2 Chronicles 33:1-25
33:1-9 All of the progress that Judah had made in faith was destroyed by Manasseh. Manasseh disrespected the house of the Lord and the philosophy of His word. He restored idol worship to the kingdom; sacrificed children; put his trust in witchcraft and sorcery and was thoroughly an evil man.
God had promised to remain with the tribes of Israel as long as they upheld righteous lifestyles. Manasseh's lifestyle of transgression was so toxic that he was worse than the people Israel and Judah were supposed to set an example to. Judah was at serious risk of severing their tie with God.
33:10-11 Before the implementation of any discipline, God first tried to speak with Manasseh. The reason why two-way communication with God is so important is because by listening to Him in the beginning, we can avoid drastic measures in the end. But Manasseh met God's counsel with obstinate refusal to listen; therefore, God had to reach him in a more drastic way.
33:12 The Assyrians took Manasseh captive, just as sin had done to his soul. From a place of desperation, Manasseh finally acknowledged God. The full reality of the consequences of his behavior shook him. Brought to his spiritual knees, Manasseh implored God to hear to him and humbled himself greatly. This was a wholehearted prayer and change of character.
33:13 God was magnanimous about finally having Manasseh's attention, and He answered the desperate man's prayers. God orchestrated Manasseh's release from bondage (He is so meticulously able!). So often, many only learn from experience, and some not even then. But Manasseh did learn; it became startlingly clear to him that the Lord was God.
33:14-15 Manasseh corrected his foolish and corrupt behavior. Once again, the structures and figures of idolatry were removed from Judah. The king of Judah actively repented. He actively worked on and changed his character. He scrubbed himself and the kingdom of immorality.
33:16-17 Moreover, he lived with gratitude for God. Not only did he listen to God, but he also listened to His voice. He kept the line of communication open and active. He made reparations to the house of the Lord but also to his soul and kingdom. Neither he nor the kingdom were made perfect but their genuinely-righteous efforts were enough.
33:18-20 Manasseh passed away and his son, Amon, became king.
33:21-23 The books of Kings and Chronicles speak of the constant rise and fall of faith in Israel and Judah. Collectively, humanity has had a tumultuous and inconsistent relationship with God. Even though He has been steadfast, peoples, kingdoms and nations have chosen to live in opposition to Him. Manasseh's son Amon was one such man; he reigned with a selfish heart and evil mind.
33:24-25 Amon's servants conspired against him because of his evil nature and deposed him, killed him in his house. The people who supported Amon (because they benefited from his corruption) retaliated against the servants and killed them. The people of Judah placed Amon's son, Josiah as king.
