2 Chronicles 33:18

KJV

Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, behold, they [are written] in the book of the kings of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Manasseh {H4519}, and his prayer {H8605} unto his God {H430}, and the words {H1697} of the seers {H2374} that spake {H1696} to him in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, behold, they are written in the book {H1697} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of M'nasheh, his prayer to his God and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of ADONAI the God of Isra'el are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Manasseh, along with his prayer to his God and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, they are indeed written in the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel, behold, they are written among the acts of the kings of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse serves as a concise yet profound summary statement regarding the extensive reign of King Manasseh of Judah, directing the reader to supplementary historical records. It highlights three pivotal aspects of his life that held significant theological and historical weight for the Chronicler: his comprehensive actions, his deeply personal and transformative prayer of repentance to God, and the consistent divine communication he received through God's chosen seers. Far from a mere archival reference, the verse implicitly underscores the Chronicler's central message of God's boundless mercy and the transformative power of genuine repentance, even for the most wicked of kings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of King Manasseh's profound spiritual transformation. The preceding verses detail his initial reign as arguably the most wicked king in Judah's history, marked by the reintroduction of pagan worship, child sacrifice, and divination, effectively undoing the reforms of his father Hezekiah ([2 Chronicles 33:2-9](/2_chronicles/33-2 "2 Chronicles 33:2-9 - Manasseh's Abominations")). However, after being captured by the Assyrians and brought to Babylon, Manasseh experienced a radical change of heart. He humbled himself greatly and earnestly prayed to the LORD, who heard his supplication and mercifully restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem ([2 Chronicles 33:11-13](/2_chronicles/33-11 "2 Chronicles 33:11-13 - Manasseh's Humiliation and Prayer")). Upon his return, Manasseh actively worked to reverse his earlier evils, removing foreign altars and restoring the proper worship of the LORD at the Temple ([2 Chronicles 33:15-16](/2_chronicles/33-15 "2 Chronicles 33:15-16 - Manasseh's Reforms")). Verse 18 functions as a concluding summary, typical of the Chronicler's style, indicating that while he has presented the most theologically significant aspects of Manasseh's reign (his sin and repentance), further details are available in other historical documents, thereby affirming the historical basis of his narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Manasseh's reign (697/696–642/641 BC) was exceptionally long, spanning 55 years, a period dominated by the powerful Assyrian Empire. During this time, Judah was a vassal state, and Assyrian influence extended to religious practices, encouraging syncretism. Manasseh's introduction of Baal worship, Asherah poles, astral worship, and even child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom ([2 Chronicles 33:6](/2_chronicles/33-6 "2 Chronicles 33:6 - Manasseh's Idolatry")) reflected a deep embrace of foreign, abominable cults that directly challenged the Mosaic covenant. His capture by the Assyrians, likely under Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal, was a common imperial strategy to quell rebellion or ensure loyalty, often involving the deportation of kings to the Assyrian capital (Nineveh or Babylon, as in Manasseh's case). This humiliating experience, coupled with the consistent warnings from God's prophets, created the crucible for his dramatic repentance. The reference to "the book of the kings of Israel" points to the existence of official court chronicles or state annals, which were common in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms and served as primary sources for later historians like the Chronicler.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Repentance and Divine Mercy:** The explicit mention of "his prayer unto his God" underscores the central theological theme of Manasseh's radical repentance. Despite his unprecedented wickedness, which brought severe judgment upon Judah, God extended profound mercy and forgiveness when Manasseh genuinely humbled himself and turned to Him. This narrative highlights God's boundless grace and willingness to pardon even the most egregious sins, offering a powerful message of hope and restoration. This theme is foundational to the Chronicler's purpose, emphasizing that God's covenant faithfulness extends even to those who stray far, provided they return in humility, a message echoed in passages like [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - God's Abundant Pardon") and [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Desires Not the Death of the Wicked").
* **Divine Communication Through Prophets:** The "words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel" indicates God's persistent and gracious communication with Manasseh, even during his period of rebellion. The Chronicler notes that God had warned Manasseh and his people, but they "would not listen" ([2 Chronicles 33:10](/2_chronicles/33-10 "2 Chronicles 33:10 - God's Warning to Manasseh")). This highlights God's active involvement in human history, His desire for humanity to turn from sin, and His use of chosen messengers to convey His will, warnings, and promises. It reinforces the prophetic tradition as a vital means of divine guidance and intervention in the life of Israel's kings and people.
* **Biblical Accuracy and Historical Records:** The reference to "the book of the kings of Israel" (distinct from the canonical Books of Kings in our Bible, though sharing a similar title) signifies the Chronicler's reliance on and acknowledgment of other historical records and official chronicles. This practice underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical veracity and his meticulous historiographical method. By pointing to external, verifiable sources, the Chronicler assures his audience that the events described, particularly Manasseh's dramatic transformation, are rooted in verifiable historical accounts, thereby reinforcing the reliability and trustworthiness of the biblical narrative as a divinely inspired historical record.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manasseh (Hebrew, _Mənaššeh_):** The name means "causing to forget" or "one who makes to forget." This is deeply ironic given the king's actions. While his grandfather Hezekiah's name meant "Yahweh strengthens," Manasseh's reign initially caused Judah to "forget" the LORD through widespread idolatry. Yet, in a profound twist, his repentance led to God "forgetting" (i.e., forgiving) his grievous sins, and Manasseh himself sought to make Judah "forget" its idolatrous past by removing the foreign altars.
* **Seers (Hebrew, _ro'im'_):** This term is often used interchangeably with "prophets" (_navi'im_) in the Old Testament, though "seer" sometimes emphasizes the reception of visions or direct divine insight, suggesting a more immediate and visual form of revelation. The mention of "seers" here emphasizes that God's communication to Manasseh was not merely through general principles but through specific, divinely inspired individuals who spoke "in the name of the LORD God of Israel," underscoring the authoritative and supernatural origin of these messages.
* **Book of the kings of Israel (Hebrew, _sepher malchei Yisrael_):** This refers to an extra-biblical, official state chronicle or royal annals, not the canonical Book of Kings. Ancient Near Eastern kingdoms maintained such records, detailing the reigns of their monarchs. The Chronicler frequently refers to such sources (e.g., "the book of the kings of Judah and Israel," "the book of the kings of Israel and Judah"). This practice highlights the Chronicler's historiographical method, demonstrating his reliance on and synthesis of existing historical documentation to construct his theological narrative, affirming the factual basis of his account.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh":** This phrase serves as a standard concluding formula, indicating that the Chronicler has provided the most pertinent details of Manasseh's reign for his theological purpose, but acknowledges that more comprehensive historical information about his overall "acts" or deeds exists elsewhere. It signals a transition from the narrative summary to a bibliographical reference.
* **"and his prayer unto his God":** This clause specifically highlights the pivotal moment of Manasseh's profound repentance and turning to the LORD. For the Chronicler, this prayer was not merely a private act but a transformative event of immense theological significance, demonstrating God's receptiveness to genuine humility and supplication, even from the most wicked. It is central to the Chronicler's message of hope and restoration.
* **"and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel":** This emphasizes God's consistent and direct communication with Manasseh through His chosen messengers. Even during Manasseh's apostasy, God sought to warn and guide him, demonstrating divine patience and a relentless desire for His people's return. The phrase "in the name of the LORD God of Israel" authenticates the divine authority behind these prophetic messages.
* **"behold, they [are written] in the book of the kings of Israel.":** This final clause provides the archival reference, pointing to an external historical source where these details (Manasseh's acts, his prayer, and the seers' words) were recorded. It serves to validate the Chronicler's account, grounding his theological narrative in verifiable historical records and assuring the reader of the factual basis of Manasseh's dramatic transformation.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 33:18 primarily functions as a **Summary Statement** and a **Bibliographical Reference**. As a summary statement, it concisely encapsulates the key aspects of Manasseh's reign that the Chronicler deems most important for his audience, particularly his repentance and the divine interaction he experienced. This verse also employs **Referentiality**, explicitly pointing to an external historical source ("the book of the kings of Israel") to corroborate and expand upon the narrative presented. This device lends **Credibility** and **Authority** to the Chronicler's account, demonstrating his reliance on established historical records. Furthermore, within the broader narrative of Manasseh, there is a profound sense of **Irony** in his name, "causing to forget," given his initial actions that led Judah to forget God, and his later repentance that led God to "forget" his sins. The verse, by highlighting his prayer and the seers' words, underscores the **Theological Emphasis** on repentance and divine communication as central to God's dealings with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of 2 Chronicles 33:18 lies in its powerful affirmation of God's sovereign mercy and His unwavering commitment to covenant faithfulness, even in the face of profound human rebellion. Manasseh's story, summarized by this verse, serves as a profound testament to the truth that no sin is too great for God's forgiveness, and no heart is too hardened for His transformative grace. It underscores the Chronicler's post-exilic message of hope: if even Manasseh, the epitome of Judah's wickedness, could find forgiveness and restoration through genuine repentance, then there is always a path back to God for the exiled and disheartened community. The persistent "words of the seers" also highlight God's relentless pursuit of His people, continually calling them to repentance and offering guidance, demonstrating His active involvement in history and His desire for reconciliation.

* [Ezekiel 18:21-23](/ezekiel/18-21 "Ezekiel 18:21-23 - God's Desire for Repentance")
* [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Grace Abounds Over Sin")
* [1 Timothy 1:15-16](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15-16 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Manasseh's story, encapsulated in this summary verse, offers an incredibly potent message of hope and challenge for every believer. It shatters any illusion that certain sins are unforgivable or that some individuals are beyond the reach of God's grace. If a king who led his nation into the depths of idolatry, child sacrifice, and witchcraft could find mercy and restoration through humble prayer, then there is profound hope for anyone who genuinely turns to God, regardless of their past. This narrative calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our own hearts, prompting us to consider whether we, too, have resisted God's persistent warnings or ignored the "words of the seers" spoken through Scripture, godly counsel, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It encourages us to embrace the transformative power of repentance, recognizing that true humility before God opens the door to His boundless compassion and the possibility of radical change, not just for individuals but for communities and nations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Manasseh's radical transformation challenge our preconceived notions of who God can save or forgive?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be resisting God's persistent warnings or the counsel of His messengers, similar to Manasseh's initial resistance?**
* **What steps can we take to cultivate a heart of genuine humility and repentance, even when our sins feel overwhelming or our past seems too dark?**
* **How does the Chronicler's emphasis on Manasseh's repentance encourage us to pray for and believe in the transformation of even the most hardened hearts in our world today?**

### FAQ

**Was Manasseh truly forgiven, given the depth of his wickedness?**

Answer: Yes, the Chronicler's account strongly emphasizes Manasseh's genuine repentance and God's subsequent restoration of him to his kingdom, which is a clear sign of divine forgiveness. The narrative highlights his humbling himself greatly and praying to the LORD, who "was entreated of him, and heard his supplication" ([2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Humility and God's Response")). This demonstrates God's boundless mercy and willingness to pardon even the most egregious sins when met with sincere contrition, providing a powerful message of hope for all who repent.

**What is "the book of the kings of Israel" mentioned here? Is it our canonical Book of Kings?**

Answer: No, "the book of the kings of Israel" mentioned in 2 Chronicles 33:18 refers to an extra-biblical, official court chronicle or historical record, not the canonical Books of Kings found in our Bible. Ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, including Israel and Judah, maintained such detailed state annals. The Chronicler frequently refers to these official sources (sometimes called "the book of the kings of Judah and Israel" or similar variations) to validate his narrative and indicate where more extensive historical details could be found, demonstrating his reliance on existing historical documentation. For example, [1 Kings 11:41](/1_kings/11-41 "1 Kings 11:41 - Reference to the Book of the Acts of Solomon") also refers to such a source.

**Why does the Chronicler focus so much on Manasseh's repentance, especially when the Book of Kings gives it less emphasis?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose was theological and pastoral, aimed at encouraging the post-exilic community in Judah. Unlike the Book of Kings, which focuses more on the Davidic covenant and the reasons for the exile, the Chronicler emphasizes God's consistent faithfulness to His covenant and His readiness to forgive and restore those who repent. Manasseh's story, with its dramatic arc from extreme wickedness to profound repentance and restoration, served as a powerful example that even the most egregious sins could be forgiven through genuine humility and turning back to God. This message offered immense hope and a model for a community seeking spiritual and national restoration after the trauma of exile, reinforcing the Chronicler's central theme that God always responds to repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Manasseh's radical transformation, summarized in this verse, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and complete forgiveness available through Jesus Christ. Manasseh's "prayer unto his God" and the subsequent divine mercy he received point to the greater reality of God's grace, fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus. While Manasseh's repentance offered a temporary cleansing and restoration to an earthly kingdom, Christ's sacrifice on the cross provides eternal redemption and reconciliation, making us new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The "words of the seers" who spoke to Manasseh in God's name find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who is the Living Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), the supreme Prophet who perfectly reveals the Father. Manasseh's story, therefore, is a powerful Old Testament testimony to the truth that God desires not the death of the wicked but that they turn and live, a truth perfectly embodied in the mission of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His story, like all of Scripture, ultimately points to the One through whom all forgiveness, reconciliation, and true restoration are found ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through 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

2 Chronicles 33:19

His prayer also, and [how God] was intreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they [are] written among the sayings of the seers.

2 Chronicles 33:12

And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

2 Chronicles 33:13

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.

Isaiah 30:10

Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

Amos 7:12

Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:

2 Chronicles 20:34

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who [is] mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.

2 Chronicles 33:10

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