2 Chronicles 33 Commentary: Manasseh’s Apostasy, Captivity, and Repentance

Historical and Theological Background of 2 Chronicles 33

2 Chronicles 33 records the reign of King Manasseh of Judah, son of Hezekiah. His reign is one of the most shocking in Judah’s history because of the extreme idolatry and wickedness that characterized much of his rule. Manasseh reigned for fifty-five years, the longest of any king of Judah, yet his legacy was marked by rebellion against God.

Historically, Manasseh came to the throne at the age of twelve, after the godly reign of Hezekiah. The contrast between father and son is striking: Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, while Manasseh turned Judah toward idolatry. The Chronicler emphasizes Manasseh’s apostasy, the divine judgment that came upon him, his surprising repentance in captivity, and God’s mercy in restoring him.

Theologically, this chapter is a powerful lesson on sin, judgment, repentance, and forgiveness. It demonstrates the seriousness of idolatry, the consequences of disobedience, but also the boundless mercy of God to forgive even the most wicked when they humble themselves.

Verse by Verse Commentary

2 Chronicles 33:1–2

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen.”

Manasseh began ruling young and reigned longer than any other king of Judah. Sadly, his long reign was dominated by evil. He followed the practices of the surrounding nations, which God had driven out because of their sins (Deuteronomy 18:9–12). Instead of continuing in Hezekiah’s reforms, he reversed them. His reign shows how quickly a nation can fall when leadership turns away from God.

2 Chronicles 33:3–5

“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.”

Manasseh rebuilt altars and high places that Hezekiah destroyed. He restored Baal worship, introduced Asherah poles, and even worshiped the stars. Verse 4 shows that he went further, building altars inside the temple of the LORD — a direct violation of God’s command that His name alone would dwell there (Deuteronomy 12:5–6). This was spiritual rebellion at its highest level.

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.”

Manasseh committed abominations condemned in the Law. He practiced child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom (later associated with Gehenna, a symbol of hell in the New Testament). He practiced sorcery, witchcraft, and necromancy. These acts were not only sinful but directly opposed to God’s covenant (Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 18:10–12).

2 Chronicles 33:7–9

“And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God… So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen.”

Manasseh even placed an idol inside the temple itself, where God had promised to place His name forever. His sin was not private but national. He led Judah into corruption worse than the surrounding nations. This fulfilled warnings given to Solomon about turning from God (1 Kings 9:6–9).

The king’s actions reveal how leadership can mislead a nation. When those in authority sin, the people often follow.

2 Chronicles 33:10

“And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.”

Despite his wickedness, God warned Manasseh and Judah through prophets, but they refused to listen. This shows God’s patience and mercy, but also human stubbornness. Persistent rejection of God’s word leads to judgment.

2 Chronicles 33:11

“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.”

Judgment came through Assyria, the dominant empire. Manasseh was captured, bound in chains, and taken to Babylon. The phrase “among the thorns” may refer to being dragged with hooks or shackles. His humiliation was complete. The mighty king became a captive.

This fulfilled the principle of Galatians 6:7 — “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

2 Chronicles 33:12–13

“And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto him.”

This marks a turning point. In his distress, Manasseh humbled himself greatly. His repentance was genuine. He prayed to the God of his fathers, showing he turned back to covenant faith.

God heard his prayer and restored him to Jerusalem and his kingdom. This extraordinary mercy shows that no one is beyond forgiveness when they repent. It echoes the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–24).

2 Chronicles 33:14–16

“Now after this he built a wall without the city of David… And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD… and he repaired the altar of the LORD.”

After repentance, Manasseh acted. He strengthened Jerusalem’s defenses, removed idols, and restored true worship. He repaired the altar of the LORD and offered sacrifices of thanksgiving. True repentance is not just words but action. Manasseh’s reforms, though late, reflected a changed heart.

2 Chronicles 33:17

“Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the LORD their God only.”

Though Manasseh turned to God, the people’s worship was not fully purified. They sacrificed in high places, though now to the LORD. This partial obedience shows how deeply sin had rooted itself in the nation. Reform takes time, and some damage cannot be fully reversed.

2 Chronicles 33:18–19

“Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh… his prayer also, and how God was intreated of him.”

The Chronicler notes that Manasseh’s prayer and God’s mercy were recorded in other writings. His repentance was remarkable enough to be remembered. This testimony served to show later generations the greatness of God’s forgiveness.

2 Chronicles 33:20

“So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house.”

Manasseh died and was buried, not in the royal tombs but in his own garden. Though forgiven, the consequences of his life were heavy. His reign left Judah spiritually weakened, setting the stage for later judgment. Forgiveness removes guilt, but consequences may remain.

2 Chronicles 33:21–23

“Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign… and he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father.”

Amon, Manasseh’s son, followed the sins of his father’s earlier life but not his repentance. He reigned only two years before being assassinated. This shows that repentance must be personal; it cannot be inherited. Amon imitated Manasseh’s sins but not his humility.

2 Chronicles 33:24–25

“And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house. But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon.”

Amon’s reign ended violently. His servants killed him, but the people killed the conspirators and placed Josiah, his son, on the throne. This prepared the way for one of Judah’s most godly kings, Josiah.

Theological Themes in 2 Chronicles 33

1. The Depth of Human Sin
   Manasseh shows how far a person and a nation can fall into idolatry and wickedness.
2. God’s Patience and Warnings
   Despite Manasseh’s sin, God spoke to him and his people before judgment came.
3. Divine Judgment
   Manasseh’s captivity shows that rebellion has consequences.
4. Repentance and Forgiveness
   Manasseh’s prayer and restoration show God’s incredible mercy, even for the worst sinner.
5. Consequences of Sin
   Though forgiven, Manasseh’s sins left lasting scars on Judah.
6. The Need for Personal Faith
   Amon’s life shows that each generation must seek God personally.

Practical Lessons from 2 Chronicles 33

• Guard against spiritual decline: A godly heritage does not guarantee faithfulness.
• Sin has real consequences: Disobedience leads to suffering.
• Repentance is always possible: No one is too far gone for God’s mercy.
• True repentance brings change: Manasseh’s reforms showed a transformed heart.
• Leadership shapes nations: A leader’s sin or faith has wide influence.
• Faith cannot be inherited: Each person must choose God for themselves.
• Forgiveness does not erase consequences: Sin may leave scars even after repentance.

Cross References

• 2 Kings 21:1–18: Parallel account of Manasseh’s sins.
• Deuteronomy 18:9–12: Condemnation of witchcraft and child sacrifice.
• Leviticus 18:21: Prohibition of offering children to Molech.
• Isaiah 1:18: Promise of forgiveness though sins are scarlet.
• Luke 15:11–24: The prodigal son’s repentance echoes Manasseh’s return.
• Galatians 6:7: Reaping what one sows, fulfilled in Manasseh’s captivity.
• James 4:6–10: God gives grace to the humble, as seen in Manasseh’s prayer.