Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

33:1-20 Manasseh ruled fifty-five years (697–642 BC), longer than any other king in Judah. The years of his reign included a co-regency with his father, Hezekiah, from 697 to 686 BC. Such a long reign was usually a sign of blessing, even though Manasseh did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. So the Chronicler tells of his humiliation, repentance, and restoration of worship in Judah.

Verse 7

33:7 The carved idol was an image of Asherah (see 2 Kgs 21:7).

Verse 11

33:11 A nose ring caused not only pain but complete humiliation. Assyrian records portray such treatment of their prisoners.

Verse 12

33:12-17 The book of Kings does not mention Manasseh’s repentance, telling only of the promise of judgment resulting from his wicked deeds (see 2 Kgs 21:10-16). Chronicles tells the good things he did after he repented, following his father Hezekiah’s example. However, Manasseh’s actions were unable to turn the hearts of the people back to the Lord or to avert God’s judgment on Judah (2 Chr 33:17).

33:12 Manasseh’s response followed the requirements of Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple (7:14).

Verse 13

33:13 Manasseh’s experience was a microcosm of what the nation would experience: exile and bondage brought on by apostasy, then repentance and returning to the Lord.

Verse 14

33:14-17 Manasseh might have been repairing damage done to the walls when he was taken captive. His religious reforms were similar to Hezekiah’s but incomplete; Josiah later removed the Temple altars that Manasseh built (2 Kgs 23:12).

Verse 18

33:18 The Book of the Kings of Israel is a record that no longer exists.

Verse 19

33:19 The Record of the Seers: This record no longer exists.

Verse 21

33:21 Amon’s short reign was from 642 to 640 BC.

Verse 24

33:24 The political forces that brought about Amon’s assassination are not indicated, but they might have been instigated by Egypt when Assyria’s declining power provided opportunity.