Manasseh’s demise reminds the reader that every person’s earthly story comes to an end, but God’s larger plan of redemption continues beyond any single generation.
When we read “So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house. And Amon his son became king in his place” (v.20), we witness the close of King Manasseh’s lengthy reign in Judah and the transition of royal authority to his son Amon. Manasseh, who ruled the southern kingdom of Judah from approximately 697 to 642 BC, spent much of his life turning away from God and leading his people into idolatry. Yet near the end of his life, biblical texts portray Manasseh’s repentance—demonstrating that no matter how far someone strays, God still offers restoration and grace (see Luke 15:11-24). Though 2 Chronicles 33:20 only details his death and burial, it marks the culmination of a life that ultimately recognized the Lord’s sovereignty.
This verse also notes that Manasseh was buried “in his own house” rather than the more traditional burial grounds of the kings. Jerusalem, the capital of Judah where Manasseh’s palace would have been located, served as the central place of worship and governance for God’s chosen people. Being buried in private property may reflect a departure from customary burial practices—a fitting conclusion for a king whose life contained tumultuous shifts between rebellion and repentance.
Finally, we see Amon, Manasseh’s son, ascend the throne in his place. The continuity of the Davidic line, even through kings who set wicked examples, is an integral part of the biblical story, ultimately leading to Jesus Christ in the line of David (Matthew 1:1-16). Though this singular verse is brief, it represents a transition from a king’s flawed but penitent life to another chapter in Judah’s royal history—one that will continue to showcase both human faithlessness and God’s enduring faithfulness.
Set to dark mode
2 Chronicles 33:20 meaning
When we read “So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house. And Amon his son became king in his place” (v.20), we witness the close of King Manasseh’s lengthy reign in Judah and the transition of royal authority to his son Amon. Manasseh, who ruled the southern kingdom of Judah from approximately 697 to 642 BC, spent much of his life turning away from God and leading his people into idolatry. Yet near the end of his life, biblical texts portray Manasseh’s repentance—demonstrating that no matter how far someone strays, God still offers restoration and grace (see Luke 15:11-24). Though 2 Chronicles 33:20 only details his death and burial, it marks the culmination of a life that ultimately recognized the Lord’s sovereignty.
This verse also notes that Manasseh was buried “in his own house” rather than the more traditional burial grounds of the kings. Jerusalem, the capital of Judah where Manasseh’s palace would have been located, served as the central place of worship and governance for God’s chosen people. Being buried in private property may reflect a departure from customary burial practices—a fitting conclusion for a king whose life contained tumultuous shifts between rebellion and repentance.
Finally, we see Amon, Manasseh’s son, ascend the throne in his place. The continuity of the Davidic line, even through kings who set wicked examples, is an integral part of the biblical story, ultimately leading to Jesus Christ in the line of David (Matthew 1:1-16). Though this singular verse is brief, it represents a transition from a king’s flawed but penitent life to another chapter in Judah’s royal history—one that will continue to showcase both human faithlessness and God’s enduring faithfulness.