Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.
2 CHRONICLES 33:11KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 33:11 mean?
2 Chronicles 33:11 describes how God allowed the army commanders of the king of Assyria to capture King Manasseh of Judah, binding him with chains and taking him away to Babylon. This verse shows a moment when Manasseh, because of his actions, faced defeat and humiliation at the hands of a foreign power.
The verse is part of a historical account where the chronicler explains the consequences of Manasseh’s rule, especially his unfaithfulness to God. The LORD (the God of Israel) is shown as the one who permits this event, using the Assyrian captains to discipline Manasseh. The mention of Manasseh being taken “among the thorns” and bound with “fetters” paints a vivid picture of his capture and loss of royal dignity.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 33:11
- LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, highlighting that it was not random chance but a deliberate act of God allowing these events.
- thorns (בַּחוֹחִים, bachochim): This word is often understood as “thorns” or “briers,” suggesting Manasseh was hiding or caught in a difficult, humiliating situation when captured.
- fetters (נְחֻשְׁתַּיִם, nechoshtayim): This means “bronze” or “copper” shackles, emphasizing the harshness and humiliation of Manasseh’s captivity.
Why 2 Chronicles 33:11 matters
- This verse clarifies that Manasseh’s downfall was not just political but was seen as a direct result of his actions against God, making the story about more than just military defeat.
- The detail about “thorns” and “fetters” shows the depth of Manasseh’s humiliation, highlighting how far a king could fall when turning away from God.
- The verse sets up the following story, where Manasseh’s suffering leads to repentance, showing a turning point in his life and reign.