2 Chronicles 33:18 kjv
Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel.
2 Chronicles 33:18 nkjv
Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, indeed they are written in the book of the kings of Israel.
2 Chronicles 33:18 niv
The other events of Manasseh's reign, including his prayer to his God and the words the seers spoke to him in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, are written in the annals of the kings of Israel.
2 Chronicles 33:18 esv
Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, behold, they are in the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
2 Chronicles 33:18 nlt
The rest of the events of Manasseh's reign, his prayer to God, and the words the seers spoke to him in the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, are recorded in The Book of the Kings of Israel.
2 Chronicles 33 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Ch 33:12-13 | And when he was in distress, he entreated the LORD his God and humbled... | Manasseh's prayer and God's response. |
| 2 Ch 33:19 | His prayer also and how God was entreated of him, and all his sin... | Further reference to the prayer and record. |
| 2 Ki 21:1-17 | Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign... | Kings' account of Manasseh's sin (no repentance). |
| 1 Ch 29:29 | Now the acts of King David, from first to last, are written... | Similar mention of sources for kings' acts by seers. |
| 2 Ch 12:15 | The acts of Rehoboam, from first to last, are written in the records... | Another example of referring to official records. |
| Psa 32:5 | I acknowledged my sin to you... You forgave the iniquity of my sin. | The essence of confession and divine forgiveness. |
| Isa 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake his way... and let him return to the LORD... | Call to repentance and God's abundant pardon. |
| Eze 18:21-22 | But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins... he shall surely... | God's delight in repentance and forgiveness. |
| Hos 14:1-2 | Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God... take with you words... | Prophetic call to repentance through prayer. |
| Jon 3:10 | When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way... | God's response to sincere repentance (Nineveh). |
| Lk 15:7 | ...more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents... | Heavenly joy over repentance. |
| Act 3:19 | Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out... | Apostolic exhortation to repentance. |
| 2 Ch 9:29 | Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, from first to last... | Consistent reference to prior records. |
| Jer 3:12 | Return, faithless Israel, declares the LORD... | God's invitation for His people to repent. |
| Mic 7:18 | Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity... He does not retain His anger... | God's unique nature as a forgiving God. |
| Neh 9:1-3 | ...assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, with earth on their heads. | Post-exilic repentance and turning to God. |
| 1 Jn 1:9 | If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive... | New Testament assurance of forgiveness. |
| Heb 4:16 | Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace... | Invitation to prayer for help and mercy. |
| Dan 7:10 | ...The court sat in judgment; and the books were opened. | Emphasis on divine record-keeping and judgment. |
| Rev 20:12 | And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books... | Records of human deeds preserved for judgment. |
| Psa 66:19 | But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. | Assurance of God hearing and responding to prayer. |
| 1 Ch 23:29 | For they were to assist the sons of Aaron for the service... | Seers often had a role in chronicling and recording. |
| Mal 3:16 | Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another; the LORD paid... | God records the acts of His faithful ones. |
| Isa 30:8 | Go, write it before them on a tablet and inscribe it in a book... | The importance of written divine communication. |
2 Chronicles 33 verses
2 Chronicles 33 18 Meaning
This verse states that further details regarding King Manasseh's actions, specifically his prayer of repentance to the Lord, and the divine messages delivered to him by seers, are documented in "the book of the kings of Israel." It serves as a historical reference point for the Chronicler's narrative, assuring the reader of the verifiability and depth of the events described, particularly Manasseh's extraordinary turning to God. It underscores the Chronicler's intent to highlight God's restorative grace, even for the most wicked king.
2 Chronicles 33 18 Context
The preceding verses (2 Ch 33:1-9) vividly detail Manasseh's reign as one of profound idolatry and wickedness, surpassing even the abhorrent practices of the Canaanites. He rebuilt high places, erected altars for Baal, worshiped celestial bodies, practiced divination and sorcery, and shed much innocent blood. His sin brought great condemnation upon Judah. This verse, therefore, immediately follows the unprecedented narrative of Manasseh's capture by the Assyrians, his deep humiliation and suffering in Babylon, and his radical repentance there (2 Ch 33:10-13). It bridges his past wickedness with his newfound faith and subsequent reforms, underscoring that this crucial aspect of his life was meticulously documented in historical archives, validating its veracity. The Chronicler includes this unique account of Manasseh's repentance, which is notably absent from the account in the Book of Kings, to offer hope and encourage the post-exilic community about God's readiness to forgive and restore those who sincerely turn to Him, regardless of their past.
2 Chronicles 33 18 Word analysis
- Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh: This phrase indicates that the current record is a summary or selection, and more details of Manasseh's life and reign are available elsewhere. "Acts" (דִּבְרֵי, divrei) refers to the whole spectrum of his public and private conduct as king. It suggests an official, comprehensive account.
- and his prayer: (תְפִלָּה, tefillah) This specifically refers to the moment of profound turning to God, highlighted as central to Manasseh's story by the Chronicler. It implies genuine supplication and contrition, marking a pivotal spiritual transformation from his prior idolatry.
- to his God: This implies a renewed personal relationship and acknowledgment of Yahweh as his rightful Deity, contrasting sharply with his previous worship of foreign gods and celestial bodies. This is significant, as Manasseh was known for leading Judah astray from Yahweh.
- and the words of the seers: (חֹזִים, khoʻzîm from חֹזֶה, khozeh, "seer") "Seers" were typically prophetic figures who received divine revelations, often visually ("seeing") or through dreams, similar to prophets (navi). These were official religious spokespersons of the Lord. The phrase indicates that God actively communicated to Manasseh, possibly through warning him or later encouraging his repentance.
- who spoke to him in the name of the LORD: This affirms the divine authority and authenticity of the messages delivered by the seers. "In the name of the LORD" means under divine commission and by the power and authority of Yahweh. It emphasizes God's sovereign involvement in even a wicked king's life.
- behold, they are written: (הִנָּם כְּתוּבִים, hinnām kĕtuvîm) This serves as a strong declaration of the historicity and reliability of the information. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinneh) draws attention to the verification of the account. It reinforces the Chronicler's narrative by referencing existing external sources.
- in the book of the kings of Israel: This refers to a larger, probably royal, historical archive or compilation, distinct from the canonical Books of Kings in the Bible. It was a common ancient practice to record official state histories. The Chronicler draws from various sources to compile his work, giving his audience confidence in the details provided. This "book of the kings of Israel" likely refers to a comprehensive chronicle of the united kingdom's and subsequent separate kingdoms' rulers.
- Words-group by words-group analysis
- "the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer to his God": This grouping foregrounds Manasseh's spiritual turnaround (his prayer) as a major component of his total "acts" that merits special mention and documentation, beyond just his long wicked reign. It emphasizes a divine perspective where repentance outweighs all prior sin.
- "the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the LORD": This highlights the divine initiative and accountability involved. Manasseh's interaction was not only with internal conscience but through God's authorized messengers, who delivered His will and warnings, authenticating God's long-suffering and consistent communication.
- "behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel": This phrase reinforces the authenticity and reliability of the Chronicler's narrative, providing evidentiary support. It suggests that these details about Manasseh’s repentance were part of the official, state-sanctioned historical record, even if not fully preserved in all parallel canonical books. This would have been crucial for a post-exilic audience seeking to understand God's ways with His people.
2 Chronicles 33 18 Bonus section
The Chronicler's unique inclusion of Manasseh's repentance, found only in 2 Chronicles, is crucial for understanding the theological emphasis of the books of Chronicles. Unlike the Books of Kings, which primarily focus on the kings' fidelity to the covenant and explain the rationale for the exile, the Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community, emphasizes hope, restoration, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with David. Manasseh's conversion, a profound demonstration of individual repentance leading to divine forgiveness and restoration, served as a potent example that personal and national revival was possible even after devastating failures. The reference to "the book of the kings of Israel" suggests access to comprehensive state chronicles, perhaps richer in detail than the sources primarily used for the canonical Book of Kings, thereby adding legitimacy to the Chronicler's distinct narrative choice. The inclusion of this detail also highlights the Bible's historical foundation, where events and personal spiritual journeys are anchored in verifiable records.
2 Chronicles 33 18 Commentary
This verse functions as a critical bibliographical note, pointing to the external sources that confirm the remarkable account of King Manasseh's repentance. It assures the Chronicler's audience that the seemingly improbable story of Manasseh's radical transformation – from Israel's most idolatrous king to a deeply repentant one – is grounded in historical record. The mention of his "prayer to his God" underlines the personal and profound nature of his turnaround, emphasizing direct communion with the Almighty. Furthermore, "the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the LORD" demonstrate God's consistent effort to communicate with even the most wayward, extending His grace and warning through His appointed messengers. For the post-exilic community, burdened by their own sins, Manasseh's story, validated by these sources, provided powerful hope that divine mercy is available even to the worst offenders who genuinely humble themselves and return to the Lord. This truth echoes through generations, demonstrating that God delights in repentance and records the transformed lives of His people.Example: A person struggling with past grievous mistakes might read this and understand that even if their past is dark, genuine turning to God is seen and recorded by Him, offering a path to restoration.