2 Kings 21:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Manasseh {H4519} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and was buried {H6912} in the garden {H1588} of his own house {H1004}, in the garden {H1588} of Uzza {H5798}: and Amon {H526} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then M'nasheh slept with his ancestors and was buried in the garden of his own house, the Garden of 'Uza; and Amon his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

And Manasseh rested with his fathers and was buried in his palace garden, the garden of Uzza. And his son Amon reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse succinctly records the death and burial of Manasseh, Judah's longest-reigning king, and the immediate succession of his son, Amon. Manasseh's 55-year rule was marked by profound wickedness, reversing the reforms of his father Hezekiah and leading Judah into deep idolatry. His death signifies the close of a tumultuous era, with his burial in the "garden of Uzza" being an unusual departure from traditional royal burial sites, and his son Amon continuing his ungodly legacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 21:18 serves as the concluding statement of Manasseh's reign, immediately following a detailed account of his egregious sins. Verses 2-9 vividly describe how Manasseh rebuilt pagan altars, worshipped the host of heaven, practiced child sacrifice, divination, and witchcraft, and even placed an Asherah pole in the temple, directly provoking the Lord. This verse acts as a narrative transition, closing the chapter on Manasseh's destructive rule and setting the stage for the brief, equally wicked reign of his son Amon (2 Kings 21:19-22), before the narrative shifts dramatically to the righteous reforms of Josiah in the subsequent chapter. It underscores the severity of Manasseh's actions by placing his death after the full enumeration of his offenses, implying that his end was a consequence, though delayed, of his unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Manasseh reigned for an unprecedented 55 years (c. 697-642 BC), making him the longest-serving monarch in the history of both the united and divided monarchies of Israel and Judah. His reign occurred during a period of significant Assyrian dominance in the Near East. Judah, like other small kingdoms, was largely a vassal state to the mighty Assyrian empire. Manasseh's extensive promotion of foreign cults and idolatrous practices may have been, in part, a political strategy to appease his Assyrian overlords, whose pantheon included many of the deities Manasseh introduced to Judah. The practice of burying kings in the "City of David" (e.g., [1 Kings 11:43](/1_kings/11-43 "1 Kings 11:43 - Solomon's Burial")) was customary for the Davidic line. Manasseh's burial "in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza" is a notable deviation, potentially indicating a personal preference, a lack of full royal honor, or the unique circumstances of his later life as recorded in 2 Chronicles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment and the consequences of sin**, as Manasseh's death follows his unparalleled wickedness, even if the full judgment on Judah is deferred. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **legacy and succession**, showing how the actions of a king profoundly impact the spiritual trajectory of the nation and directly influence his successor, as Amon continued his father's evil ways (see [2 Kings 21:20-22](/2_kings/21-20 "2 Kings 21:20-22 - Amon's Reign")). The unusual burial place also subtly points to the **disruption of traditional norms** under Manasseh's reign. Furthermore, despite the profound unfaithfulness of kings like Manasseh, the verse implicitly affirms the **enduring nature of the Davidic covenant**, as a son still succeeds to the throne, even if that son is also wicked, ensuring the continuity of the royal line towards its ultimate fulfillment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slept with his fathers (Hebrew, _shakab im avotav'_):** This is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings. It signifies the peaceful end of an earthly life and the joining of one's ancestors in the realm of the dead. While it does not imply a specific spiritual state, it emphasizes the continuity of lineage and the natural progression of life and death, even for a king as notoriously wicked as Manasseh. It underscores the sovereignty of God over all life, bringing even the longest and most defiant reigns to a close.
* **Garden of Uzza (Hebrew, _gan Uzza'_):** This specific location for Manasseh's burial is unique among the kings of Judah, most of whom were buried in the "City of David" or the royal tombs. The name "Uzza" means "strength" or "might," and while its specific significance here is debated, the deviation from the traditional burial site is notable. It could signify Manasseh's personal preference, a desire to be buried on his own property, or perhaps a subtle indication that his reign, despite its length, was viewed as distinct or even controversial enough to warrant a non-traditional burial, even if not a dishonorable one. The Chronicler's account (2 Chronicles 33:20) notes he was buried "in his own house," which aligns with the idea of a private garden burial.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Manasseh slept with his fathers":** This clause marks the definitive end of Manasseh's remarkable 55-year reign. The use of the euphemism "slept with his fathers" is a standard formula in the Deuteronomistic History, applied to both good and bad kings, signifying the completion of their earthly tenure and their passing into the ancestral line. It highlights God's sovereign control over life and death, bringing even the most entrenched human power to an end.
* **"and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza":** This detail specifies Manasseh's burial location, which is unusual for a king of Judah. Unlike many of his predecessors who were interred in the royal tombs within the City of David, Manasseh chose or was assigned a burial place within the grounds of his own residence. This might reflect his personal wishes, a desire for a private resting place, or perhaps a subtle commentary on his reign, which, despite its length, was marked by such profound apostasy that it set him apart from the more righteous kings buried in the traditional royal necropolis.
* **"and Amon his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause announces the immediate and seamless succession of Manasseh's son, Amon, to the throne. It emphasizes the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, even through a line of wicked kings. This transition is crucial as Amon is explicitly stated to have continued his father's idolatrous practices (2 Kings 21:20), indicating that Manasseh's destructive legacy would persist, further entrenching Judah in sin before the brief period of reform under Josiah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, seen in the phrase "slept with his fathers," which is a gentle, common way of referring to death without explicitly stating it. This softens the abruptness of the king's demise while still clearly indicating the end of his reign. There is also a subtle **Juxtaposition** at play: the brevity and formulaic nature of the death announcement stand in stark contrast to the lengthy and detailed account of Manasseh's profound wickedness that precedes it. This stylistic choice underscores the ultimate transience of even the longest and most impactful human reigns in the face of divine sovereignty. Finally, the mention of Amon's immediate succession serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the continued spiritual decline of Judah under another wicked king before the narrative introduces the hope of Josiah's reforms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of Manasseh, despite his unparalleled wickedness, underscores the biblical truth that all earthly power is temporary and subject to God's ultimate sovereignty. His long reign, though marked by egregious sin, eventually came to an end, demonstrating that divine patience has limits and that no human ruler, however powerful, can escape the appointed time of their demise. The unusual burial place and the immediate succession of a son who perpetuated his father's evil highlight the profound and often negative legacy that unrighteous leadership can leave. Yet, even through such a dark period, the Davidic covenant, promising a perpetual dynasty, remains unbroken, pointing to God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness.

* [2 Kings 21:2-9](/2_kings/21-2 "Manasseh's Wickedness")
* [2 Chronicles 33:10-13](/2_chronicles/33-10 "Manasseh's Repentance in Chronicles")
* [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Manasseh's death serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly power, influence, and even the longest reigns are finite. It compels us to consider the enduring impact of our choices, not only on our immediate circumstances but also on future generations. Manasseh's legacy was one of profound spiritual corruption that permeated Judah and influenced his successor, Amon. This narrative challenges us to reflect on the kind of legacy we are building—one rooted in faithfulness to God and righteous living, or one that contributes to spiritual decline. It calls us to recognize that our lives, however long or short, are opportunities to honor God and positively influence those who come after us, emphasizing that true lasting impact comes from alignment with God's will, not from worldly power or longevity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I building for my family, community, or future generations?**
* **How do my daily choices, even seemingly small ones, contribute to the spiritual atmosphere around me?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently perpetuating negative patterns or influences, and how can I turn from them?**
* **How does the temporary nature of Manasseh's power inform my own pursuit of earthly achievements versus eternal values?**

### FAQ

**Why was Manasseh buried in the garden of Uzza instead of the royal tombs in the City of David?**

Answer: The text in [2 Kings 21:18](/2_kings/21-18 "2 Kings 21:18 - Manasseh's Burial") states Manasseh was buried "in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza," which was indeed a departure from the customary burial place for most kings of Judah, who were interred in the "City of David" (e.g., [1 Kings 11:43](/1_kings/11-43 "1 Kings 11:43 - Solomon's Death")). Several reasons have been proposed for this deviation. It could reflect Manasseh's personal wishes, as burying a king on his own property was not entirely unprecedented in the ancient Near East. It might also subtly indicate a lack of full royal honor or acceptance by the Jerusalem elite, despite his long reign, due to his profound wickedness and idolatry. The account in [2 Chronicles 33:20](/2_chronicles/33-20 "2 Chronicles 33:20 - Manasseh's Burial") similarly states he was buried "in his own house," suggesting it was a deliberate choice or arrangement, perhaps linked to his repentance and return from Babylon as recorded in Chronicles, leading to a more private or personal burial.

**How does 2 Kings' account of Manasseh differ from 2 Chronicles'?**

Answer: The account of Manasseh in 2 Kings 21 focuses almost exclusively on his extreme wickedness, portraying him as the king who led Judah into such deep idolatry that it sealed their fate for exile (e.g., [2 Kings 21:11-15](/2_kings/21-11 "2 Kings 21:11-15 - God's Judgment on Judah")). It mentions his death and succession without any hint of redemption. In contrast, [2 Chronicles 33](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Reign") provides a more expansive narrative. While it confirms his wickedness, it uniquely records that Manasseh was captured by the Assyrians, taken to Babylon, where he humbled himself, prayed to God, and repented. Consequently, God restored him to his kingdom. Upon his return, Manasseh removed the foreign gods and altars, repaired the Lord's altar, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord ([2 Chronicles 33:10-16](/2_chronicles/33-10 "2 Chronicles 33:10-16 - Manasseh's Repentance and Restoration")). The differing emphases reflect the distinct theological purposes of each book: 2 Kings highlights the Deuteronomistic theme of judgment for disobedience, while 2 Chronicles, written for a post-exilic audience, emphasizes the possibility of repentance and God's gracious response, even to the most wicked.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The death of King Manasseh and the succession of his son Amon, as recorded in [2 Kings 21:18](/2_kings/21-18 "2 Kings 21:18 - Manasseh's Death and Succession"), powerfully underscores the transient and often flawed nature of human kingship, even within the divinely ordained Davidic line. Despite Manasseh's unprecedented 55-year reign and the continued succession of his son, this narrative points to the ultimate inadequacy of earthly rulers to deliver lasting righteousness or salvation. The persistent cycle of sin and unfaithfulness, evident from Manasseh to Amon, highlights humanity's desperate need for a perfect, eternal King. This need is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, whose reign is not temporary but eternal ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Unlike Manasseh, whose legacy was one of profound spiritual corruption, Christ's legacy is one of perfect obedience, atonement, and eternal life ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). He "slept" in death only to conquer it, rising again to establish a kingdom that will never end, a reign marked by perfect justice, righteousness, and peace ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of Christ")). Thus, Manasseh's flawed succession serves as a stark contrast, drawing our gaze to the ultimate, unfailing reign of the Lamb of God, who alone secures our eternal future.

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 33:20

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

2 Kings 21:26

And he was buried in his sepulchre in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 24:25

And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.

2 Chronicles 28:27

And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, [even] in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

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 Chronicles 24:16

And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

2 Chronicles 21:20

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.