Journal Through the Bible: Week 97 Wednesday

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II Chronicles 32:23-33:25

King Hezekiah was well-esteemed by other nations following the defeat of Assyria. For a time he was lifted up in pride and the LORD punished him. Like a true believer, Hezekiah repented of this sin and was once again restored to fellowship. God had tested him by sending ambassadors from Babylon to him and Hezekiah failed the test.

Hezekiah lived for several more years. His son, Manasseh followed him on the throne. He was an evil man! He built altars to celestial bodies in the court of the Temple and set up an idol there. He also burnt his children as sacrifices to his idols. He also followed enchantments and sorcerers. Later, after God punished him, he took away all of the abominations so unlike some of his forefathers who started their rule well and ended badly, Manasseh started badly and ended well. Unfortunately, his son Amon did not learn anything from his father's conversion.

Does God issue any commands?

• 33:10 says that God spoke to Manasseh and Judah but they would not listen. God then sent Assyria to take Manasseh captive to Babylon. There he repented and turned to the LORD. God rewarded him by returning him to the throne of Judah.

Does God make any promises?

• At the time of Hezekiah's sickness God gave him a sign of promise that He had been healed.
• God promised that the destruction of the nation would not happen during the time of Hezekiah.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Jerusalem was turned to pride, arrogance, and idolatry during Manasseh's reign. Jesus found the city in much the same condition in His day and it made Him weep over it.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Just as the seers warned Manasseh of judgment to come, God's people are warning others that judgment is coming. Like Manasseh, many refuse to listen. But also like Manasseh, some repent and turn to God. One day, the world will learn the lesson of judgment that God taught Manasseh.