2 Kings 21 Study Notes

21:13 The builder’s measuring instruments symbolized God’s judgment of a corrupt society.

21:15 The people’s failure and rebellion dated from the day their ancestors came out of Egypt. This implied a more profound failure than the occasional transgressions of kings and individuals. There was a deeper, systemic problem that demanded a radically different solution: the new covenant written in their hearts (Jr 31:31-34).

21:16 The Bible gives no more specific data about Manasseh’s filling Jerusalem with innocent blood, and 2 Kings mentions nothing about Manasseh’s captivity, repentance, and building operations (2Ch 33:10-14).

21:17-18 This conclusion to Manasseh’s reign highlights the sin that he committed.

21:19-22 Manasseh’s son Amon learned nothing from God’s judgment of his father.

21:23-24 Amon was assassinated by his own servants, probably a victim of the internal struggle between the pro-Assyrian and anti-Assyrian parties. The common people (lit “people of the land”) emerged as the group that maintained loyalty to David’s dynasty.

21:25-26 Appropriately, Amon was buried in the tomb of his father Manasseh.