We are nearing the end of King Manasseh’s life. But not yet the end of 2nd Chronicles chapter 33, for Manasseh’s Son (Amon) will briefly assume the Throne of Judah.
But the Holy Spirit does encapsulate (review, condense) Manasseh’s life (and death) and royal administration into 3 helpful verses. “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. His prayer also, and how God was intreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers. So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.” 2nd Chronicles 33:18-20
Today, just verse 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.”
The noun “acts” is “dabar” in Hebrew. It is translated “word” (speech) 807 times in the Old Testament, and “acts” 51 more times. A dual meaning here, obviously. By the way, this teaches us that (in God’s Eyes anyway) one’s “words” basically constitute one’s “actions.” It’s like this … What I SAY is a pretty good predictor of what I’m going TO DO!
A “seer” is basically a “prophet” in Scripture, in this context. One who “sees” God’s Hand in future events. Apparently more such “preachers” warned Manasseh of his sinful ways that Scripture elsewhere records. (God working in Jeremiah 25:4 is here pertinent. “And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.” Amazing!)
Most Nations, little Judah included, have “dual” records, “parallel” histories of their deeds. And the Chronicler here so indicates such a practice.
Manasseh’s “acts” … “They are written in the book of the kings of Israel.” In 2nd Kings chapter 21, for the most part, concerning Manasseh and his son. (The Life of our Lord Jesus is also presented in this fashion. Via 4 sets of eyes, Matthew’s and Mark’s and Luke’s and John’s. As directed by the Holy Spirit of God.)
Yes, the Bible is not fantasy or fable or “make-believe.”
It is a recording of actual events.
Even to the point Paul can later say: “Now all these things (Old Testament history) happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1st Corinthians 10:11
Plus Romans 15:4, so powerful. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime (Old Testament) were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
Then the life of Manasseh says volumes!
More tomorrow, the Lord willing.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell