the justice of the sentence, and God's goodness in the respite. Yet the prospect respecting his family
and nation must have given him many painful feelings. Hezekiah was indeed humbled for the pride
of his heart. And blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; for they rest from their labours, and
their works do follow them.
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Wicked reign of Manasseh. (1–9)
The prophetic denunciations against Judah. (10–18)
Wicked reign and death of Amon. (19–26)Verses 1–9
Young persons generally desire to become their own masters, and to have early possession of
riches and power. But this, for the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief to
others. It is much happier when young persons are sheltered under the care of parents or guardians,
till age gives experience and discretion. Though such young persons are less indulged, they will
afterwards be thankful. Manasseh wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, as if on
purpose to provoke him to anger; he did more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed.
Manasseh went on from bad to worse, till carried captive to Babylon. The people were ready to
comply with his wishes, to obtain his favour and because it suited their depraved inclinations. In
the reformation of large bodies, numbers are mere time-servers, and in temptation fall away.
Verses 10–18
Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used represent the city emptied and utterly
desolate, yet not destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future dwelling of the Jews:
forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved
in that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people who dishonour him by their crimes,
but never will desert his cause on earth. In the book of Chronicles we read of Manasseh's repentance,
and acceptance with God; thus we may learn not to despair of the recovery of the greatest sinners.
But let none dare to persist in sin, presuming that they may repent and reform when they please.
There are a few instances of the conversion of notorious sinners, that none may despair; and but
few, that none may presume.
Verses 19–26
Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God suffered his house to be polluted with his
blood. How unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who suffered it to be done.
Now was a happy change from one of the worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once