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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of 2 Chronicles 33:19

This verse concludes the remarkable narrative of King Manasseh of Judah, the son of the righteous King Hezekiah. Manasseh reigned for 55 years, and his initial rule was characterized by extreme wickedness and idolatry, surpassing even the abominations of the nations God had driven out before Israel. He rebuilt high places, erected altars to Baal, worshipped the host of heaven, practiced divination, and even sacrificed his own children (2 Chronicles 33:2-9). However, after being captured by the Assyrians and taken to Babylon, Manasseh experienced a profound transformation. This verse, 2 Chronicles 33:19, acts as a summary, pointing to external records for further details about his repentance, God's gracious response, and the full extent of his earlier transgressions before he was humbled and cried out to God in distress (2 Chronicles 33:12-13).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Repentance and Divine Forgiveness: The verse highlights the astonishing fact that despite Manasseh's immense and prolonged wickedness, God was "intreated of him." This underscores God's boundless mercy and willingness to forgive even the most grievous sins when met with genuine repentance.
  • The Power of Humility: Manasseh's transformation began only "before he was humbled." This emphasizes that true spiritual change often stems from a broken and contrite spirit, leading to a sincere turning to God.
  • The Extent of Sin: The detailed mention of "all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images" serves as a stark reminder of the depth of Manasseh's rebellion against God and the widespread idolatry he promoted throughout Judah.
  • Reliability of Historical Records: The reference to these events being "written among the sayings of the seers" points to the meticulous record-keeping of the time and the existence of divinely inspired (or at least divinely guided) historical accounts beyond the canonical books, affirming the accuracy of the biblical narrative.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "was intreated of him" (or "how God was intreated of him") signifies that God was moved to compassion and favorably responded to Manasseh's earnest prayer. It implies that God heard his plea and granted his request for mercy and forgiveness. The "seers" (Hebrew: ro'im or chozim) were prophets who, by divine insight, recorded events and divine messages, serving as chroniclers of Israel's history and God's dealings with His people.

Practical Application

Manasseh's story, summarized in this verse, offers immense hope and a powerful message for all generations. It demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and forgiveness, no matter how great their past sins.

  • Hope for the Sinner: Even the most depraved individual can find redemption if they genuinely humble themselves and turn to God. Manasseh's transformation is a testament to God's promise to abundantly pardon those who turn to Him.
  • The Importance of Humility: Humility is the gateway to repentance and restoration. Manasseh's experience teaches that acknowledging one's sin and humbling oneself before God is the first step toward receiving His mercy.
  • God Hears Prayer: The fact that God was "intreated of him" confirms that God truly listens to the prayers of the repentant heart, regardless of their past.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 John 1:9 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Acts 9:11 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 36:12 (3 votes)

    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.