Today we study 2nd Chronicles 33:19. It’s a summary of the life of King Manasseh of Judah. “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.”

This verse today … skillfully presents a concise overview of our protagonist:

The man’s prayer!

And how God “heard” that prayer, was persuaded by the prayer!

And why the King was praying in the first place, for forgiveness!

His egregious transgressions (now cleansed) are then listed!

Next comes his “conversion” experience condensed to a single expression, “was humbled!”

Ending with his “historical record.”

It does not take God long to examine and evaluate a life!

In fact, every single child of God will some day before Jesus, at the “Judgment Seat of Christ!”

Our lives too will be evaluated.

Paul, in 2nd Corinthians 5:10. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Yes, “all” Believers in Jesus!

And in this “do not judge” Text: “But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10

No doubt!

In our 2nd Chronicles verse today both the good (how Manasseh ultimately got right with God) and the bad (his too-many-to-count sins) are revealed … about Manasseh.

With us too, our good works and bad works! (This is not to determine our salvation. Rather to gage the rewards we shall be given by our Saviour.) “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the DAY shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall RECEIVE A REWARD. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1st Corinthians 3:11-15, the Judgment Seat again, I believe. With the “good” being like “gold and silver and precious stones.” And the “bad” being like “wood, hay and stubble.” And Jesus’ Eyes being like “fire!”

And in this same context, our future evaluation by Jesus, Paul reverently writes: “Knowing therefore the TERROR of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” 2nd Corinthians 5:11, with the previous verse appearing up above, clearly in a “Judgment Seat of Christ” setting.

Wow!

I adapt 2nd Peter 3:11, as I close today. “Seeing then that all these things shall be …  what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?”

Good question!

Three times Paul admonished us to “walk worthy” of our Saviour.

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye WALK WORTHY of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

“That ye might WALK WORTHY of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10

And: “That ye would WALK WORTHY of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.” 1st Thessalonians 2:12

God knows!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

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

 

Wicked King Manasseh has repented!

And has furthermore attempted to restore godly worship to Judah, his Country.

And has succeeded, to a great extent.

Yet today we read of a “compromise” in the area of “obedience” to the King, more so … obedience to the Lord! The people did NOT fully comply with the Word of God, the Mosaic Law.

“Nevertheless the people DID SACRIFICE STILL IN THE HIGH PLACES, yet unto the LORD their God only.” 2nd Chronicles 33:17

The “high places” indicate former “idol worship” locations!

“High places,” simply meaning “elevated areas” … because the ancient mind figured that was closer to the heavens, the places where their many false gods and goddesses lived (and fought and cheated and lied and died)!

If you’d like to know God’s real Feelings about those despicable “high places,” read Leviticus 26:30. “I (the Lord) will destroy your HIGH PLACES, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.” This is pretty clear, isn’t it?

So … here’s what happened in our Text today.

They (the people of Judah) worshipped the RIGHT God now. Or maybe I should say they again worshipped Him. BUT … in the vile places where they previously worshipped the heathen gods!

And the Lord was not fully pleased!

Moses (but behind Moses’ words, God Himself really) would not accept worship from (even) the wrong kind of altar! Much less a polluted sanctuary. Read with me Exodus 20:23-26. “Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. AN ALTAR OF EARTH THOU SHALT MAKE UNTO ME, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. AND IF THOU WILT MAKE ME AN ALTAR OF STONE, THOU SHALT NOT BUILD IT OF HEWN STONE: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. NEITHER SHALT THOU GO UP BY STEPS UNTO MINE ALTAR, THAT THY NAKEDNESS BE NOT DISCOVERED THEREON.”

Wow!

All those “rules” (each for a good purpose) about altars!

So, obviously, God’s prescribed altar was quite easily polluted!

Easily “profaned, desecrated,” the Hebrew verb “chalal” being used here, carefully framed in the Piel stem … meaning an intense and vigorous polluting! Especially obnoxious to the Lord!

Based on these observations, I say today’s verse presents only a partial obedience to the Lord God, our Heavenly Father. “Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the LORD their God only.”

I say the “idols” of Manasseh’s “wild days” … though now expelled from all the Land … have still made an “impact” on Judah!

Sadly so.

God never has (still doesn’t) appreciate half-hearted Service in His name.

Paul may have stated this truth more clearly than anyone in scripture. “And whatsoever ye do, DO IT HEARTILY, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

The expression “heartily” translated two Greek words, “ek psuche.” Meaning “out of one’s soul!” With all one’s mind! With all one’s will! With all one’s emotion!

TOTAL obedience!

Of this He is Worthy!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Yes, King Manasseh “repaired” some things he had previously ignored. Including the “altar” at Solomon’s Temple! “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.” 2nd Chronicles 33:16, our text this morning.

The verb here translated “repaired” (in Hebrew “banah”) is only used that way twice in the Bible, just twice in its 376 Old Testament appearances! But 354 times it is expressed as “built” or “built up” … in the King James Bible anyway. Two times “banah” means “to set up” something.

This altar (likely the brass altar, the main altar of sacrifice, not the golden altar of incense) must have been so misused (or abused) that it had about become marginal!

How sad!

Yes, Manasseh is trying to correct his many years of rebellion.

And such repentance always leads to worship!

Now look what the King did next. He “sacrifices” to Almighty God, both “peace offerings” and “thank offerings.” Get this. Most of the time the “peace offering” was voluntary, a free-will act on the part of the bringer. And the “thank offering” was always optional!

Maybe Manasseh has begun to develop a real love for the Lord!

And he wanted his people (the very Jews he had led astray, led into apostasy, for several decades) to now “follow” the Lord as well. In fact … “He commanded Judah” to do so, to serve the Lord. The verb used to express “commanded” is simply “amar,” meaning “to speak” the word!

He told the Israelites to “do right!”

But following God is not always something that can be mandated. Real eagerness to serve God comes, must come, from a willing heart!

Many, many times what the Law cannot do … Love can accomplish!

Yet today’s verse does show come good signs … about Manasseh’s “new” way of doing things.

“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.”

These acts have the “savor” of Revival, don’t they?

And yet tomorrow (and days following) we learn that everyone did not adhere to Manasseh’s new rules. Not “from the heart” anyway. Including his Son, Amnon, the next King of Judah!

A Lesson I’m leaning: Moral “decay” does not occur overnight. Neither does moral “rectitude” return overnight! (The word is Latin, “rectus,” meaning “straight, right.”)

Oh, how our Nation needs genuine Revival!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Today’s Verse tells us about even more of the actions of a repentant King Manasseh. He seems now to be as vigorous FOR the Lord as he earlier was AGAINST the Lord! What a difference GRACE makes, when FORGIVENESS is extended to a rebellious human heart, now broken in grief over sin.

“And he (Manasseh) 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.” 2nd Chronicles 33:15

Trying to “undo” earlier mistakes!

Out go the “gods” and “idols” and “altars” dedicated to heathenism, demonism. (In some ways this dramatic “turnabout” makes me think of the Saul/Paul transition in the New Testament. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2nd Corinthians 5:17)

Now, for a few definitions from our text today.

“And he (Manasseh) 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.”

The verb “took away” (in Hebrew spelled “sur”) means “removed” in a general sense, but 3 times “eschewed” (absolutely hated)! The verb is an “imperfect” as well, suggesting that King Manasseh thereafter kept constant vigil … to be sure no other gods, idols or altars were ever again installed within the Temple Mount! During his lifetime, anyway.

The adjective “strange” means “foreign.” (The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob was Sufficient! No foreign deities were allowed. The “Ten Commandments” made this abundantly clear!)

The noun “gods” is “elohiym,” the same name used for the Real God, the Creator, just without its initial capital letter. In Hebrew grammar, only the “context” would determine such a fact.

The very rare word “idol” (Hebrew “semel”) means “image.” It’s from a root word meaning “to resemble!” All an idol is, of course, is a piece of wood or rock or silver or gold alloy … carved or shaped or twisted into some “visible idea” of a god or goddess it might represent! (“Semel” is only used 5 times in the Bible!)

This is essentially what Paul later teaches us. The “idol” is nothing, physically. A dead piece of material! But the god it stands for … therein is the evil power of idolatry! I mean “demons,” folks. “We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.” (Paul in 1st Corinthians 8:4) But now these “idols” are invested with evil I some mystical way … “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.” 1st Corinthians 10:20, still Paul writing.

Yes, the devil is real.

Not to be under-emphasized. He has (limited) power.

But not to be over-emphasized either! He is never going to overthrow Almighty God! He was defeated at Calvary! He will spend eternity in torment!

Then the word “altars,” (in Hebrew “mizbeach”) means “places of slaughter!” Where blood is shed, for religious purposes. Violent deaths, often rituals of unforgettable horror.

And Manasseh did what to these abominations?

“Cast them out” of Jerusalem.

The verb “cast” means “to throw,” or hurl or fling! The accompanying “out” is sometimes translated as “streets” or “highways.” (I wish he had burned them out of existence.)

Still … we have here reformation.

Cleansing.

A king seeking to led his people in a new direction!

For which we can only say, “Praise the Lord!”

Maybe Revival is on the way!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell