2 Chronicles 33:10

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

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} to Manasseh {H4519}, and to his people {H5971}: but they would not hearken {H7181}.

ADONAI spoke to M'nasheh and to his people, but they paid no attention.

And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they did not listen.

And Jehovah spake to Manasseh, and to his people; but they gave no heed.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 33:10 records a poignant moment during the reign of King Manasseh, highlighting God's persistent communication with His wayward people and their stubborn refusal to heed His warnings.

Context

King Manasseh, son of the righteous King Hezekiah, ascended to the throne of Judah at a young age and reigned for an unprecedented 55 years (circa 697-642 BC). His rule was marked by extreme wickedness, reversing many of his father's reforms. He rebuilt the high places, erected altars to Baal, worshipped the sun, moon, and stars, practiced divination, and even sacrificed his own sons in the valley of Hinnom (2 Chronicles 33:3-6). Despite his profound rebellion and the widespread idolatry he introduced, the Lord did not immediately abandon Judah. This verse reveals God's direct intervention, speaking warnings to Manasseh and his people, likely through prophets or significant events, before the severe judgment of Assyrian captivity fell upon them.

Key Themes

  • Divine Patience and Warning: The verse underscores God's immense patience and longsuffering. Even in the face of rampant sin and idolatry, the Lord continued to speak to His people, providing opportunities for repentance before bringing judgment. This reflects a consistent pattern of divine interaction throughout biblical history.
  • Human Stubbornness and Disobedience: The phrase "but they would not hearken" powerfully conveys the deep-seated rebellion and hardened hearts of Manasseh and the people of Judah. They actively chose to ignore God's voice, preferring their sinful ways over divine instruction and protection. This refusal to listen set the stage for the consequences that followed.
  • God's Unwavering Communication: Despite their unresponsiveness, God did not cease to communicate His will. This highlights His commitment to His covenant people, even when they were unfaithful, demonstrating His desire for their return and restoration.

Linguistic Insight

The King James Version's "hearken" translates the Hebrew verb שָׁמַג (shama), which means "to hear," but often carries the deeper connotation of "to hear and obey," "to listen attentively," or "to understand and respond." Therefore, when the text says "they would not hearken," it signifies a deliberate refusal to not only listen to God's words but, more critically, to act upon them and obey. It implies an active rejection of divine authority and counsel, leading to spiritual deafness and continued rebellion.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • God Still Speaks: The Lord continues to communicate with humanity through His written Word, the Holy Spirit, and circumstances. Are we attentive to His voice?
  • The Importance of Obedience: True hearing of God's word involves obedience. The danger of spiritual deafness, where one hears but does not heed, remains a critical issue (James 1:22).
  • God's Grace and Opportunity: Even in prolonged rebellion, God's grace offers opportunities for repentance. Manasseh himself, after being taken captive by the Assyrians, later humbled himself and sought the Lord, and God heard his plea (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). This demonstrates that it is never too late to turn back to God when He speaks.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 36:15 (2 votes)

    And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:
  • 2 Chronicles 36:16 (2 votes)

    But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.
  • Nehemiah 9:29 (2 votes)

    And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.
  • Nehemiah 9:30 (2 votes)

    Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
  • Jeremiah 25:4 (2 votes)

    And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them]; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.
  • Jeremiah 25:7 (2 votes)

    Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.
  • Zechariah 1:4 (2 votes)

    Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and [from] your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.