2 Chronicles 33:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

His prayer {H8605} also, and how God was intreated {H6279} of him, and all his sin {H2403}, and his trespass {H4604}, and the places {H4725} wherein he built {H1129} high places {H1116}, and set up {H5975} groves {H842} and graven images {H6456}, before {H6440} he was humbled {H3665}: behold, they are written {H3789} among the sayings {H1697} of the seers {H2374}{H2335}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also his prayer and how God was moved by his plea, all his sin and disloyalty, and the locations where he built high places and set up the sacred poles and carved images before he humbled himself are written in the History of the Seers.

Berean Standard Bible

His prayer and how God received his plea, as well as all his sin and unfaithfulness, and the sites where he built high places and set up Asherah poles and idols before he humbled himself, they are indeed written in the Records of the Seers.

American Standard Version

His prayer also, and how God was entreated of him, and all his sin and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up the Asherim and the graven images, before he humbled himself, behold, they are written in the history of Hozai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 33:19 serves as a profound summary statement, concluding the extraordinary and redemptive account of King Manasseh's reign. It meticulously highlights the pivotal moments of his profound repentance, God's gracious and responsive forgiveness, and the extensive nature of his prior idolatrous practices and personal transgressions. By referencing external historical records—"the sayings of the seers"—the verse underscores the veracity and divine preservation of this remarkable narrative of transformation, affirming that even the most egregious sin can be met with divine mercy when accompanied by genuine humility and a turning to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a concluding summary for the narrative of King Manasseh, which spans [2 Chronicles 33:1-20](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Reign, Repentance, and Death"). The preceding verses meticulously detail Manasseh's unparalleled wickedness, describing how he rebuilt high places, erected altars to Baal, worshipped celestial bodies, practiced divination, and even engaged in child sacrifice ([2 Chronicles 33:2-9](/2_chronicles/33-2 "2 Chronicles 33:2-9 - Manasseh's Evil Reign")). Despite God's warnings being ignored ([2 Chronicles 33:10](/2_chronicles/33-10 "2 Chronicles 33:10 - God's Warning to Manasseh")), Manasseh was captured by the Assyrians and imprisoned in Babylon ([2 Chronicles 33:11](/2_chronicles/33-11 "2 Chronicles 33:11 - Manasseh Captured by Assyrians")). It is in this desperate state that Manasseh humbles himself and cries out to God, experiencing a miraculous divine response and restoration ([2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance and God's Answer")). Following his return to Jerusalem, Manasseh undertakes significant reforms, removing idolatry and restoring the altar of the Lord ([2 Chronicles 33:15-16](/2_chronicles/33-15 "2 Chronicles 33:15-16 - Manasseh's Reforms")). Verse 19 then functions as a concise concluding summary and a bibliographic reference, pointing to other historical records for the full details of his prayer, God's response, and his extensive sin before his repentance, thereby validating the Chronicler's account.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Manasseh's reign (c. 697-642 BC) was the longest in Judah's history, lasting 55 years, and occurred during a period of significant Assyrian dominance. This geopolitical reality explains his capture and deportation to Babylon, which was a major Assyrian city and administrative center at the time. Culturally, Manasseh actively reversed the righteous reforms of his father, Hezekiah, reintroducing and even intensifying pagan practices that were prevalent in the ancient Near East. The mention of "high places, groves, and graven images" refers to localized cultic sites often located on elevated ground, Asherah poles (sacred wooden poles or trees associated with a Canaanite fertility goddess), and carved idols, respectively. These practices were explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law and represented a profound and deliberate departure from Yahwistic worship. The reference to "seers" reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of maintaining official court records and prophetic chronicles, which often served as authoritative historical sources for later biblical authors, including the Chronicler.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Manasseh, culminating in [2 Chronicles 33:19](/2_chronicles/33-19 "2 Chronicles 33:19 - Summary of Manasseh's Repentance"), powerfully illustrates several profound theological themes. Foremost is the **profound nature of sin and apostasy**, demonstrated by Manasseh's extensive and prolonged wickedness, which surpassed even the abominations of the nations dispossessed by Israel ([2 Chronicles 33:9](/2_chronicles/33-9 "2 Chronicles 33:9 - Manasseh's Abominations")). Counterbalancing this is the theme of **God's boundless mercy and willingness to forgive**, even the most grievous sins, when met with genuine repentance. Manasseh's story is a compelling testament to the **power of humility**; his transformation begins only "before he was humbled," emphasizing that true spiritual change often stems from a broken and contrite spirit ([2 Chronicles 33:12](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12 - Manasseh Humbles Himself")). Finally, the reference to "the sayings of the seers" highlights the Chronicler's interest in the **reliability and divine inspiration of historical records**, affirming the accuracy of the biblical narrative by pointing to external, contemporary sources that corroborate the divine dealings with humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **intreated (Hebrew, _ʿâthar'_):** This verb, derived from the root H6279 (ʻâthar), means "to pray, supplicate, intercede." In the Niphal passive form used here, _neʿtar_ (as seen in the KJV text) signifies "to be entreated," "to be prevailed upon by prayer," or "to be moved to compassion." It powerfully conveys that God was not merely aware of Manasseh's prayer but was actively receptive and favorably responsive to his earnest plea for mercy and forgiveness, demonstrating divine accessibility and grace even in the face of profound sin.
* **humbled (Hebrew, _kânaʿ'_):** From the root H3665 (kânaʻ), meaning "to bend the knee," "to be humble," "to be subdued," or "to submit." The Hiphil infinitive construct with a pronominal suffix indicates "when he humbled himself" or "before his humbling." This word is crucial as it marks the definitive turning point in Manasseh's life. His repentance was not superficial but stemmed from a deep, internal submission and acknowledgment of his unworthiness before God, which the biblical narrative consistently presents as a prerequisite for receiving divine mercy and restoration.
* **seers (Hebrew, _chôzeh'_):** This plural noun comes from the active participle H2374 (chôzeh), derived from the verb H2335 (Chôwzay) meaning "to see, behold, perceive." In ancient Israel, a "seer" was a type of prophet, one who received divine visions or insights, often serving as a divine chronicler or recorder of God's dealings with His people and the unfolding events of history. The reference to their "sayings" (H1697, _dâbâr_, meaning "word" or "matter") underscores the existence of authoritative, divinely guided historical records beyond the canonical books, lending credibility and depth to the biblical account by pointing to external corroboration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His prayer also, and [how God] was intreated of him":** This clause directly refers to the pivotal moment described in [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Prayer and God's Response"). It emphasizes the efficacy of Manasseh's desperate prayer from captivity and God's merciful response. The phrase "was intreated of him" highlights God's receptiveness and willingness to be moved by a repentant heart, regardless of the past magnitude of sin, showcasing divine grace in action.
* **"and all his sin, and his trespass":** This comprehensive phrase underscores the totality and depth of Manasseh's rebellion against God. "Sin" (חַטָּאתוֹ, _chaṭṭāʾtô_, H2403) generally refers to missing the mark, moral failure, or an offense against God's law. "Trespass" (מַעֲלוֹ, _maʿălô_, H4604) often denotes a breach of faith, disloyalty, or unfaithfulness, particularly against God or sacred things. Together, they encompass the full scope of his personal and public offenses against the covenant and divine commands, emphasizing their comprehensive nature.
* **"and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images":** This clause provides specific, concrete examples of Manasseh's egregious idolatry, detailing the physical manifestations of his apostasy. "High places" (בָּמוֹת, _bâmôt_, H1116) were illicit worship sites, often on hills; "groves" (אֲשֵׁרִים, _ʾăšērîm_, H842) refer to Asherah poles, symbols of a Canaanite goddess; and "graven images" (פְּסִלִים, _pəsilîm_, H6456) were carved idols. This list vividly portrays the widespread and systematic nature of his promotion of pagan worship throughout Judah, demonstrating his full commitment to apostasy.
* **"before he was humbled":** This crucial temporal marker (H6440, _pânîym_, "before" combined with H3665, _kânaʿ_, "humbled") clearly delineates the two distinct phases of Manasseh's reign: his extensive wickedness *before* his repentance and his subsequent transformation. It emphasizes that his humbling—a deep, internal submission to God—was the necessary catalyst for God's intervention and his turning away from sin, marking the decisive shift in his life.
* **"behold, they [are] written among the sayings of the seers":** This concluding statement (H3789, _kâthab_, "written"; H1697, _dâbâr_, "sayings"; H2374, _chôzeh_, "seers") serves as a reference to external, non-canonical historical records. It affirms the historicity and public knowledge of Manasseh's story, indicating that the Chronicler's account is not exhaustive but draws upon and is corroborated by other authoritative prophetic or historical chronicles of the time. This practice lends significant weight and authenticity to the biblical narrative, assuring the reader of its factual basis.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several effective literary devices in [2 Chronicles 33:19](/2_chronicles/33-19 "2 Chronicles 33:19 - Summary of Manasseh's Repentance") to convey its profound message. Primarily, the verse functions as a **Summary/Recapitulation**, providing a concise yet comprehensive overview of the key elements of Manasseh's dramatic story: his prayer, God's gracious response, and the extensive nature of his prior sin. This technique allows the author to powerfully reinforce the core message of repentance and forgiveness without repeating all the previously detailed events. The pairing of "sin, and his trespass" and the triad of "high places, and set up groves and graven images" exemplify **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two or more contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of Manasseh's wickedness. There is also a clear **Contrast** established by the phrase "before he was humbled," highlighting the stark difference between Manasseh's life of rebellion and his subsequent, divinely initiated transformation. Finally, the reference to "the sayings of the seers" serves as a form of **Intertextual Reference** or **Historical Validation**, lending credibility and authority to the narrative by citing external, presumably well-known, historical sources, a common practice for the Chronicler to assure readers of the factual basis and divine oversight of his account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The story of King Manasseh, powerfully encapsulated in [2 Chronicles 33:19](/2_chronicles/33-19 "2 Chronicles 33:19 - Summary of Manasseh's Repentance"), stands as one of the Bible's most compelling testimonies to God's boundless grace and the transformative power of genuine repentance. It shatters any notion that certain sins are unforgivable or that individuals can stray too far to return to God. Manasseh, who led Judah into depths of idolatry and wickedness previously unheard of, nevertheless found profound mercy when he humbled himself and earnestly sought the Lord. This narrative underscores that God's character is fundamentally merciful and just, always ready to extend pardon and restoration to those who turn from their evil ways with a contrite heart. It also highlights the critical role of humility as the gateway to divine forgiveness and restoration, demonstrating that true repentance is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment of sin but a profound turning of the heart and a submission of the will to God.

* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - God's Abundant Pardon"): "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart"): "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
* [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Desires Repentance"): "Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Manasseh's story, so concisely summarized in this verse, offers immense hope and a profound, timeless message for all generations. It demonstrates unequivocally that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and forgiveness, no matter how great or prolonged their past sins. For those burdened by guilt, shame, or the conviction that they have gone too far, Manasseh's dramatic transformation is a beacon of hope, illustrating God's readiness to pardon when met with genuine humility and a turning of the heart. This narrative challenges us to examine our own lives, to recognize the insidious and destructive nature of sin, and to cultivate a spirit of humility that opens the door to God's restorative power. Moreover, it reminds us that true change is evidenced not just by confession, but by a subsequent turning away from past evils and a commitment to righteousness, as Manasseh demonstrated in his later reforms. This powerful account encourages us to never give up on ourselves or others, for God's capacity to redeem and transform is infinite and always available to the truly repentant heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific sins or patterns of behavior in my life do I need to humble myself before God about, trusting in His boundless capacity to forgive even "all my sin and trespass"?**
* **How does Manasseh's initial profound wickedness and subsequent miraculous repentance challenge or confirm my understanding of God's justice and mercy in my own life or in the lives of others?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more humble and contrite heart, recognizing that true spiritual change often begins with self-abasement and submission before God?**
* **Considering Manasseh's later reforms and active removal of idolatry, what tangible steps can I take to demonstrate the genuineness of my repentance and commitment to living righteously in response to God's grace?**

### FAQ

**Why is Manasseh's story of repentance so significant in the Bible?**

Answer: Manasseh's story is profoundly significant because he was arguably the most wicked king in Judah's history, leading the nation into extreme idolatry, child sacrifice, and even bloodshed, directly reversing the righteous reforms of his father, Hezekiah ([2 Chronicles 33:2-9](/2_chronicles/33-2 "2 Chronicles 33:2-9 - Manasseh's Evil Reign")). His repentance, therefore, serves as an unparalleled testament to God's boundless mercy and willingness to forgive even the most grievous sins when met with genuine humility and a turning of the heart. It offers immense hope that no one is beyond God's reach and ability to redeem, illustrating the depth of divine grace.

**What does the phrase "was intreated of him" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "was intreated of him" (from the Hebrew verb _neʿtar_) means that God was moved to compassion and favorably responded to Manasseh's earnest prayer. It implies that God heard his desperate plea, was receptive to his supplication, and graciously granted his request for mercy and forgiveness. This highlights God's active engagement and willingness to be influenced by the sincere prayers of a repentant heart, demonstrating that divine grace is accessible to those who genuinely seek it, as seen in [2 Chronicles 33:13](/2_chronicles/33-13 "2 Chronicles 33:13 - God Hears Manasseh's Prayer").

**Who were "the seers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The seers" (Hebrew: _chozim_) were a recognized class of prophets or visionaries in ancient Israel who received divine visions or insights. They often served as official chroniclers or recorders of historical events and God's dealings with His people and the kings. The reference to their "sayings" or "words" indicates that the Chronicler (the author of 2 Chronicles) drew upon and validated his account by referencing these existing, authoritative historical records, which were likely well-known in his time. This practice underscores the historical reliability and divine inspiration of the biblical narrative.

**Does Manasseh's story mean God will forgive any sin, no matter how severe?**

Answer: Manasseh's story strongly suggests that God's forgiveness is indeed available for any sin, no matter how severe, *provided* there is genuine repentance, humility, and a turning away from that sin. God's character is one of abundant mercy, steadfast love, and readiness to pardon ([Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - God's Compassion and Grace")). However, it does not imply a license to sin, but rather emphasizes the infinite depth of God's grace for those who truly humble themselves and seek His pardon, as Manasseh did in his captivity ([2 Chronicles 33:12](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12 - Manasseh Humbles Himself")). It is a powerful testament to the transformative power of divine grace when met with human contrition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The radical transformation of King Manasseh, from a monarch steeped in unparalleled idolatry and wickedness to one who found profound forgiveness and restoration, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete redemption offered through Jesus Christ. Manasseh's story, where God "was intreated of him" despite his grievous sins, points to the greater reality that in Christ, God has provided the definitive means for humanity to be reconciled to Him. Just as Manasseh's humbling was a prerequisite for his forgiveness, so too is humility and repentance essential for receiving the grace of God made manifest in Christ. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of humanity's sin and trespasses—far exceeding Manasseh's—on the cross, offering a perfect and complete atonement ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through faith in His sacrifice, believers are not merely pardoned but are made new creations, cleansed from all unrighteousness and brought into a right relationship with God ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). While "the sayings of the seers" recorded Manasseh's repentance for posterity, the entire New Testament bears witness to the ultimate "sayings" and redemptive acts of God in Christ, offering an eternal covenant of grace and forgiveness that surpasses any Old Testament demonstration ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")). Manasseh's story is a beautiful, albeit imperfect, testament to God's redemptive heart, fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who invites all, no matter their past, to come and find abundant life and forgiveness in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 5:16

And not as [it was] by one that sinned, [so is] the gift: for the judgment [was] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [is] of many offences unto justification.

Daniel 5:22

And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;

Acts 9:11

And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Jeremiah 44:10

They are not humbled [even] unto this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in my law, nor in my statutes, that I set before you and before your fathers.

Psalms 119:67

¶ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

2 Chronicles 36:12

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God, [and] humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet [speaking] from the mouth of the LORD.