2 Chronicles 33:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} to Manasseh {H4519}, and to his people {H5971}: but they would not hearken {H7181}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI spoke to M'nasheh and to his people, but they paid no attention.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they did not listen.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake to Manasseh, and to his people; but they gave no heed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 33:10 captures a pivotal and tragic moment in the reign of King Manasseh, underscoring the divine initiative of God to communicate His will and warnings to a deeply rebellious king and his idolatrous people. Despite the Lord's persistent and gracious outreach, the verse poignantly records their defiant refusal to heed His voice, setting the stage for the inevitable consequences of their spiritual stubbornness and covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Manasseh's reign, immediately following a detailed account of his profound wickedness and apostasy. Manasseh, son of the righteous King Hezekiah, systematically dismantled his father's reforms, rebuilding pagan altars, introducing Baal worship, practicing divination, and even sacrificing his own children (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 33:3-6](/2_chronicles/33-3 "2 Chronicles 33:3-6 - Manasseh's Abominations")). The preceding verses paint a picture of Judah sinking to unprecedented depths of idolatry under his leadership. Verse 10, therefore, serves as a crucial interjection, revealing that God did not remain silent in the face of such egregious sin but actively sought to intervene and call His people to repentance before judgment was fully unleashed. It precedes the account of Manasseh's capture by the Assyrians and his subsequent, dramatic repentance in [2 Chronicles 33:11-13](/2_chronicles/33-11 "2 Chronicles 33:11-13 - Manasseh's Captivity and Repentance"), highlighting God's longsuffering even amidst profound rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Manasseh reigned for an astonishing 55 years (c. 697-642 BC), the longest reign of any king in Judah. This period coincided with the height of Assyrian imperial power, which exerted significant cultural and religious influence over the vassal states, including Judah. Manasseh's idolatry was not merely a personal failing but a national embrace of the religious practices of surrounding pagan nations, particularly those associated with Assyrian cults and Canaanite fertility rites, including child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom. The "speaking" of the Lord to Manasseh and his people would have likely occurred through various means: prophetic warnings from figures like Isaiah (who may have still been active early in Manasseh's reign) or other unnamed prophets, divine providences, or even natural disasters interpreted as divine judgment. The cultural milieu was one of widespread syncretism, where the distinctiveness of Yahweh worship was severely compromised by the adoption of foreign deities and abominable practices, making the people's refusal to "hearken" a deliberate and deeply entrenched rejection of their covenant obligations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Patience and Warning**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when they are unfaithful. Despite Manasseh's extreme wickedness, God continued to offer opportunities for repentance, reflecting His character as "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - God's Compassion")). Secondly, it highlights **Human Stubbornness and Disobedience**. The phrase "but they would not hearken" vividly portrays the hardened hearts and active rebellion of Manasseh and the people of Judah, who consciously chose to ignore God's voice and persist in their sinful ways, echoing themes found in [Jeremiah 7:23-26](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-26 - Disobedience of Israel"). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Consequences of Rebellion**, as their refusal to listen ultimately led to the severe judgment of Assyrian captivity, a consequence that God had repeatedly warned His people about throughout their history, as seen in the warnings of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dibber'_):** The Hebrew verb is דָּבַר (dabar), specifically the Piel conjugation, which denotes an intensive or causative action. Here, it signifies that the Lord "spoke" or "declared" His message clearly and emphatically. It implies a deliberate and authoritative communication, not a mere whisper or suggestion. This active declaration by God highlights His initiative and His desire to be heard and understood by Manasseh and the people.
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The Hebrew verb is שָׁמַע (shama), used here in the Qal imperfect, meaning "they would not hear" or "they would not listen." While _shama'_ literally means "to hear," in biblical context, it frequently carries the deeper connotation of "to hear and obey," "to listen attentively and respond," or "to understand and act upon." Therefore, "they would not hearken" signifies a deliberate, active refusal not just to perceive the sound of God's words, but to internalize them, to submit to their authority, and to change their behavior accordingly. It implies a profound spiritual deafness coupled with willful disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people:"** This clause emphasizes God's direct and personal communication. It was not merely a general warning but a specific address to the king, the spiritual and political head, and to the entire nation under his influence. The use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) underscores the covenant relationship and the divine authority behind the message. This highlights God's persistent grace and longsuffering, extending warnings even to those deeply entrenched in rebellion.
* **"but they would not hearken."** This contrasting clause reveals the tragic human response. The conjunction "but" (וְלֹא, _welo'_) introduces a stark opposition to God's gracious outreach. Their refusal to "hearken" signifies not just passive ignorance but active, deliberate resistance and spiritual rebellion. It was a conscious choice to disregard divine counsel, preferring their idolatrous practices and wicked ways over the path of obedience and life. This rejection set the stage for the severe consequences that would follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting God's active, persistent communication against the people's stubborn, defiant refusal to listen. This stark opposition highlights the depth of human rebellion and the divine patience. There is also an element of **Anthropomorphism**, as God is described as "speaking," which, while literal in the sense of communicating His will, often implies the use of human agents (prophets) or divine providences to convey His message. Furthermore, the verse functions as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the impending judgment that will inevitably follow such unheeded warnings, a common prophetic pattern throughout the Old Testament. The phrase "would not hearken" also carries a sense of **Irony**, as the very people who were called to be God's obedient covenant nation actively chose to ignore His voice, leading to their downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. It underscores His character as a God who actively seeks to warn and redeem, rather than immediately condemn. The persistent "speaking" of the Lord, despite the escalating wickedness under Manasseh, reveals divine longsuffering and the provision of ample opportunity for repentance. However, the people's refusal to "hearken" highlights the tragic reality of human free will and the capacity for profound spiritual rebellion. This rejection of divine counsel is a recurring theme in Israel's history, leading to cycles of judgment and restoration. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's warnings are not arbitrary but are given out of His desire for His people's well-being and their return to Him, and that ignoring them carries severe consequences.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 7:23-26](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-26 - Israel's Disobedience to God's Voice")
* [Proverbs 1:24-33](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-33 - Wisdom's Warning to Those Who Refuse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The poignant scene in 2 Chronicles 33:10 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a timeless reminder of the critical importance of spiritual attentiveness. God, in His boundless grace, continues to communicate with humanity through His inspired Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the circumstances of life. The question for us is not whether God speaks, but whether we, like Manasseh and his people, are truly "hearkening"—not just hearing, but actively listening, understanding, and obeying. This verse challenges us to examine the posture of our hearts: are we open and responsive to divine instruction, or are we allowing spiritual deafness and the allure of worldly distractions to harden our hearts? The consequences of ignoring God's voice are severe, leading to spiritual decline and separation from His blessing. Conversely, cultivating a heart that genuinely seeks to hear and obey God's Word is the pathway to true life, wisdom, and flourishing, even in the midst of a challenging world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be "speaking" to me today through His Word, prayer, or circumstances, and am I truly listening?**
* **What are the "idols" or distractions in my life that might be causing me to "not hearken" to God's voice?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a posture of active obedience rather than mere intellectual assent to God's commands?**
* **Considering Manasseh's later repentance, what hope does this verse offer for those who have long resisted God's call?**

### FAQ
**How did the Lord "speak" to Manasseh and his people?**

Answer: The Bible often describes God "speaking" through various means, not always an audible voice. In this context, it is most likely that God communicated His warnings and calls to repentance through His prophets, who were active during this period (e.g., possibly Isaiah in the earlier part of Manasseh's reign, or other unnamed prophets). These prophets would deliver direct messages from God to the king and the people. Additionally, God could have spoken through significant events, such as natural disasters, military threats, or specific providences, which would have been interpreted by those with spiritual discernment as divine warnings. The persistent nature of God's communication, even in the face of Manasseh's extreme wickedness, underscores His longsuffering and desire for His people to turn from their destructive path, as seen in His repeated sending of prophets throughout Israel's history (e.g., [2 Chronicles 36:15-16](/2_chronicles/36-15 "2 Chronicles 36:15-16 - God's Patience and Rejected Messengers")).

**What were the immediate and long-term consequences of their refusal to hearken?**

Answer: The immediate consequence of their refusal to hearken was the continuation and deepening of their idolatry and wickedness, which further provoked God's wrath. The long-term consequence, explicitly stated in the subsequent verses, was divine judgment in the form of Assyrian captivity. [2 Chronicles 33:11](/2_chronicles/33-11 "2 Chronicles 33:11 - Manasseh Taken Captive") recounts that "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." This captivity was a direct result of their stubborn disobedience, fulfilling the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") for those who would not obey God's voice. While Manasseh himself later repented in captivity, the widespread idolatry he introduced had a lasting, detrimental impact on Judah, contributing to its eventual downfall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine communication in 2 Chronicles 33:10, though rejected by Manasseh and Judah, points forward to the ultimate and perfect "speaking" of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as God spoke through prophets and events in the Old Testament, He has now "spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Jesus is the living Word of God, the full revelation of God's character and will, embodying the very message that rebellious humanity so desperately needs to hear and obey. His earthly ministry was a continuous act of "speaking"—teaching, healing, and calling people to repentance and faith. Tragically, just as Manasseh and his people "would not hearken," so too did many in Jesus' day reject His words and refuse to believe ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10 "John 1:10-11 - He Came to His Own and His Own Did Not Receive Him")). Yet, for those who do "hearken" to Christ—who hear His voice and follow Him ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice"))—there is eternal life and forgiveness. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrifice, promises a new heart and a new spirit, where God's law is written not on tablets of stone but on the heart, enabling true obedience and a willing ear to His voice ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, 2 Chronicles 33:10, in its depiction of rejected divine communication, magnifies the grace and necessity of Christ, the Word made flesh, who perfectly speaks God's truth and offers the power to truly "hearken."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 36:15

And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

Nehemiah 9:29

And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

Nehemiah 9:30

Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.

Jeremiah 25:4

And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them]; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.

Jeremiah 25:7

Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.

Zechariah 1:4

Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and [from] your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.