2 Chronicles 33:16

KJV

And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he repaired {H1129} the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068}, and sacrificed {H2076} thereon peace {H8002} offerings {H2077} and thank offerings {H8426}, and commanded {H559} Judah {H3063} to serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He repaired the altar of ADONAI and offered on it sacrifices as peace offerings and for thanksgiving; and he ordered Y'hudah to serve ADONAI the God of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings and thank offerings on it, and he told Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel.

American Standard Version

And he built up the altar of Jehovah, and offered thereon sacrifices of peace-offerings and of thanksgiving, and commanded Judah to serve Jehovah, the God of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 33:16 encapsulates the profound transformation of King Manasseh, detailing his active steps to reverse years of apostasy and lead Judah back to the worship of the true God. After a period of extreme wickedness and subsequent humbling repentance, Manasseh diligently restored the altar of the LORD, reinstituted proper sacrificial worship through peace and thank offerings, and used his royal authority to command his people to serve the God of Israel. This verse stands as a powerful testament to divine mercy and the tangible fruits of genuine repentance, marking a pivotal moment in Judah's spiritual history under his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse follows a dramatic narrative arc within [2 Chronicles 33](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Reign and Repentance"). The initial verses of the chapter ([2 Chronicles 33:1-9](/2_chronicles/33-1 "2 Chronicles 33:1-9 - Manasseh's Wickedness")) describe Manasseh's unparalleled wickedness, including rebuilding high places, erecting altars to Baal, worshipping celestial bodies, practicing child sacrifice, and filling Jerusalem with innocent blood. This extreme apostasy led to God's judgment, culminating in Manasseh's capture and deportation to Babylon by the Assyrians ([2 Chronicles 33:10-11](/2_chronicles/33-10 "2 Chronicles 33:10-11 - Manasseh's Captivity")). However, in his distress, Manasseh profoundly humbled himself and prayed to God, who heard his plea and restored him to his kingdom ([2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Humiliation and Restoration")). Upon his return, Manasseh immediately began to undo his past evils by removing foreign gods and idols and casting down pagan altars ([2 Chronicles 33:14-15](/2_chronicles/33-14 "2 Chronicles 33:14-15 - Manasseh's Initial Reforms")). Verse 16 then details the positive, reconstructive steps he took next, focusing on the re-establishment of proper worship, thereby completing the picture of his repentance and restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Manasseh reigned over Judah for 55 years (c. 697–642 BC), making him the longest-reigning king in Judah's history. His era was marked by the pervasive influence of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which dominated the Near East. Assyrian religious practices, including astral worship and various forms of idolatry, often infiltrated vassal states like Judah. Manasseh's initial reign saw a deliberate reversal of his father Hezekiah's reforms, embracing these foreign cults and even introducing child sacrifice, a practice anathema to Yahwism. The "altar of the LORD" mentioned in the verse refers to the great altar of burnt offering in the Jerusalem Temple, which was central to Israelite worship according to the Mosaic Law. The specific mention of "peace offerings" and "thank offerings" indicates a return to the prescribed sacrificial system, which had been neglected or corrupted during his reign of apostasy. These offerings were voluntary and signified fellowship and gratitude, distinct from mandatory sin or guilt offerings. As king, Manasseh held significant religious authority, making his command for Judah to serve the LORD a powerful act of national reorientation.

* **Key Themes:** Manasseh's story, culminating in this verse, powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, it highlights **Repentance and Divine Mercy**, demonstrating God's readiness to forgive even the most grievous sins when there is genuine humility and turning ([Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - God's Abundant Pardon")). Manasseh's transformation from the most wicked king to one who actively promotes true worship is a profound testament to God's grace. Second, the verse underscores the **Restoration of True Worship**. By repairing the altar and reinstituting proper sacrifices, Manasseh signifies a return to covenant faithfulness and the divinely ordained means of approaching God, contrasting sharply with the idolatry described in [2 Chronicles 33:3-7](/2_chronicles/33-3 "2 Chronicles 33:3-7 - Manasseh's Idolatry"). Third, it emphasizes the theme of **Leadership and Influence**. Manasseh's personal repentance translates into public action, as he uses his royal authority to "command Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel," reversing his previous negative influence and actively promoting righteousness among his people. This demonstrates the societal impact of a leader's spiritual condition. Finally, the specific mention of "peace offerings" and "thank offerings" points to **Gratitude and Fellowship**, indicating a restored relationship with God characterized by appreciation and communion, not merely atonement for sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Repaired (Hebrew, חָזַק, _ḥāzaq'_):** This verb means to strengthen, repair, restore, or take hold of. In this context, it signifies not merely a physical reconstruction of the altar but a spiritual re-establishment of a broken covenant relationship. It implies diligent and intentional effort to undo the damage done to the sacred space and the practices of true worship. This act was a tangible expression of Manasseh's commitment to reversing his past apostasy.
* **Peace offerings (Hebrew, שְׁלָמִים, _sh'lamim'_):** Derived from the root _shalom_, meaning "peace," "completeness," or "well-being." These were voluntary offerings of communion and fellowship, symbolizing a restored and harmonious relationship with God. Unlike sin or guilt offerings, which addressed specific transgressions, peace offerings were often shared by the offerer, priests, and God, signifying a communal meal of reconciliation and shared peace. Their presentation here indicates Manasseh's desire for renewed intimacy with God.
* **Thank offerings (Hebrew, תּוֹדָה, _todah'_):** A specific type of peace offering, _todah_ means "praise" or "thanksgiving." These offerings were typically made in gratitude for specific blessings, deliverance from distress, or answered prayer. By presenting thank offerings, Manasseh expressed profound appreciation and public acknowledgment of God's goodness, mercy, and faithfulness in restoring him to his kingdom and forgiving his grievous sins. It was an act of worship flowing from a heart of gratitude.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he repaired the altar of the LORD,"**: This phrase marks Manasseh's proactive and decisive step towards restoring proper worship. The "altar of the LORD" was the central place for sacrifices in the Jerusalem Temple, which had been defiled and neglected during his long, idolatrous reign. Repairing it symbolized his commitment to undoing his past wickedness and re-establishing the divinely ordained means of approaching God. This was a tangible act of obedience and a public declaration of his changed heart, indicating a physical and spiritual reorientation.
* **"and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings,"**: The specific types of sacrifices offered are highly significant. Unlike sin or guilt offerings, which primarily addressed atonement for specific transgressions, peace and thank offerings were voluntary expressions of fellowship, reconciliation, and profound gratitude. By presenting these, Manasseh demonstrated not merely a desire for forgiveness but a heart overflowing with appreciation for God's mercy and restoration, and a longing for renewed communion with Him. This act affirmed his restored relationship with God and publicly acknowledged divine blessing.
* **"and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel."**: This final clause highlights Manasseh's leadership and the public dimension of his repentance. His transformation was not merely personal but extended to his role as king. He used his royal authority to reverse his previous negative influence, actively promoting the worship of the one true God among his people. This command underscored the importance of national faithfulness and demonstrated a king leading his nation back to covenant obedience, fulfilling his God-given responsibility.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Manasseh's transformation in this chapter, culminating in verse 16, powerfully employs **Contrast** to highlight his radical shift from profound wickedness to sincere repentance. His actions—repairing the altar and commanding Judah to serve the Lord—stand in stark opposition to his earlier idolatry and the leading of his people astray, creating a dramatic before-and-after picture. This transformation also functions as a compelling **Redemption Narrative**, showcasing God's boundless willingness to forgive and restore even the most egregious sinner when genuine repentance occurs. The specific mention of "peace offerings and thank offerings" utilizes **Symbolism**, as these sacrifices represent reconciliation, gratitude, and renewed fellowship, embodying the very essence of Manasseh's restored relationship with God. Furthermore, the progression from Manasseh's personal acts of devotion ("repaired the altar," "sacrificed") to his public decree ("commanded Judah") illustrates the **Ripple Effect** of genuine spiritual change, demonstrating how individual transformation can lead to broader societal and national reorientation towards God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Manasseh's story, culminating in the actions described in 2 Chronicles 33:16, is a profound illustration of God's boundless grace and the transformative power of genuine repentance. It underscores that no sin is too great for God's forgiveness when a heart truly turns to Him in humility and faith. This verse shows repentance as not just regret or passive sorrow, but active, tangible steps to restore what was broken, undo past harm, and lead others towards righteousness. It also highlights the importance of worship and gratitude as central to a restored and thriving relationship with God, emphasizing that true communion involves both acknowledging His mercy and expressing heartfelt thanks.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Though Your Sins Be as Scarlet")
* [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Desires Repentance, Not Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Manasseh's journey from extreme apostasy to genuine repentance and restoration offers profound hope and practical lessons for believers today. It reminds us that our past sins, no matter how grievous or how long-standing, do not define our future in God's eyes if we turn to Him with a contrite heart. True repentance is evidenced not just by words or fleeting regret, but by tangible actions that seek to undo harm, restore what was broken, and re-align our lives with God's will. This might involve confessing wrongs, making restitution, or actively pursuing righteousness where we once pursued sin. Furthermore, Manasseh's example calls us to consider our sphere of influence: just as he, as king, commanded Judah to serve the LORD, we are called to lead those around us—family, friends, colleagues, and community—towards serving the Lord through our transformed lives, clear witness, and faithful example. This verse encourages us to embrace God's boundless mercy, live lives characterized by gratitude for His grace, and actively participate in the restoration of true worship in our own contexts, both personally and communally.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life need "repairing" or restoration to align more fully with God's will?**
* **How do my actions demonstrate genuine repentance for past mistakes, rather than just regret?**
* **In what ways can I, like Manasseh, use my influence to encourage others to serve the Lord?**
* **How does a heart of gratitude manifest in my worship and daily life?**

### FAQ
**How could Manasseh, who committed such terrible sins, be forgiven by God?**

Answer: Manasseh's forgiveness is a powerful demonstration of God's boundless mercy and grace, which is extended to all who genuinely repent. [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Humiliation and Prayer") explicitly states that when he was in distress, he "humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers and prayed to him." God heard his plea and restored him. This narrative aligns with biblical themes that emphasize God's desire for sinners to turn from their ways and live, as seen in [Ezekiel 18:23](/ezekiel/18-23 "Ezekiel 18:23 - God's Desire for Repentance") and [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - God's Abundant Pardon"). His forgiveness was not based on the magnitude of his sin, but on the sincerity of his repentance and God's unchanging character of love and compassion.

**What is the significance of "peace offerings" and "thank offerings" specifically?**

Answer: The choice of "peace offerings" (_sh'lamim_) and "thank offerings" (_todah_) is highly significant. Unlike sin or guilt offerings, which addressed specific transgressions and sought atonement, these were voluntary offerings expressing fellowship, reconciliation, and profound gratitude. Peace offerings symbolized a restored, harmonious relationship with God, often culminating in a communal meal shared by the offerer, priests, and God, signifying renewed communion. Thank offerings were a specific type of peace offering, given in response to a particular blessing, deliverance, or answered prayer, expressing deep appreciation and public acknowledgment of God's goodness. By offering these, Manasseh was not just seeking forgiveness, but actively celebrating his renewed communion with God and expressing deep appreciation for God's mercy and restoration, as described in [Leviticus 7:11-18](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11-18 - The Law of Peace Offerings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Manasseh's radical transformation and the restoration of worship in [2 Chronicles 33:16](/2_chronicles/33-16 "2 Chronicles 33:16 - Manasseh's Restoration of Worship") powerfully foreshadow the ultimate work of Christ. While Manasseh repaired a physical altar and offered animal sacrifices, these were but shadows pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who takes away the sin of the world. Through Christ, the need for animal sacrifices is fulfilled and superseded, as He Himself became the ultimate peace offering, reconciling humanity to God through His blood on the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Our "altar" is now Christ Himself, through whom we offer "a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess His name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifices of Praise")). Manasseh's command for Judah to serve the LORD prefigures the New Covenant, where believers are called to serve God not under compulsion, but by the Spirit, as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), participating in a spiritual worship that transcends physical rituals and is centered on the resurrected Christ ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). His story is a powerful testament to the boundless grace available to all through Christ, who truly makes all things new and empowers us to live lives of genuine repentance and grateful worship.

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.