2 Chronicles 33:13

KJV

And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he [was] God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And prayed {H6419} unto him: and he was intreated {H6279} of him, and heard {H8085} his supplication {H8467}, and brought him again {H7725} to Jerusalem {H3389} into his kingdom {H4438}. Then Manasseh {H4519} knew {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} he was God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He prayed to him; and God was moved by his plea, paid attention to his entreaty and brought him back to Yerushalayim, to his kingly office. Then M'nasheh understood that ADONAI really is God.

Berean Standard Bible

And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.

American Standard Version

And he prayed unto him; and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that Jehovah he was God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 33:13 marks the dramatic turning point in the life of King Manasseh, Judah's most wicked monarch. Following his capture and imprisonment by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbled himself and earnestly prayed to God. This verse records God's merciful response: He was moved by Manasseh's plea, heard his supplication, and miraculously restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. The profound outcome of this divine intervention was Manasseh's experiential realization that Yahweh, the God of Israel, was indeed the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic resolution to the narrative of King Manasseh's reign, which dominates the preceding verses of [2 Chronicles 33](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Wickedness and Repentance"). The chapter begins by detailing Manasseh's unprecedented wickedness, surpassing even the abominations of the nations dispossessed by Israel ([2 Chronicles 33:2](/2_chronicles/33-2 "2 Chronicles 33:2 - Manasseh's Abominations")). He rebuilt idolatrous high places, erected altars to Baal, worshipped celestial bodies, practiced child sacrifice, divination, and sorcery, and even placed a carved image in the very Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem ([2 Chronicles 33:3-7](/2_chronicles/33-3 "2 Chronicles 33:3-7 - Manasseh's Idolatry and Temple Defilement")). God's repeated warnings were ignored ([2 Chronicles 33:10](/2_chronicles/33-10 "2 Chronicles 33:10 - God Warns Manasseh")), leading to divine judgment: the Assyrians captured Manasseh and took him to Babylon in chains ([2 Chronicles 33:11](/2_chronicles/33-11 "2 Chronicles 33:11 - Manasseh's Captivity")). It was in this state of extreme distress and humiliation that Manasseh "humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers and prayed to him" ([2 Chronicles 33:12](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12 - Manasseh Humbles Himself and Prays")). Verse 13 then describes God's compassionate and restorative response, setting the stage for Manasseh's subsequent reforms ([2 Chronicles 33:15-16](/2_chronicles/33-15 "2 Chronicles 33:15-16 - Manasseh's Reforms")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Manasseh reigned for 55 years (c. 697-642 BC), the longest reign of any king in Judah's history. This period was dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which exerted significant political and cultural influence over Judah. Kings like Esarhaddon and Ashurbanipal were powerful rulers who regularly demanded tribute and loyalty from vassal states. Manasseh's captivity in Babylon, though not explicitly mentioned in the Assyrian annals, aligns with Assyrian practices of deporting rebellious kings or those suspected of disloyalty to the imperial capital as a display of power and to secure submission. The religious syncretism prevalent during Manasseh's reign was a common feature of the ancient Near East, where local deities were often incorporated into national worship, and astral cults were widespread. Manasseh's actions were a direct affront to the Mosaic Law and the covenant with Yahweh, which demanded exclusive worship. His restoration to Jerusalem and his kingdom by the Assyrians would have been an extraordinary act, likely orchestrated by divine intervention, as it was highly unusual for a captured and disgraced king to be reinstated.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Manasseh, culminating in [2 Chronicles 33:13](/2_chronicles/33-13 "2 Chronicles 33:13 - Manasseh's Repentance and Restoration"), powerfully illustrates several core themes. Foremost is the **power of genuine repentance** and the **boundless mercy and forgiveness of God**. Despite Manasseh's unparalleled wickedness, God's character as "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love" ([Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious")) is vividly demonstrated. The theme of **divine restoration** is also prominent; God not only forgives but also reinstates, showing His ability to heal and rebuild even after profound spiritual devastation. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **true knowledge of God**. Manasseh's initial reign was marked by ignorance or rejection of Yahweh, but his experience led to a profound, experiential recognition of God's singular sovereignty and power, leading to significant religious reforms in Judah ([2 Chronicles 33:15-16](/2_chronicles/33-15 "2 Chronicles 33:15-16 - Manasseh's Reforms")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **intreated (Hebrew, _'atar'_):** This verb signifies to "entreat," "pray," "supplicate," or "prevail upon." In the Niphal stem (passive voice), as used here, "he was intreated of him" means God allowed Himself to be prevailed upon or moved by Manasseh's earnest plea. It emphasizes God's receptiveness and willingness to respond favorably to genuine and humble supplication, rather than being unapproachable or indifferent. It speaks to God's compassionate nature, ready to turn from wrath when His people turn to Him.
* **supplication (Hebrew, _teḥinnâ'_):** This noun refers to an "earnest plea," a "cry for favor," or a "petition for mercy." It denotes a prayer made with humility and a recognition of one's dependence on the one being addressed. Manasseh's prayer was not a demand but a desperate, humble appeal for grace, underscoring the depth of his brokenness and repentance.
* **knew (Hebrew, _yada'_):** This verb often implies more than mere intellectual assent; it denotes an experiential, intimate, and relational knowledge. "Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he [was] God" indicates a profound spiritual transformation. It was not just an acknowledgment of Yahweh's existence but a deep, personal realization of His unique sovereignty, power, and faithfulness, learned through a crucible of suffering and divine intervention. This knowing led to a fundamental reorientation of his life and reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And prayed unto him":** This phrase directly connects to [2 Chronicles 33:12](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12 - Manasseh Humbles Himself and Prays"), where Manasseh "humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers and prayed to him." It highlights the essential act of turning to God in brokenness and dependency, a prerequisite for divine intervention and transformation. Manasseh's prayer was born out of affliction and desperation, yet it was directed to the one true God whom he had so grievously offended.
* **"and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication":** This clause reveals God's immediate and merciful response to Manasseh's prayer. The passive "he was intreated" emphasizes God's sovereign choice to be moved by Manasseh's plea, demonstrating His incredible patience and willingness to forgive even the most egregious sins when met with genuine repentance. God "heard" his supplication, signifying not just an auditory perception but an attentive and responsive hearing, leading to action. This underscores God's character as one who is accessible and responsive to the cries of His humble children.
* **"and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom":** This is the miraculous manifestation of God's grace and power. Manasseh's restoration was not a political maneuver but a divine act. To be returned from Assyrian captivity to his throne in Jerusalem was an extraordinary display of God's sovereignty over nations and kings. It signified full forgiveness, reconciliation, and a renewed purpose for Manasseh, demonstrating that God's grace extends beyond mere pardon to complete restoration.
* **"Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he [was] God":** This final clause is the spiritual culmination of the entire experience. Manasseh's suffering, prayer, and miraculous restoration led him to a profound, experiential understanding of Yahweh's unique identity and power. After years of polytheism and idolatry, he finally recognized the singular sovereignty of the God of Israel. This newfound knowledge was not merely intellectual but transformative, leading to a changed life and significant religious reforms, as detailed in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 33](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Wickedness and Repentance").

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Manasseh's repentance and restoration in [2 Chronicles 33:13](/2_chronicles/33-13 "2 Chronicles 33:13 - Manasseh's Repentance and Restoration") is rich with literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, juxtaposing Manasseh's unparalleled wickedness described in the preceding verses with God's boundless mercy and willingness to forgive. This stark contrast highlights the magnitude of God's grace. The verse functions as a **Climax** in Manasseh's story, marking the pivotal turning point from rebellion and judgment to repentance and restoration. The entire sequence demonstrates **Divine Intervention**, as God actively responds to Manasseh's prayer, orchestrating his return to Jerusalem against all human odds. This intervention leads to a profound **Transformation** (or *metanoia*), where Manasseh moves from idolatry and spiritual blindness to an experiential knowledge of the one true God. The narrative also employs **Irony**, as the king who most defiled God's temple and rejected His commands is the one who experiences God's most dramatic act of forgiveness and restoration in the Chronicler's account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The story of Manasseh's repentance and restoration in [2 Chronicles 33:13](/2_chronicles/33-13 "2 Chronicles 33:13 - Manasseh's Repentance and Restoration") stands as a powerful testament to the character of God and the efficacy of genuine repentance. It underscores that no sin is too great for God's forgiveness, and no individual is beyond the reach of His redemptive grace. God's willingness to be "intreated" by such a wicked king reveals His inherent mercy, compassion, and desire for all to turn from their wicked ways and live. This narrative provides profound hope, demonstrating that God's justice is always tempered by His readiness to offer pardon and restoration to those who humble themselves and seek Him with a sincere heart. It affirms the biblical truth that God delights not in the death of the wicked but in their turning to Him.

* [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - God's Abundant Pardon")
* [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Desires Repentance, Not Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Manasseh's remarkable story offers enduring hope and profound lessons for believers today. It assures us that no matter how far we may have strayed, how grievous our past sins, or how deep our spiritual rebellion, God's grace is always sufficient for repentance and restoration. His capacity for forgiveness far exceeds our capacity for sin. This narrative calls us to a posture of radical humility, recognizing that true brokenness and a contrite spirit are the catalysts for God's intervention and healing. It reminds us of the incredible power of prayer—even a desperate cry from a place of deep affliction can reach the heart of God and bring about miraculous change and restoration. Ultimately, Manasseh's transformation from a polytheistic idolater to one who "knew that the LORD he [was] God" challenges us to examine the depth of our own knowledge of God, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a profound, experiential, and life-transforming relationship with Him, evidenced by a changed life and a commitment to His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Manasseh's story challenge our assumptions about who God can forgive, and what does this mean for our own lives or for those we deem "unreachable"?**
* **What does "humbling oneself greatly before the God of his fathers" practically look like in our lives today when we face the consequences of our own rebellion or sin?**
* **In what ways might God be calling us to acknowledge His sovereignty and unique identity more fully, moving from intellectual knowledge to a profound, experiential "knowing" of Him?**

### FAQ
**Was Manasseh's repentance truly genuine, given his past wickedness and the circumstances of his prayer?**

Answer: Yes, the biblical text strongly indicates Manasseh's repentance was genuine. While his prayer was certainly prompted by extreme duress, God's response of not only forgiving him but also miraculously restoring him to his kingdom suggests a divine affirmation of the sincerity of his heart. Furthermore, the subsequent verses in [2 Chronicles 33:15-16](/2_chronicles/33-15 "2 Chronicles 33:15-16 - Manasseh's Post-Repentance Reforms") describe Manasseh's actions upon his return to Jerusalem: he removed the foreign gods and the idol from the temple, tore down all the altars he had built, and restored the altar of the Lord, commanding Judah to serve the Lord. These actions provide concrete evidence of a changed heart and a genuine turning from his previous ways, demonstrating that true repentance leads to a transformed life and outward obedience.

**How could God forgive such extreme wickedness, including child sacrifice and temple defilement, which are repeatedly condemned in Scripture?**

Answer: Manasseh's story powerfully highlights the boundless mercy and grace of God. While God's holiness demands justice for sin, His character is also defined by compassion and a readiness to forgive those who genuinely repent. This is consistent with other biblical declarations of God's nature, such as [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord, a Compassionate and Gracious God"), which proclaims the Lord as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." Manasseh's story serves as a dramatic example that no sin, no matter how heinous, is beyond the scope of God's forgiveness when met with a truly humble and repentant heart. It underscores that God's grace is a gift, not earned by the degree of one's sin or righteousness.

**What does the archaic phrase "he was intreated of him" mean in modern English?**

Answer: The phrase "he was intreated of him" means that God allowed Himself to be prevailed upon, moved to compassion, or favorably disposed toward Manasseh's plea. In essence, God was receptive to Manasseh's earnest prayer and granted his request. It signifies God's willingness to respond mercifully to a humble and sincere supplication, demonstrating His accessibility and responsiveness to those who turn to Him in repentance. It highlights that God is not a distant, unfeeling deity but one who listens and acts in response to the cries of His children.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic narrative of Manasseh's repentance and restoration in [2 Chronicles 33:13](/2_chronicles/33-13 "2 Chronicles 33:13 - Manasseh's Repentance and Restoration") serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow pointing to the ultimate and complete redemption found in Jesus Christ. Manasseh's experience of being forgiven and restored to his earthly kingdom, despite his profound wickedness, foreshadows the spiritual restoration offered to all humanity through the atoning work of Christ. Just as Manasseh was brought back from the bondage of Assyria, Christ delivers us from the bondage of sin and death, bringing us into His eternal kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption and Forgiveness in Christ")). Manasseh's experiential "knowing that the LORD he [was] God" finds its fullest realization in the New Covenant, where believers are given the Spirit to truly know God through His Son ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")). The boundless mercy and forgiveness extended to Manasseh are perfectly embodied in the cross, where God, "being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace")). Manasseh's story is a testament to God's readiness to forgive *any* sin, a truth fully unveiled in the sacrifice of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering not just restoration to an earthly kingdom, but eternal life and a new creation in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

1 Chronicles 5:20

And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that [were] with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

Ezra 8:23

So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Daniel 4:25

That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

Isaiah 55:6

¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Isaiah 55:9

For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: