What does 2 Kings 21:17 mean?
"¶ Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 21:17
2 Kings 21:17 (KJV) "Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
The verse 2 Kings 21:17 gives insight into the life and reign of King Manasseh, a significant and controversial figure in the history of Ancient Israel. To understand the meaning and commentary of this verse, it is important to examine the historical context, the life of Manasseh, and the themes and symbolism present in the passage.
Historical Context:
During the time period covered in 2 Kings 21:17, the kingdom of Judah was experiencing political and religious upheaval. Manasseh became king of Judah at a young age following the death of his father, King Hezekiah. Manasseh's reign is known for its significant departure from the reforms and piety of his father. He reintroduced idolatry, established altars for the worship of foreign gods, and even sacrificed his own son in the fire as part of a pagan ritual (2 Kings 21:6).
Life of Manasseh:
Manasseh's reign was marked by his blatant disregard for the laws and commandments of the Lord. He led the people of Judah into idolatry and wickedness, essentially turning away from the God of Israel. His actions led the nation into a period of moral and spiritual decline, causing immense suffering and hardship for the people of Judah.
Meaning and Commentary:
The verse 2 Kings 21:17 serves as a reflection on the misdeeds and sinful actions of King Manasseh. It acknowledges that the full account of his reign, including both his acts and sins, is recorded in the chronicles of the kings of Judah. This verse serves as a reminder that nothing is hidden from God, and all actions, whether good or evil, are ultimately accounted for.
Themes:
The central theme of 2 Kings 21:17 is the consequences of sin and the importance of accountability. Manasseh's sinful actions had far-reaching implications not only for himself but for the entire kingdom of Judah. The verse highlights the destructive nature of sin and the responsibility that comes with leadership and influence.
Symbolism:
The verse also serves as a symbolic representation of the overarching narrative of the Old Testament. Manasseh's reign is a vivid portrayal of the spiritual decline and disobedience of the people of Israel. His actions symbolize the recurring cycle of faithfulness and apostasy that is evident throughout the history of God's chosen people. This cycle ultimately points to the need for a savior and the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption through Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 21:17 provides a sobering account of the reign of King Manasseh and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin and disobedience. It also underscores the themes of accountability and the cyclical nature of faithfulness and apostasy. Ultimately, this verse reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to God and the devastating impact of turning away from His commandments.
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2 Kings 21:17 Artwork
2 Kings 21:17 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
"¶ Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 21:17
2 Kings 17:21 - "For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin."
1 Kings 21:17 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,"
2 Kings 2:21
1 Timothy 2:1-7
1 Timothy 2:1-7
2 Kings 17:2 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him."
2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
"¶ And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying," - 1 Kings 21:17
2 Kings 21:25 - "Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 21:10 - "¶ And the LORD spake by his servants the prophets, saying,"
2 Kings 21:21 - "And he walked in all the way that his father walked in, and served the idols that his father served, and worshipped them:"
1 Kings 17:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,"
2 Kings 11:21 - "Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign."
2 Kings 17:40 - "Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner."
2 Kings 21:23 - "¶ And the servants of Amon conspired against him, and slew the king in his own house."
2 Kings 17:8 - "And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made."
2 Kings 21:22 - "And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD."
2 Kings 21:5 - "And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 20:21 - "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 21:20 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
1 Kings 2:21 - "And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife."
2 Kings 17:17 - "And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."
2 Kings 21:2 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel."
"And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him." - 2 Kings 17:2
2 Kings 3:21 - "¶ And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border."
"Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands," - 2 Kings 19:17
2 Kings 17:19 - "Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made."