2 Chronicles 33
-Manasseh succeeded Hezekiah becoming king in Judah at the
young age of twelve, reigning 55 years in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 33:1). He was
known for doing evil in the sight of the LORD worshipping pagan idols and
being, in general, an abomination before the LORD just like all the nations
whom the Almighty dispossessed before the sons of Israel in the days of Joshua.
He rebuilt the high places of pagan worship to the Baals and the Asherim with
worship of all the ungodly hosts of heaven. He served a lie and false system of
faith even in the House of God. He made his sons pass through the fire in the
valley of Ben-hinnom, he practiced witchcraft, used divination, practiced
sorcery, and dealt with mediums and spiritists (2 Chronicles 33:2-6). In short,
he did very much evil in the sight of the LORD God. He rejected God’s supremacy
and made a mockery of all His everlasting promises. Even when the LORD spoke to
Manasseh and his people, he and they paid no attention to the warnings (2
Chronicles 33:7-10).
-“Therefore, the LORD brought the commanders of the army of
the king of Assyria against them (Judah), and they captured Manasseh with
hooks, bound him with bronze chains and took him to Babylon (2 Chronicles
33:11). This was a turning point thankfully in this king’s life. “When he was
in distress, he entreated the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before
the God of his fathers (2 Chronicles 33:12).” When Manasseh prayed and
repented, God was moved by his contrite entreaty and received his petition for
restoration. Manasseh was brought back to Jerusalem knowing that the LORD was
God (2 Chronicles 33:13)! There was restoration not only in his personal life,
but the nation benefited with new building projects and a removal of the
foreign gods and the idols, which had been erected in the House of God as well as
other areas nearby. Now as a new man, the king ordered all Judah to worship the
One-True Living God of the Universe, Yahweh.
-*Application* God responded to the turning of this king
when he prayed, repented before the LORD all his sin of unfaithfulness, and
humbled himself. God always desires to bless you and encourage you when you
turn to Him. His plans are wonderful and magnificent in your life if you will
only give Him authority and control. Quit pretending that some other god or
thing is going to give you fulfillment. There is only One worthy of your
worship, so adore, respect, and fear Him with all your heart. You will see the
blessed results just as Manasseh did. Remember, it’s not how you start, but how
you finish that is ultimately important with God.
-Amom, Manasseh’s son who became king and reigned only two
years, started out poorly and ended poorly doing the idolatry of his father and
never turning away from it. He multiplied guilt upon himself to the point that
his servants conspired against him and put him to death in his own house (2
Chronicles 33:21-24). This led to the boyhood kingship of Josiah, and better
times were on their way in Judah.
Verse to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 33:10
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