2 Chronicles 33:20

So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

So Manasseh {H4519} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and they buried {H6912} him in his own house {H1004}: and Amon {H526} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Then M'nasheh slept with his ancestors and was buried at his own house, and Amon his son took his place as king.

And Manasseh rested with his fathers and was buried at his palace. And his son Amon reigned in his place.

So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 33:20 marks the end of King Manasseh's long and tumultuous reign over Judah and details the succession of his son, Amon.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative of Manasseh, one of Judah's most complex kings. He initially reigned for 55 years (longer than any other king of Judah or Israel), characterized by extreme wickedness, including idolatry, child sacrifice, and consulting mediums (2 Chronicles 33:2-9). However, the Chronicler uniquely highlights his repentance during exile in Babylon (2 Chronicles 33:12-13), followed by efforts to reverse his earlier sins upon his return to Jerusalem. This verse signifies his physical death and the peaceful transition of power to his son, Amon, whose reign would unfortunately revert to Manasseh's earlier wicked ways (2 Chronicles 33:22-23).

Key Themes

  • The End of an Era: The phrase "Manasseh slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom for death, signifying that he joined his ancestors in the grave, marking the conclusion of his reign.
  • Unusual Burial: Kings of Judah were typically buried in the royal tombs in the City of David (e.g., David in 1 Kings 2:10). Manasseh's burial "in his own house" (or "garden of his own house" as in 2 Kings 21:18) is notable. While the Chronicler emphasizes his repentance, this atypical burial might still reflect some lingering ambivalence regarding his long period of unrighteousness, distinguishing him from the more devout kings buried in the royal sepulchers.
  • Succession and Continuity: The verse simply states "Amon his son reigned in his stead," highlighting the continuation of the Davidic line despite the spiritual struggles of its individual kings. This peaceful transfer of power is significant for the stability of the kingdom of Judah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "slept with his fathers" (Hebrew: shakab im avotav) is a recurring euphemism in the Old Testament for death, particularly for kings. It implies a peaceful end and joining the lineage of one's ancestors in the afterlife, though its theological implications are debated. It does not necessarily imply rest in a spiritual sense but rather the physical act of dying and being laid to rest with one's forefathers.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a reminder of several truths:

  • The Inevitability of Death: Regardless of power, wealth, or even spiritual transformation, physical death is the common lot of all humanity.
  • The Significance of Legacy: Manasseh's story, culminating in his death, underscores that a person's life, including their initial choices and eventual repentance, shapes their historical and spiritual legacy.
  • The Cycle of Leadership: The transition from Manasseh to Amon highlights the ongoing need for righteous leadership and the profound influence of a king's character on a nation's spiritual well-being. It also sets the stage for the short, wicked reign of Amon, which would precede the great reforms of Josiah.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 1:10

    And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

  • 1 Chronicles 3:14

    Amon his son, Josiah his son.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:33

    And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

  • 2 Kings 21:18

    And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

  • 2 Kings 21:25

    Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
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