Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 33

Verses 1-20

2 Chronicles 33:1-20 . The Reign of Manasseh (see notes on 2 Kings 21:1-18).

2 Chronicles 33:1-10 is based upon 2 Kings 21:1-10, which is fairly accurately followed; but 2 Chronicles 33:11-20 is almost wholly from the hand of the Chronicler; it deals with Manasseh’ s captivity and consequent repentance; in answer to his prayer, Manasseh is restored and devotes the rest of his life to the loyal service of Yahweh. As far as Manasseh’ s repentance and subsequent good works are concerned, it is difficult to believe that it can have been historical, both from the entire silence of 2 K. and because of the words in Jeremiah 15:4 (“ And I will cause them to be tossed to and fro among all the kingdoms of the earth because of Manasseh . . .” ). The insertion of the account may be explained on the supposition that the Chronicler wished to offer a satisfactory reason for Manasseh’ s long reign: to him it would have appeared impossible that a king who reigned for fifty-five years could have been wholly bad. As regards the story of Manasseh’ s captivity and restoration, it can only be said that there is nothing intrinsically impossible about it— analogous cases could be cited; and although no reference to either event is found in 2 K., it is quite possible that the Chronicler utilised some other source for the purpose of incorporating them in his compilation.

2 Chronicles 33:19 . Hozal: read with the LXX “ seers” ; cf. 2 Chronicles 33:18.

Verses 21-25

2 Chronicles 33:21-25 . The Reign of Amon (see notes on 2 Kings 21:19-24).

2 Chronicles 33:22 . Cf. the words of this verse with 2 Kings 21:21; the Chronicler has modified the words of the latter, which would be inconsistent with the idea of Manasseh’ s repentance.