What does 2 Chronicles 33:2 mean?
"But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel." - 2 Chronicles 33:2
2 Chronicles 33:2 (KJV)
"And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel."
This verse comes from the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles, which is a historical account of the kings of Judah. In this particular verse, we are introduced to Manasseh, who became king of Judah at the age of 12 and reigned for 55 years. Unfortunately, his reign was marked by evil and idolatry, as he followed in the footsteps of the surrounding pagan nations rather than following the ways of the Lord.
The verse begins by stating, "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord," immediately drawing attention to Manasseh's sinful actions. This sets the tone for the rest of the verse, as it serves as a warning to readers about the consequences of turning away from God and embracing evil practices. It also serves as a reminder that God's standard of righteousness is the ultimate measure of our actions and choices.
The verse goes on to compare Manasseh's actions to "the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel." This comparison is significant in understanding the gravity of Manasseh's sins. The term "abominations" refers to detestable and repulsive acts, often associated with idol worship and pagan rituals. By likening Manasseh's deeds to the abominations of the heathen, the verse emphasizes the severity of his actions and the depth of his departure from God's will.
The verse also alludes to the historical context in which these events took place. The mention of "the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel" recalls the conquest of the Promised Land, where God commanded the Israelites to drive out the pagan nations occupying the land. The implication is that, by adopting the practices of these nations, Manasseh was not only betraying God but also undoing the work that God had done in establishing His people in the land.
Symbolically, Manasseh's actions serve as a cautionary tale for believers. His story illustrates the danger of compromising one's faith and succumbing to the influence of the surrounding culture. It also underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments and seeking His will above all else.
Furthermore, this verse reflects the broader theme of the consequences of sin. Throughout the Bible, we see the recurring pattern of individuals or nations turning away from God and facing the repercussions of their actions. Manasseh's reign serves as a prime example of this, as his idolatry and wickedness ultimately led to the downfall of Judah and the exile of its people.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 33:2 serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith. It highlights the disastrous consequences of turning away from God and embracing the ways of the world. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are aligning ourselves with God's will, rather than falling into the same trap as Manasseh.
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2 Chronicles 33:2 - "But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel."
"But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel." - 2 Chronicles 33:2
1 Chronicles 2:33 - "And the sons of Jonathan; Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel."
2 Chronicles 33:10 - "And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken."
2 Chronicles 29:33 - "And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep."
2 Chronicles 33:5 - "And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 33:24 - "And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house."
2 Chronicles 33:17 - "Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the LORD their God only."
2 Chronicles 33:21 - "¶ Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 20:33 - "Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers."
2 Chronicles 33:23 - "And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more."
2 Chronicles 33:1 - "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:"
2 Chronicles 33:12 - "And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,"
2 Chronicles 33:4 - "Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever."
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 Chronicles 33:16 - "And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel."
"And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken." - 2 Chronicles 33:10
"And the sons of Jonathan; Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel." - 1 Chronicles 2:33
2 Chronicles 33:9 - "So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel."
2 Chronicles 33:25 - "¶ But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead."
2 Chronicles 33:13 - "And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God."
2 Chronicles 33:11 - "¶ Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon."
2 Chronicles 33:15 - "And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city."
2 Chronicles 33:18 - "¶ 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."
"And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep." - 2 Chronicles 29:33
"And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD." - 2 Chronicles 33:5
2 Chronicles 33:22 - "But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;"
"And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house." - 2 Chronicles 33:24
2 Chronicles 33:3 - "¶ For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them."
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."