SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
2 Chronicles 33:1 through 36:23

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“Go, enquire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do after all that is written in this book.” (2 Chronicles 34:21)

BACKGROUND

Today’s text describes the reigns of the last six kings of Judah and concludes the books of Chronicles. From his vantage point in the post-exilic period, the author reviewed the Israelite monarchy in order to encourage God’s people to keep their faith and traditions of worship alive. 

Second Chronicles summarizes the reigns of twenty kings of Judah, spanning from 970 B.C. to 586 B.C., when Judah was conquered by the forces of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar and ceased to exist as an independent nation. The Northern Kingdom of Israel preceded Judah into captivity in 722 B.C. when the nation fell to Assyria. As in 1 Chronicles, the author’s focus in 2 Chronicles was on moral lessons from the reigns of Judah’s rulers, rather than a complete record of historical facts. For example, he devoted two entire chapters to the rule of righteous King Josiah, while the reigns of the final four evil kings of Judah are summarized in just sixteen verses. 

In today’s text, chapter 33 describes the reign of Manasseh, who followed his father Hezekiah in ruling Judah. Manasseh was a desperately evil king, but when he faced the bitter consequences of his sins, he humbly repented. God restored him to the throne of Judah, and he went on to institute spiritual reform in the nation. However, that reform was short-lived; Manasseh’s son and successor, Amon, was also evil and was killed by his servants after just two years on the throne. Chapters 34-35 are a record of the reign of King Josiah, who ruled for thirty-one years—a time of peace, prosperity, and reform in the nation. The concluding chapter of 2 Chronicles summarizes the reigns of the nation’s last four kings: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim (originally Eliakim), Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah (originally Mattaniah). The final, chaotic years of Judah are covered in verses 17-21, which describe the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people to Babylon.

The last two verses of 2 Chronicles record the decree of King Cyrus of Persia in 538 B.C., which allowed the Jewish exiles in Babylon to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their Temple. In orchestrating their return, God reassured the people of His presence and reaffirmed that His promises would never fail.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS‍

1. In any ranking of corrupt kings, Manasseh would be near the top. Several of the heinous sins of this fourteenth ruler of Judah are mentioned in chapter 33. Verse 2 states that he “did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen . . .” Manasseh’s apostasy and evil actions influenced the people of Judah to turn away from the reforms of his father, Hezekiah. However, when Manasseh was carried away captive to Babylon, he “besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly” (verse 12), crying out to God for deliverance. What details provided in the text prove that Manasseh’s repentance was genuine? How did God respond? 2 Chronicles 33:13-16
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   The fact that Manasseh’s repentance was genuine is illustrated in verses 14-16 by the actions he took following his restoration: he removed the idols from the Temple, took down the altars he had built to false gods, sacrificed to God, and commanded the people to serve the Lord God of Israel. Verse 13 indicates that God was entreated by Manasseh’s prayer and supplication—He listened and forgave, and the repentant Manasseh was restored to his kingdom. Make the point that if God would forgive Manasseh, He surely will forgive anyone who turns honestly turns to Him. 
   
   This could be an opportunity to discuss that genuine repentance is a godly sorrow for sin that goes beyond mere regret or even sincere remorse. There is a vast difference between the person who is sorry because his sin was discovered, and the one who is sincerely penitent before God even when his sins are not known publicly. In the Old Testament, the word translated repent means “to turn back; to change one’s mind.” The Greek word translated repentance in the New Testament means “compunction for guilt,” and by implication, “reversal.” Thus, Biblical repentance indicates a change of mind that results in a reversal of action or direction. 
   
   Wrap up your discussion of this question by noting that even after repentance, some consequences of sinful actions may still remain. According to 2 Kings 21:11-13, the consequences of Manasseh’s wicked reign included the destruction of Jerusalem, and Judah’s ultimate captivity. Even though Manasseh repented, the effect his wicked behavior had on his people and nation were long lasting.
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2. Even the brief description in chapter 33 of Manasseh’s actions before he repented is horrifying. He worshiped pagan gods, rebuilt the high places destroyed by his father Hezekiah, and offered his own sons as burnt sacrifices. His blatant sin could make one wonder how God could ever forgive such an individual. What does God’s response to Manasseh tell us about His nature?
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   Your group may offer a variety of thoughts in response to this question. These may include that God hates sin and will not tolerate idolatry, and that He showed Himself to be a God of justice by punishing the king for his wickedness. However, God also showed His merciful nature through His response to Manasseh’s repentance; He not only forgave the king, but He also restored his kingdom to him. 
   
   You may wish to follow up with the concept that all sin is abhorrent to God. Lying carries the same wages and punishment as murder. Secret sins and blatant sins are still both sin—though there may be different earthly consequences, both will be judged by God.
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3. Amon, who followed Manasseh on the throne of Judah, was twenty-two years of age when he began to rule. The author of Chronicles described Amon’s reign only briefly, and characterized this king as being “evil in the sight of the Lord.” When Amon was assassinated by his servants, the people appointed his son Josiah as his successor. Although Josiah’s father and grandfather had set an example of wickedness, Josiah chose to follow God. What actions early in Josiah’s reign indicated his purpose to lead Judah in seeking the God of David? 2 Chronicles 34:3-7
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   Verses 3-7 indicate that Josiah took the following actions:
      • He sought God.
      • He purged the high places and groves— places of idolatrous worship—removing the idols the people had been worshipping.
      • He broke down the altars of Baal and made dust of the images.
      • He burned the faithless priests’ bones upon their altars.
      • He expanded his reform into outlying areas around Jerusalem. 
   
   Point out that the phrases “in his presence” in verse 4 and “he returned to Jerusalem” in verse 7 indicate that Josiah personally went throughout his kingdom to ensure that the removal of all aspects of idolatry was accomplished. It was not just a commandment he made, but he himself attacked idolatry as an enemy of his kingdom. 
   
   Expand your discussion of this question by pointing out that a sincere desire to follow God will always be tested—God will require actions that prove the commitment. For example, when a person is born again, God will bring to mind wrongdoings in the past that must be made right. As newly saved individuals continue to walk with God, there will be ongoing steps of obedience in matters both small and large. Make the point that while our obedience likely will not impact others to the extent Josiah’s actions did, we will face situations that challenge our commitment. If we truly desire to progress in our relationship with God, we will do whatever He shows us.
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4. After Josiah’s energetic campaign to rid Judah of idolatry, he began cleansing the neglected Temple in Jerusalem, much as his predecessor Hezekiah had done (see 2 Chronicles 29). In the process, God’s Word was rediscovered. When it was read to Josiah, he was shocked and distressed to see how far his nation had departed from God’s commandments. What did Josiah do in response to what he heard from God’s Word? 2 Chronicles 34:19-22, 29-33
   
   The text indicates that in response to God’s Word, Josiah did the following.
      • He rent his clothes as a sign of his grief (verse 19).
      • He sought counsel from the prophetess Huldah (verses 20-22).
      • Based on the prophetess’ words, he convened the elders, priests, and people of Jerusalem for a public reading of the Law (verses 29-30).
      • He made a personal covenant with God, promising to follow Him and keep His commandments (verse 31), and then caused the people to do likewise (verse 32).
      • Finally, he took away all the paraphernalia of idolatry from the lands that pertained to Israel (verse 33). 
   
   Ask your class to describe ways people respond when confronted with the truth of God’s Word today. They may mention that some will ignore, procrastinate, reject, mock, or argue. However, others like Josiah will respond in a positive manner and turn toward God.
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5. Chapter 35 focuses on the celebration of the Passover called for by Josiah as part of the reforms he instituted in Judah. The last Passover of note had taken place in the days of Hezekiah (see 2 Chronicles 30:1-3) and Josiah knew that after so many years had elapsed, it would take an enormous amount of preparation to properly conduct this one. Verse 2 indicates that he “set the priests in their charges [duties], and encouraged them to the service of the house of the Lord.” The priests needed to be both “set” (appointed) and “encouraged” to accomplish the needed work. In verses 4 and 6, Josiah commanded the Levites to “prepare yourselves” and to “sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren.” In what ways can we prepare ourselves to serve God effectively and offer spiritual encouragement to others?
   
   Class discussion should bring out that the starting point for serving God and encouraging others is to have a personal relationship with Him. Other thoughts may include the following.
      • Be a student of God’s Word.
      • Be faithful in every task in God’s service, great or small.
      • Ask God to help you develop empathy and genuine care for others.
      • Practice small acts of service without expecting any notice or commendation.
      • Pray for wisdom, courage, and opportunities in reaching out to others on the Lord’s behalf.
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6. The battle described in verses 20-24 of chapter 35 took place in 609 B.C. Three years earlier, forces of the growing Babylonian Empire had overthrown the Assyrian capital of Nineveh, and Pharoah Necho of Egypt had allied himself with the remaining Assyrians in an attempt to halt Babylon’s further expansion. Necho’s armies marched through Judah on their way to join the Assyrians. Verse 21 indicates that Josiah was warned not to interfere by a pagan king. Although this king was momentarily used as a messenger for God, this was an unusual source for counsel. As Christians, where do we go for counsel and instruction?
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   Your students should conclude that we most often receive instruction through the Word of God, the counsel of the ministry, or advice from godly individuals. However, at times God may speak to us in an unexpected manner. For example, God may use personal circumstances or world events to get our attention. Perhaps the words of a song, a testimony, or a remark in a Sunday school class will provide an answer we need. While we must be certain that any advice or counsel we accept aligns with Scripture, it is clear that God is not limited in the ways He will make Himself known. We want to be careful to stay tuned to the Spirit in order not to discount or ignore God’s messages to us.
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7. Chapter 36 covers the final years of Judah by summarizing the reigns of the nation’s last four kings—all of whom were evil. Verses 14-16 indicate that the people “transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen.” They polluted the Temple, mocked God’s messengers, and despised His words. What judgment did God send upon them as a result? 2 Chronicles 36:17-20
   
   God sent judgment through the Chaldeans—the Babylonian forces under the leadership of Nebuchadnezzar—who slaughtered old and young without mercy, stole the treasures of the Temple, burned the house of God and the palaces of the kingdom, broke down the walls of the city, and carried away the people into captivity in Babylon. (The account in 2 Kings 25:1-12 provides a more detailed record of the end of Judah.)
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8. The concluding words of 2 Chronicles 36 (verses 22-23) are a brief appendix in which the author recorded the proclamation of Cyrus, King of Persia, and his request for volunteers to return to Jerusalem to build a house for God. What is indicated by the fact that Cyrus’ spirit was “stirred up” by the Lord seventy years after the enactment of God’s judgment?
   
   It indicates that God was not done with His chosen people, thus providing a ray of hope for the future of Israel beyond the dark days of captivity in Babylon. This gives us hope as well, because it is a reminder that God always keeps His promises.

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CONCLUSION

As we read the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, we are reminded that trouble comes when the laws of God are abandoned, and blessings come when the instructions of God are followed. This was an important message for the exiles at the end of their captivity in Babylon, and it is still an important message for us today.