2 Crônicas 33

2 Crônicas 33

Guzik: This reminds us of the distinction between two different kinds of high places. Some were altars to pagan idols; others were unauthorized altars to the true God. Manasseh stopped all the pagan worship in Judah, but unauthorized (that is, outside the temple) worship of the God of Israel continued. Andrew Hill: The impact of Manasseh’s religious reforms seems restricted to Jerusalem and its immediate environs, given the Chronicler’s reference to ongoing worship in the high places (33:17). The worship associated with the Canaanite high places proves a snare for the Israelites throughout the history of the monarchies. Martin Selman: As with all previous attempts to eradicate the signs and symbols of Canaanite religion, in practice its undemanding morality and sensuous practices proved irresistible to the majority of the People (cf. 2 Chr. 14:3; 15:17; 17:6; 20:33). Despite the formal changes, the people as a whole saw no need for a change of heart (cf. Isa. 29:13; Jer. 3:10; 2 Tim. 3:5). (SEE 2 Chronicles: A Commentary - Page 523 OR BORROW) 2 Chronicles 33:18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh even his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, behold, they are among the records of the kings of Israel. 1Ki 11:41 the rest of the acts of Manasseh 2Ch 20:34 32:32 even his prayer to his God, 2Ch 33:12,13,19 the words of the seers 2Ch 33:10 1Sa 9:9 2Ki 17:13 Isa 29:10 30:10 Am 7:12 Mic 3:7 they are among the records 1Ki 14:19 15:31 Related Passages: 2 Kings 21:17 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh and all that he did and his sin which he committed, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? ROYAL SUMMARY OF MANASSEH'S LIFE Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh - This is a standard royal summary formula. It tells us the Chronicler has been selective, not exhaustive. Many details of Manasseh’s 55 year reign were known but not recorded here. even his prayer to his God - This is a unique and striking phrase. This seems to emphasize personal repentance, direct appeal to covenant mercy and restoration of His relationship with Yahweh (although we are not sure he ever had a relationship with God prior to his repentance). Notice that while Kings records his sins against God, Chronicles records his prayer to God. This later writing accentuates the positive. and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel - Manasseh did not sin in ignorance, for God sent prophetic warnings. And even before his judgment divine revelation (and warnings) had preceded God's judgment. Seers were prophets, men who spoke “in the name of the LORD God of Israel.” meaning the words they spoke were as if God Himself spoke them. In short, this phrase, shows that Manasseh's rebellion was against clear revelation and repeated warnings. This truth intensifies both his guilt and the magnitude of grace when he repented. This reminds me of Ro 5:20+ "The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." Behold, they are among the records of the kings of Israel - The Chronicler refers to external royal records. The phrase “kings of Israel” here likely means the historical annals of the monarchy (not necessarily the northern kingdom only). In sum, 2 Chronicles 33:18 reminds us that Manasseh’s reign included prophetic warning and remarkable repentance, and though not all details are recorded, the Spirit preserves what matters most: sin confronted by revelation, prayer answered by mercy, and history shaped by covenant grace. Henry