Bible Commentaries

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.

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.