Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. ManassehThe name "Manasseh" is derived from the Hebrew root "נשה" (nasha), meaning "to forget" or "to cause to forget." This name is significant in the context of Manasseh's reign, as it reflects the spiritual amnesia that characterized his leadership. Manasseh's reign is marked by a departure from the worship of Yahweh, leading the nation into idolatry and moral decay. His name serves as a reminder of the consequences of forgetting God's commandments and the importance of spiritual remembrance and faithfulness. was twelve years old
The phrase "was twelve years old" highlights the youth and inexperience of Manasseh when he ascended to the throne. In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was not uncommon for young individuals to become rulers, often under the guidance of regents or advisors. This detail underscores the vulnerability of the kingdom during his early reign and sets the stage for understanding how external influences and internal counsel could have shaped his decisions. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of godly mentorship and guidance for young leaders. when he became king
"when he became king" marks the beginning of Manasseh's rule over Judah. The transition of power in the biblical narrative often signifies a period of potential change, for better or worse. In Manasseh's case, his ascension to the throne initiated a time of significant spiritual decline. This phrase invites reflection on the responsibilities and challenges that come with leadership, especially in maintaining faithfulness to God's covenant amidst political and cultural pressures. and he reigned in Jerusalem
The phrase "and he reigned in Jerusalem" situates Manasseh's rule in the historical and spiritual heart of Judah. Jerusalem, as the city of David and the location of the Temple, held immense religious significance. Manasseh's reign in this sacred city is particularly poignant, as it contrasts the intended holiness of Jerusalem with the idolatry and abominations he introduced. This serves as a cautionary tale about the desecration of what is holy and the need to uphold the sanctity of places dedicated to God. fifty-five years
"fifty-five years" is notable as the longest recorded reign of any king in Judah. This extended period allowed for the deep entrenchment of idolatrous practices and the corruption of the nation's spiritual life. The length of Manasseh's reign is a sobering reminder of the enduring impact of ungodly leadership and the long-term consequences of turning away from God. However, it also highlights God's patience and the opportunity for repentance, as seen later in Manasseh's life. This serves as an encouragement that no matter how prolonged a period of rebellion may be, God's grace remains available for those who turn back to Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. ManassehThe son of Hezekiah, Manasseh became king of Judah at a young age. His reign is noted for its length and for the significant religious and moral decline that occurred during his time as king. 2. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, Jerusalem was the center of religious and political life for the Israelites. It was the location of the Temple, which was central to Jewish worship. 3. Reign of Fifty-Five YearsManasseh's reign was the longest of any king of Judah or Israel, and it was marked by a departure from the religious reforms of his father, Hezekiah. Teaching Points The Influence of LeadershipManasseh's reign shows how a leader's actions can lead a nation toward or away from God. Leaders today should be mindful of their influence and strive to lead with integrity and faithfulness. The Consequences of IdolatryManasseh's initial actions led Judah into idolatry, demonstrating the dangers of turning away from God. Believers are reminded to guard against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or self-worship. The Possibility of RedemptionDespite Manasseh's grave sins, his account includes repentance and restoration. This teaches that no one is beyond God's grace and forgiveness if they turn back to Him. The Importance of Early FoundationsManasseh became king at a young age, suggesting the importance of instilling strong spiritual foundations in youth. Parents and mentors should prioritize teaching biblical truths to the next generation. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Manasseh's early start as king about the importance of spiritual guidance for young leaders? 2. How does Manasseh's account illustrate the impact of a leader's faith (or lack thereof) on a community or nation? 3. In what ways can modern believers identify and combat idolatry in their own lives, drawing lessons from Manasseh's reign? 4. How does Manasseh's eventual repentance and restoration encourage us about God's willingness to forgive? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are building strong spiritual foundations in the lives of young people today? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 21:1-18This passage provides a parallel account of Manasseh's reign, detailing his idolatry and the consequences for Judah. 2 Chronicles 33:12-13These verses describe Manasseh's eventual repentance and return to God, highlighting the possibility of redemption even after significant sin. Exodus 20:3-5The commandments against idolatry are relevant here, as Manasseh's reign was characterized by the worship of foreign gods and idols. Isaiah 1:16-20This passage calls for repentance and a return to righteousness, which is applicable to Manasseh's account of eventual repentance. People Amon, Ben, David, Hezekiah, Israelites, Josiah, Manasseh, SolomonPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Fish Gate, Gihon, Jerusalem, Ophel, Valley of HinnomTopics Fifty, Fifty-five, Jerusalem, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Reign, Reigned, Reigning, Ruling, TwelveDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 33:1 7240 Jerusalem, history 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 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 33:1 NIV2 Chronicles 33:1 NLT2 Chronicles 33:1 ESV2 Chronicles 33:1 NASB2 Chronicles 33:1 KJV
2 Chronicles 33:1 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
