2 Chronicles 33:11

KJV

¶ Wherefore 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore the LORD {H3068} brought {H935} upon them the captains of {H8269} the host of {H6635} the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}, which took {H3920} Manasseh {H4519} among the thorns {H2336}, and bound him {H631} with fetters {H5178}, and carried {H3212} him to Babylon {H894}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore ADONAI brought against them the commanders of the king of Ashur's army. They took M'nasheh captive with hooks, bound him in chains and carried him off to Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD brought against them the military commanders of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon.

American Standard Version

Wherefore Jehovah brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh in chains, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse from 2 Chronicles records the dramatic and humiliating divine judgment upon King Manasseh of Judah, detailing how the LORD, through the agency of the Assyrian military, captured him "among the thorns," bound him with "fetters," and deported him to "Babylon." It marks the nadir of Manasseh's wicked reign, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to discipline His people for their persistent sin, setting the stage for his subsequent, profound repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Manasseh's exceptionally long and wicked reign, specifically following a detailed account of his egregious idolatry and abominable practices in Jerusalem and throughout Judah, as described in [2 Chronicles 33:1-9](/2_chronicles/33-1 "2 Chronicles 33:1-9 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign"). Manasseh, despite being the son of the righteous King Hezekiah, systematically undid his father's reforms, rebuilding high places, erecting altars to Baal, worshipping celestial bodies, practicing child sacrifice, and even placing an idol in the very temple of the LORD. The preceding verses emphasize the Lord's repeated warnings to Manasseh and Judah, which they ignored, leading directly to the punitive action described in [2 Chronicles 33:10](/2_chronicles/33-10 "2 Chronicles 33:10 - God's Warning to Manasseh"). Thus, [2 Chronicles 33:11](/2_chronicles/33-11 "2 Chronicles 33:11 - Manasseh's Capture and Deportation") serves as the direct consequence of Manasseh's unrepentant rebellion, a divine judgment executed through an earthly power. The subsequent verses, [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance and Restoration"), then pivot to describe Manasseh's profound repentance and the Lord's gracious response, highlighting the redemptive purpose behind the discipline.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian Empire was the dominant geopolitical force in the Near East during Manasseh's reign (7th century BC). Known for its formidable military and brutal tactics, Assyria frequently employed deportation as a policy to suppress rebellion and integrate conquered territories. While Judah was often a vassal state to Assyria during this period, paying tribute to avoid direct military intervention, Manasseh's capture suggests either a specific act of rebellion, a failure to pay tribute, or a broader Assyrian campaign that swept through Judah. Babylon, though later to become the dominant power, was at this time an important administrative and military center within the Assyrian Empire, often a place where captives or rebellious kings were brought for interrogation, punishment, or display. The act of binding a king with "fetters" and carrying him away was a common practice of humiliation and control by conquering empires, stripping the monarch of all dignity and power. This historical backdrop underscores the severity of Manasseh's downfall and the reality of God's use of even pagan empires to execute His sovereign will.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Discipline**, demonstrating that God holds even the most powerful rulers accountable for their actions, especially when they lead His people into apostasy. Manasseh's capture is a direct, divinely orchestrated consequence of his prolonged and egregious sin, serving as a stark reminder of God's justice. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Persistent Sin**, showing that despite God's patience, unrepentant rebellion inevitably leads to severe repercussions. Manasseh's decades of idolatry culminated in this public humiliation and loss of freedom. Thirdly, the verse powerfully affirms **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**. Even the formidable Assyrian Empire and its military commanders are depicted as mere instruments in the hands of the LORD, fulfilling His purposes to discipline His chosen people. This reveals that God is not limited by human power or political circumstances but orchestrates global events to accomplish His will, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Finally, though not explicit in this verse alone, it sets the stage for the theme of **Humiliation as a Pathway to Repentance and Restoration**, as the subsequent verses ([2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance and God's Mercy")) reveal that this severe discipline was the catalyst for Manasseh's profound transformation and God's subsequent mercy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew: יהוה, _Yahweh_):** The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, active, and sovereign involvement in the affairs of His people and the world. The text explicitly states "the LORD brought upon them," underscoring that the Assyrian invasion and Manasseh's capture were not random political events but a direct act of divine judgment and discipline orchestrated by the God of Israel. This highlights His ultimate control over history and human rulers, even those who do not acknowledge Him.
* **Thorns (Hebrew: חוח, _choach_):** This word refers to a thorny bush or thicket. The phrase "took Manasseh among the thorns" is highly evocative, suggesting a desperate, ignominious capture. It could imply he was hiding in a desolate, overgrown area, attempting to evade capture, or perhaps was caught in a difficult, entangled situation that symbolized his spiritual and political entanglement in sin. The image conveys his complete helplessness and the degradation of a once-powerful king reduced to seeking refuge in such a place, emphasizing the profound loss of his royal dignity.
* **Fetters (Hebrew: נחשתים, _nechushtim_):** This term specifically denotes bronze or copper chains, shackles, or manacles. Being bound with "fetters" signifies complete physical restraint, loss of freedom, and utter submission to his captors. For a king, this was the ultimate symbol of humiliation and defeat, transforming him from a sovereign ruler into a common prisoner. It vividly illustrates the severity of God's judgment and the complete stripping away of Manasseh's power and autonomy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine agency behind the unfolding events. "Wherefore" (or "Therefore") directly links this judgment to Manasseh's preceding wickedness as described in [2 Chronicles 33:1-10](/2_chronicles/33-1 "2 Chronicles 33:1-10 - Manasseh's Sin and God's Warning"). The "captains of the host of the king of Assyria" are explicitly identified as the instruments of God's will, not merely independent aggressors. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty, using even pagan empires to accomplish His purposes of discipline and justice for His covenant people.
* **"which took Manasseh among the thorns,"**: This phrase vividly describes the manner of Manasseh's capture. The imagery of being found "among the thorns" suggests a desperate, perhaps undignified, attempt to hide or escape, or perhaps simply the desolate and difficult terrain where he was apprehended. It underscores his vulnerability and the complete reversal of his royal status; a king accustomed to palaces and armies is reduced to hiding in a thicket, emphasizing his profound humiliation and the extent of his downfall.
* **"and bound him with fetters,"**: This clause further details the physical degradation and loss of freedom Manasseh experienced. "Fetters," typically made of bronze, symbolize severe physical restraint and imprisonment. For a king, being bound in chains was the ultimate public display of defeat and subjugation, stripping him of all authority, dignity, and mobility. It represents the complete loss of his royal power and the imposition of a foreign yoke.
* **"and carried him to Babylon."**: This final clause states the destination of Manasseh's captivity. While Assyria was the dominant power, Babylon was a significant city within the Assyrian Empire, often used as a place for the detention or display of conquered rulers. Being "carried" implies a forced, humiliating journey far from his kingdom and capital, Jerusalem. This deportation signifies the complete disruption of his reign and the tangible consequence of his rebellion, bringing him to a place of foreign domination and profound isolation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [2 Chronicles 33:11](/2_chronicles/33-11 "2 Chronicles 33:11 - Manasseh's Capture and Deportation") is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as the text explicitly states "the LORD brought upon them," portraying God as the ultimate orchestrator of events, using the Assyrian army as His instrument of judgment. This underscores His control over human history and political powers. There is profound **Irony** in the capture of Manasseh: a king who wielded immense power and led his nation into deep idolatry is reduced to hiding "among the thorns" and being bound with "fetters," a stark reversal of his royal authority and dignity. The phrase "among the thorns" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only a literal hiding place but also the degraded, entangled, and vulnerable state into which his wickedness had brought him. Similarly, the "fetters" are **Symbolic** of the spiritual bondage of sin and the loss of true freedom that results from rebellion against God. The journey to "Babylon" also carries **Symbolic** weight, foreshadowing the future exile of Judah and representing a place of judgment, foreign domination, and separation from the promised land. The entire scene is a powerful **Juxtaposition** of Manasseh's former power and his abject humiliation, designed to highlight the severe consequences of defying God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The capture and humiliation of King Manasseh in [2 Chronicles 33:11](/2_chronicles/33-11 "2 Chronicles 33:11 - Manasseh's Capture and Deportation") serve as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over human affairs. It demonstrates that no one, regardless of their earthly power or position, is exempt from divine accountability. Manasseh's suffering was not random misfortune but a direct, divinely orchestrated consequence of his persistent and egregious sin, particularly his leading Judah into deep apostasy. This event underscores the principle that God's patience has limits, and His discipline, though painful, is often a means to bring about repentance and restoration, as evidenced by Manasseh's subsequent transformation. It powerfully illustrates that God uses even wicked nations and their brutal tactics as instruments in His hands to fulfill His righteous purposes, ensuring that His will ultimately prevails over all human rebellion.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 76:10](/psalms/76-10 "Psalm 76:10 - God's Restraint of Human Wrath")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - God's Authority Over Rulers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic account of Manasseh's capture and humiliation in [2 Chronicles 33:11](/2_chronicles/33-11 "2 Chronicles 33:11 - Manasseh's Capture and Deportation") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our actions, especially those that defy God's commands and lead others astray, have real and often severe consequences. Just as God used the Assyrians to discipline Manasseh, He may permit or orchestrate difficult circumstances in our lives—what might feel like being "taken among the thorns" or "bound with fetters"—to get our attention, humble us, and call us to repentance. These moments of crisis, though painful, are often God's gracious invitations to turn back to Him, to acknowledge our sin, and to seek His mercy. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are there areas of persistent rebellion or idolatry that need to be addressed? Are we willing to embrace God's discipline, trusting that even in our lowest moments, His ultimate desire is for our restoration and spiritual flourishing?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Manasseh's capture challenge my understanding of God's justice and sovereignty over difficult circumstances in my own life?**
* **In what ways might I be "among the thorns" or "bound with fetters" in my spiritual journey, and what might God be trying to reveal to me through these challenges?**
* **What specific areas of my life might require a "Manasseh-like" turning to God in deep repentance?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to trust God's purposes even when His methods of discipline are severe or difficult to understand?**

### FAQ
**Was Manasseh's capture a unique event, or did other kings face similar fates?**

While Manasseh's specific capture "among the thorns" and deportation to Babylon (an Assyrian center at the time) is unique in its detailed description for a king of Judah, the general experience of being conquered, humiliated, and deported by the Assyrians was a common fate for many rulers and populations in the ancient Near East during their period of dominance. The Assyrians were notorious for their brutal treatment of rebellious kings, often parading them in chains or subjecting them to public humiliation. This event for Manasseh was not an anomaly in the broader historical context of Assyrian imperial policy, but it was a singular and divinely orchestrated judgment upon a king of Judah, serving as a powerful fulfillment of God's warnings against idolatry and rebellion, as seen in [2 Kings 17:7-18](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-18 - Israel's Disobedience and Exile").

**Why did the LORD use the Assyrians, a pagan nation, to punish His own people?**

The Bible frequently portrays God using pagan nations as instruments of His judgment and discipline upon His covenant people when they turn away from Him. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use any means necessary to accomplish His will. In this case, Assyria, known for its military might and harsh policies, was God's "rod" (as described in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")) to humble Manasseh and Judah. This practice highlights that God is not confined to working only through righteous individuals or nations; He is the sovereign Lord of history, orchestrating events even through those who do not acknowledge Him, to bring about His righteous purposes, whether for judgment, discipline, or ultimately, redemption. This theme is also evident in God's use of Babylon against Judah later, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Babylon as God's Servant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The story of Manasseh's profound sin, his humiliating capture, and subsequent repentance, as hinted at in [2 Chronicles 33:11](/2_chronicles/33-11 "2 Chronicles 33:11 - Manasseh's Capture and Deportation") and fully revealed in the following verses, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Manasseh's "fetters" and his being "carried to Babylon" symbolize humanity's universal spiritual bondage to sin and our "exile" from God's presence due to our rebellion. Just as Manasseh's capture was a necessary step towards his repentance and restoration, so too does humanity's recognition of its utter helplessness and bondage to sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")) drive us to seek deliverance. Christ, however, is the one who bears the ultimate judgment for sin, not by being bound in chains for His own wickedness, but by willingly submitting to the humiliation of the cross, becoming a "curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")) to set us free from the spiritual fetters of sin and death ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")). His journey to the cross, a place of ultimate humiliation and suffering, was not a consequence of His sin but a redemptive act that enables our reconciliation with God, bringing us out of spiritual "Babylon" and into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Manasseh's eventual restoration, a testament to God's boundless grace, finds its perfect and complete fulfillment in the new life and eternal salvation offered to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Deuteronomy 28:36

The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.

2 Chronicles 36:6

Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon.

Isaiah 5:26

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

Isaiah 5:30

And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if [one] look unto the land, behold darkness [and] sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.

Job 36:8

And if [they be] bound in fetters, [and] be holden in cords of affliction;

Job 36:11

If they obey and serve [him], they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

Isaiah 7:18

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall hiss for the fly that [is] in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that [is] in the land of Assyria.