2 Chronicles 33:20 – “Manasseh rested with his ancestors and was buried in his palace. And Amon his son succeeded him as king.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse marks the conclusion of King Manasseh’s life, stating that after his death, he was buried in his palace, and his son Amon succeeded him as king. The phrase “rested with his ancestors” is a common biblical expression that signifies death and burial, implying that Manasseh died in peace, perhaps as a reflection of his repentance and reconciliation with God later in life.
After a life filled with both rebellion and repentance, Manasseh’s death is recorded without much fanfare, but it follows the significant reforms and changes he made after his return to God. The note that his son Amon succeeded him as king introduces the next part of the narrative, setting the stage for the reign of Amon, who unfortunately did not follow in the steps of his father’s later repentance.
Historical Context
Manasseh was a king of Judah who reigned for 55 years, making him one of the longest-reigning kings in the history of Judah. His reign was characterized by two distinct phases. Early in his reign, he led Judah into deep idolatry, building altars to foreign gods, desecrating the temple, and even engaging in practices like child sacrifice. This rebellion led to God’s judgment, and Manasseh was taken captive by the Assyrians and carried off to Babylon.
While in captivity, Manasseh humbled himself and prayed to God for mercy. God responded by restoring him to his throne in Jerusalem, and upon his return, Manasseh made significant changes. He removed the idols, restored the worship of the true God, and worked to repair the spiritual damage he had caused. His life ended on a note of repentance and restoration.
After Manasseh’s death, his son Amon became king. Amon’s reign was short and marked by a return to the idolatry that his father had once embraced but later rejected.
Theological Implications
This verse serves as a reminder that even those who have committed great sins can experience forgiveness and restoration in their lifetime. Manasseh’s life was marked by great rebellion, but he ended his days in peace with God after a sincere repentance. His peaceful death and burial show that it’s not how a person starts their life but how they finish that matters in the eyes of God. Despite his earlier sins, Manasseh’s repentance led to forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Theologically, this verse also highlights the reality that every life comes to an end, and what matters is how we respond to God during our lifetime. Manasseh’s burial among his ancestors reflects the common human experience of death, but his story also shows that through repentance, we can be in right standing with God when our time comes.
Literary Analysis
This verse is short and straightforward, providing a simple record of Manasseh’s death and burial. The phrase “rested with his ancestors” carries a sense of finality, indicating the end of his earthly life. The fact that Manasseh was buried in his palace, as opposed to a more public burial site, might suggest a private or personal ending, perhaps reflecting the humility he demonstrated in his later years.
The transition to Amon’s reign in the second half of the verse sets the stage for a new chapter in Judah’s history. The brief mention of Amon without commentary on his character foreshadows the coming description of his short and sinful reign, contrasting with the repentance that marked the end of Manasseh’s life.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Kings 2:10 – “Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.” Like Manasseh, many other kings of Judah and Israel are described as “resting with their ancestors,” emphasizing the continuity of leadership and the natural end of life.
- Hebrews 9:27 – “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” This reminds us that death is a certainty for all people, but what matters is how we live in relation to God before that moment comes.
- Ecclesiastes 7:8 – “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” This reflects the lesson from Manasseh’s life—that how we finish matters more than how we start.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the importance of repentance and finishing well. Manasseh’s life started poorly, as he led Judah into deep idolatry and rebellion against God. However, he ended his life in repentance and reconciliation with God. This teaches us that no matter how far we’ve strayed, it’s never too late to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness.
It also reminds us that life is finite, and we should live with an eternal perspective. Our time on earth will eventually come to an end, and what will matter most is whether we have lived in right relationship with God. Manasseh’s story encourages us to seek God’s grace and live in a way that honors Him, knowing that our ultimate rest comes in Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in Manasseh’s story. Despite Manasseh’s many sins and years of rebellion, God was still willing to forgive him when he humbled himself and prayed for mercy. This shows that God’s love is patient, forgiving, and always available to those who seek it. God didn’t abandon Manasseh in his sin; instead, He reached out to him, allowed him to experience the consequences of his actions, and then restored him when he repented.
This verse is a reminder that God’s love is not dependent on our past mistakes. No matter how far we have fallen, God is always ready to forgive and restore us when we come to Him with a humble and repentant heart.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Manasseh’s story points forward to the ultimate expression of God’s love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Just as Manasseh’s repentance led to his restoration, Jesus came to offer forgiveness and restoration to all who turn to Him. Through Christ, we have the assurance that no matter how great our sins, we can be forgiven and made right with God.
Jesus’ death and resurrection offer the ultimate path to peace with God. Like Manasseh, we can experience reconciliation with God when we humble ourselves and acknowledge our need for His grace. Jesus’ sacrifice ensures that we don’t have to fear death, knowing that our rest will be with God when our lives come to an end.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Manasseh’s story encourage you when you think about your own mistakes or times you’ve turned away from God?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness before it’s too late?
- How does Manasseh’s peaceful end reflect the possibility of redemption, even for those who have strayed far from God?
- What steps can you take today to ensure that you finish your life well, in right relationship with God?
- How does Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and eternal life give you hope and assurance as you think about the end of life?
This verse serves as a reminder that life on earth is temporary, but our relationship with God is eternal. Manasseh’s story encourages us to seek God’s grace, live in obedience to Him, and trust in His forgiveness, knowing that through Jesus Christ, we can have peace with God both in this life and in the life to come.