2 Chronicles 33 19

2 Chronicles 33:19 kjv

His prayer also, and how God was intreated of him, and all his sins, 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.

2 Chronicles 33:19 nkjv

Also his prayer and how God received his entreaty, and all his sin and trespass, and the sites where he built high places and set up wooden images and carved images, before he was humbled, indeed they are written among the sayings of Hozai.

2 Chronicles 33:19 niv

His prayer and how God was moved by his entreaty, as well as all his sins and unfaithfulness, and the sites where he built high places and set up Asherah poles and idols before he humbled himself?all these are written in the records of the seers.

2 Chronicles 33:19 esv

And his prayer, and how God was moved by his entreaty, and all his sin and his faithlessness, and the sites on which he built high places and set up the Asherim and the images, before he humbled himself, behold, they are written in the Chronicles of the Seers.

2 Chronicles 33:19 nlt

Manasseh's prayer, the account of the way God answered him, and an account of all his sins and unfaithfulness are recorded in The Record of the Seers. It includes a list of the locations where he built pagan shrines and set up Asherah poles and idols before he humbled himself and repented.

2 Chronicles 33 verses

2 Chronicles 33 19 Meaning

This verse provides a summary reference point for details concerning King Manasseh’s repentance and restoration, specifically noting the extent of his prayer, God's favorable response, and the profound depth of his former sins, including idolatry. It clarifies that these specific details, particularly about his acts of grave wickedness before his humbling, are preserved in an external, now-lost historical record known as "the words of Hozai," reinforcing the Chronicler's reliance on various sources.

2 Chronicles 33 19 Context

This verse stands within the narrative of King Manasseh's reign in 2 Chronicles chapter 33. Manasseh, the son of the righteous King Hezekiah, tragically surpassed all previous kings of Judah in wickedness, leading the nation into extensive idolatry, witchcraft, and child sacrifice, even polluting the temple of God (2 Chron 33:1-9). God sent prophets to warn him and the people, but they refused to listen (v. 10). Consequently, God allowed Manasseh to be captured and taken to Babylon by the Assyrians (v. 11). It was in this profound distress and humiliation that Manasseh sought the Lord with deep repentance and humility (v. 12-13). Verse 19 acts as an intertextual pointer, indicating that while the Chronicler has provided a summary account of Manasseh's dramatic conversion and subsequent reforms, the full historical documentation of these pivotal events, especially his earlier deep sins, and the nature of his prayer and God's entreaty, exists in other records. The chapter then continues to detail Manasseh's returned rule and his efforts to reform Judah by removing idolatry (v. 15-16), contrasting his later years with his earlier profound apostasy.

2 Chronicles 33 19 Word analysis

• His prayer also: The phrase indicates the focus is not merely on the event of his prayer but also its depth and content, leading to divine interaction. This prayer (תְּפִלָּתוֹ, tefillato) was pivotal in his repentance.
• and how God was entreated of him: The Hebrew word עתר (athar), in its passive Niphal form (נֶעְתַּר), means "to be implored," "to be prevailed upon," or "to be moved by entreaty." It specifically highlights that God was receptive to and responsive to Manasseh’s earnest petition. It implies a favorable divine hearing and answer, underlining God's gracious character in pardoning the penitent.
• and all his sin: Refers to חַטָּאתוֹ (chattato), the comprehensive range of his wrongdoings, his 'missing the mark' against God's law. This term covers his pervasive spiritual rebellion and immoral actions.
• and his trespass: Refers to מַעֲלוֹ (ma'alo), a more specific term often indicating unfaithfulness, treachery, or a breach of trust, particularly against a divine covenant or holy things (e.g., in Num 5:6-8 for an act of treachery or desecration). Manasseh's idolatry and pollution of the temple were indeed direct acts of treachery against God.
• and the places wherein he built high places: These are בָּמוֹת (bamot), localized altars or sanctuaries. Initially, some may have been used for Yahweh worship but eventually became associated with forbidden pagan rituals. Manasseh actively constructed and utilized many such sites for idolatrous practices across Judah.
• and set up Asherim: Refers to אֲשֵׁרִים (Asherim), which were sacred poles or trees, symbolic representations of the Canaanite goddess Asherah. Their presence explicitly violated God's command against idolatry and pagan symbols.
• and carved images: Refers to פְסִלִים (pesilim), which are idols, typically sculpted from wood or stone. This is a direct violation of the second commandment against making graven images for worship (Exod 20:4). Manasseh even placed one in the temple (2 Chron 33:7).
• before he was humbled: The Hebrew verb כָּנַע (kana), in the Niphal participle (הִכָּנְעוֹ), signifies being brought low, submissive, or voluntarily humbling oneself. This crucial temporal marker emphasizes that all the enumerated profound sins occurred prior to his profound spiritual change, highlighting the transformative power of repentance.
• behold, they are written among the words of Hozai: This is a direct bibliographical reference. הוֹזָי (Hozai) means "seers." This refers to a now-lost historical or prophetic record, potentially a collective work of various seers/prophets (דִּבְרֵי הַחוֹזִים). The Chronicler uses such references (e.g., Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah, Book of Shemaiah) to demonstrate the veracity and more detailed availability of his narrative in other historical annals known to his original audience. It validates his condensed account by pointing to comprehensive sources.

2 Chronicles 33 19 Bonus section

The Chronicler’s distinctive account of Manasseh, which notably includes his repentance and restoration, stands in contrast to the Deuteronomistic history found in 2 Kings, where Manasseh is primarily portrayed as an unredeemed villain. The focus in 2 Kings 21 is overwhelmingly on his wickedness, directly attributing the future exile of Judah to his egregious sins. The Chronicler's addition of Manasseh's humbling and God's acceptance of his prayer (נֶעְתַּר from עתר) highlights a key theological concern for the post-exilic community: God's readiness to restore a repentant people, even after severe apostasy and judgment. The existence of "the words of Hozai" also showcases the Chronicler's broad historical methodology, relying on a diverse range of prophetic and historical documents to construct his narrative, affirming the historicity of divine interventions and human responses beyond simply one main narrative tradition. This demonstrates God's consistent character of justice tempered with abundant mercy throughout history.

2 Chronicles 33 19 Commentary

This verse serves as a crucial meta-narrative link in the Chronicler's account of King Manasseh. It confirms that the astonishing transformation of such a wicked king was a well-documented event, details of which could be found in external, authoritative sources. By referencing "the words of Hozai," the Chronicler strengthens the credibility of his abbreviated narrative of Manasseh's sin and repentance, providing confidence in the divine principle of forgiveness upon genuine repentance, no matter how egregious the past sins. The mention of his "sin" and "trespass," along with specific examples of "high places," "Asherim," and "carved images," powerfully illustrates the depths of his apostasy before his turning point, amplifying the magnitude of God's grace and his entreatability. The emphasis on "before he was humbled" underscores that his conversion was preceded by genuine distress and a posture of humility, not mere formality. This narrative teaches that divine mercy is boundless for those who truly humble themselves and seek the Lord.