT2 Chronicles 33:2 ESV2 Chronicles 33:2 NASB2 Chronicles 33:2 KJV
2 Chronicles 33:2 Commentaries
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