What does 2 Chronicles 33:4 mean?
"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 33:4
2 Chronicles 33:4 (KJV) reads, "Also he built altars in the house of the Lord, whereof the Lord had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be forever."
This verse is taken from the Old Testament of the Bible and is part of the historical account of the reign of Manasseh, who became king of Judah at the age of 12 and reigned for 55 years in Jerusalem. Manasseh's reign is described as one of the most evil in the history of Judah, and this verse specifically highlights one of his offenses against the Lord.
The verse speaks of Manasseh's construction of altars in the house of the Lord, which was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law. According to the Law given to Moses, the Israelites were commanded to worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord at the designated altar, which was located in the tabernacle or later in the temple. By building altars in the house of the Lord, Manasseh was disregarding the specific instructions given by God for worship.
This act of setting up altars in the house of the Lord also signifies a disregard for the purity and sanctity of the place of worship. The temple was intended to be a place of reverence and holiness, set apart for the worship of the Lord. However, Manasseh's actions defiled the sacred space and corrupted the true worship of God.
The verse also mentions God's promise that His name would be in Jerusalem forever. This highlights the significance of Jerusalem as the chosen city where the Lord chose to place His name and establish His presence. Despite Manasseh's defiance and desecration of the temple, the Lord's promise to dwell in Jerusalem remained unshakeable.
The broader context of this verse is important to consider. Manasseh's reign was characterized by idolatry, the worship of false gods, and the promotion of wickedness. He led the people of Judah astray, causing them to commit even more wicked acts than the nations that the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites. The construction of altars in the house of the Lord was just one of the many sins that Manasseh committed during his reign.
In the following verses, the consequences of Manasseh's actions are described. The Lord brought judgment upon him, and he was ultimately captured and taken as a prisoner to Babylon. However, while in captivity, Manasseh humbled himself before the Lord and sought forgiveness. The Lord heard his plea and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. This demonstrates the incredible mercy and forgiveness of God, even towards the most wicked of sinners.
The themes present in this verse include the importance of proper worship, obedience to God's commands, the sanctity of sacred spaces, and the consequences of disobedience. It also highlights the enduring faithfulness of God, who remains true to His promises despite the faithlessness of His people.
Symbolically, this verse can be seen as a warning against corrupting the worship of God. It serves as a reminder that God desires sincere and heartfelt worship, offered in accordance with His will. It also emphasizes the need for reverence and respect in approaching the Lord, especially in the places specifically set apart for His worship.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 33:4 from the King James Version of the Bible provides a powerful and sobering account of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of true worship. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness and mercy of God, despite the failings of His people. This verse continues to hold relevance for believers today, urging them to worship the Lord with reverence and obedience.
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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."
"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 33:4
1 Chronicles 2:33 - "And the sons of Jonathan; Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel."
1 Chronicles 4:33 - "And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy."
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 33:2 - "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."
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 33:20 - "¶ 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."
2 Kings 4:33 - "He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD."
"And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken." - 2 Chronicles 33:10
2 Chronicles 4:22
"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 4:15 - "One sea, and twelve oxen under it."
2 Chronicles 30:4 - "And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation."
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."
"And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep." - 2 Chronicles 29:33
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."