2 Chronicles 33:12
And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
Original Language Analysis
וּכְהָצֵ֣ר
And when he was in affliction
H6887
וּכְהָצֵ֣ר
And when he was in affliction
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
1 of 12
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
חִלָּ֕ה
he besought
H2470
חִלָּ֕ה
he besought
Strong's:
H2470
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִלִּפְנֵ֖י
before
H6440
מִלִּפְנֵ֖י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
his God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
his God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וַיִּכָּנַ֣ע
and humbled
H3665
וַיִּכָּנַ֣ע
and humbled
Strong's:
H3665
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish
מְאֹ֔ד
himself greatly
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
himself greatly
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
מִלִּפְנֵ֖י
before
H6440
מִלִּפְנֵ֖י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Psalms 50:15And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.Exodus 10:3And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.2 Chronicles 32:26Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.
Historical Context
Manasseh's 55-year reign (c. 697-642 BCE) was Judah's longest but most wicked. His Assyrian captivity (mentioned here but not in 2 Kings) occurred mid-reign, producing genuine conversion that led to reforms (33:15-16), though not reversing the nation's downward trajectory toward exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Manasseh's extreme wickedness followed by genuine repentance encourage hope for those you consider 'too far gone'?
- What role does affliction play in driving people to humble themselves before God?
Analysis & Commentary
Wicked King Manasseh's repentance demonstrates amazing grace: 'And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.' Manasseh was Judah's worst king - promoting child sacrifice, occult practices, and temple desecration (33:2-9). Yet affliction (Assyrian captivity) drove him to repentance. The verb 'humbled himself greatly' (kana me'od) suggests profound contrition. God's response - hearing, restoring him to Jerusalem, and accepting his repentance (33:13) - showcases sovereign grace extending even to the vilest offenders. This anticipates the gospel truth that no sinner is beyond redemption in Christ.