From Revival to Rebellion: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Judah's Kings

Be God's Glory
May 1
11 min read

Welcome to Day 120 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of 2 Chronicles. Chapters 2 Chronicles 31-33 cover a dramatic period in Judah’s history marked by spiritual revival under King Hezekiah, a powerful test of faith during Assyrian invasion, and a tragic descent into evil under King Manasseh, followed by a surprising redemption. Hezekiah leads sweeping religious reforms and calls the people back to faithful worship of the Lord, restoring tithing, priesthood, and temple service. Despite great external threats from Assyria, Hezekiah relies on God and is miraculously delivered. In contrast, his son Manasseh plunges the nation into idolatry and horrific sin, but after personal suffering and repentance, he turns back to God. His son Amon continues in wickedness without repentance, leading to his assassination. These chapters showcase the power of godly leadership, the danger of rebellion, and the mercy of God for those who repent.

2 Chronicles 31: Hezekiah begins by tearing down all remaining idols throughout Judah, encouraging the people to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. He reinstitutes the divisions of priests and Levites for their duties in the temple, ensuring regular offerings and worship. Recognizing the need for temple support, he commands the people to bring their tithes, and they respond with overwhelming generosity. Storehouses are built to manage the abundance, and faithful overseers are appointed to handle distribution. Hezekiah’s devotion and administrative skill are evident, and the chapter closes by noting that he acted wholeheartedly and prospered.

2 Chronicles 32: Sennacherib’s invasion begins with intimidation as he mocks Judah’s trust in God. Hezekiah fortifies the city, blocks water supplies, and reminds the people that God's power is greater than any army. The Assyrians blaspheme, but Hezekiah seeks the Lord with Isaiah. God answers by sending an angel to destroy the enemy’s forces, and Judah is saved without battle. As Hezekiah’s reputation increases, he falls into pride when envoys from Babylon visit. Though he later humbles himself, his pride foreshadows future struggles. The chapter balances triumph through faith with a warning about spiritual complacency.

2 Chronicles 33: Manasseh becomes king at twelve and plunges Judah into wickedness, rebuilding pagan altars, practicing sorcery, and desecrating God’s temple. His rebellion surpasses that of the surrounding nations, provoking divine judgment. Captured by the Assyrians, he is imprisoned in Babylon, where he humbles himself and prays to God. God hears him and restores him to Jerusalem, and Manasseh responds with genuine reform—removing idols, repairing the altar, and urging Judah to worship the Lord. Unfortunately, his earlier sins have a lasting impact. Amon, his son, follows in his father's early footsteps but refuses to repent and is killed by his own officials, showing the cost of an unrepentant heart.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name "Chronicles" comes from the Latin Chronicon, which was adopted from the Greek word Paraleipomenon, meaning "things left out" or "things omitted." This implies that 1 and 2 Chronicles were seen as a supplement or continuation of the historical narratives found in Samuel and Kings. In the Hebrew Bible, 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally a single book called Divrei Hayamim, meaning “The Matters (or Events) of the Days.” This title reflects the book’s role in chronicling the history of Israel, especially from a priestly and spiritual perspective.

Purpose of the Book:

The purpose of 2 Chronicles is to highlight the religious history of Judah, focusing on the temple, the priesthood, and the Davidic line of kings. Unlike the books of Kings, which cover both Israel and Judah, 2 Chronicles centers almost entirely on the kingdom of Judah, tracing its spiritual fidelity or failure to God's covenant. The book was written to encourage and instruct the returning exiles from Babylon, reminding them of God’s faithfulness, the importance of proper worship, and the need for national and spiritual restoration under God's leadership. It serves as a theological reflection—emphasizing that faithfulness to God brings blessing, while rebellion leads to downfall.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The traditional author of 1 and 2 Chronicles is believed to be Ezra the scribe, based on ancient Jewish tradition and internal evidence. This tradition is supported by:

Jewish Talmudic sources (like Baba Bathra 15a), which state that Ezra wrote Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
The similar writing style, genealogical interest, and spiritual themes found in Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles (e.g., emphasis on temple worship, Levitical roles, and the priesthood).
2 Chronicles 36:22–23 ends with the same wording that begins the book of Ezra 1:1–3, suggesting a seamless continuation and possibly the same author or editorial hand.

Though the exact identity of the final compiler isn’t definitively proven, many scholars—both religious and academic—lean toward Ezra or someone in his priestly circle as the most credible authorship.

External References:

The Jewish Encyclopedia and ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) support Ezra's authorship.
Bible commentaries such as those by Matthew Henry, John Gill, and the ESV Study Bible also reflect Ezra as the likely author.
Modern scholars, like those cited in the Anchor Yale Bible Commentary and Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, also affirm Ezra as the most probable candidate, given the shared concerns of Chronicles and Ezra-Nehemiah.

Key People:

2 Chronicles features numerous significant figures from Israel’s past, but some stand out more than others:

Solomon – Son of David and builder of the Temple in Jerusalem. His wisdom and early devotion to God are foundational to the book.
Rehoboam – Solomon’s son and the first king of Judah after the kingdom divides.
Asa – A king of Judah who led significant religious reforms.
Jehoshaphat – A godly king known for his alliance with Ahab and a strong military.
Hezekiah – A reforming king who reopened the temple and celebrated Passover.
Manasseh – A wicked king who later repents, showing God’s mercy.
Josiah – Known for rediscovering the Book of the Law and restoring temple worship.
Zedekiah – The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile.
Ezra (possibly) – Though not directly named, if Ezra is the author, his priestly focus shapes the narrative.

Conclusion

The book of 2 Chronicles closes with both a solemn warning and a hopeful promise. It reveals the tragic consequences of Judah’s persistent unfaithfulness to God—despite the reforms of good kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, the nation ultimately falls to Babylon due to generations of disobedience, idolatry, and rejection of prophetic warnings. Yet, even in the final verses, God’s mercy shines through. The decree of King Cyrus of Persia, allowing the exiles to return and rebuild the temple, marks a powerful turn in Israel’s story. This moment reminds readers that while sin brings judgment, God’s covenant love remains steadfast.

2 Chronicles ultimately serves as a call to repentance, restoration, and reverence. It urges the people—and us today—to honor God with undivided hearts, to value His presence above all else, and to recognize that true greatness is found in humble worship and faithful obedience. Through kings, priests, and prophets, God revealed His desire for a holy people set apart for His glory. The journey from Solomon’s majestic temple to the destruction and eventual restoration reminds us that God’s purposes will prevail, and His invitation to return to Him is always open.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 2 Chronicles 31, God reveals Himself as a faithful provider and a God who honors wholehearted devotion. His character in this chapter reflects order, generosity, and blessing. As King Hezekiah leads the people in obedience, God responds with prosperity and peace. The Lord is shown to be attentive to those who honor Him and actively involved in blessing those who serve Him sincerely.

While no specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned in this chapter, His role as Jehovah Jireh ("The Lord Will Provide") is clearly displayed through the abundance of offerings and the orderly provision for the priests and Levites. The lesson God teaches here is that obedience and generous stewardship lead to spiritual and material blessing. God honors faithful leadership and a community that aligns itself with His purposes.

In 2 Chronicles 32, God displays His character as a powerful protector and deliverer. When Judah is threatened by Assyria, God responds to the humble prayers of Hezekiah and Isaiah with supernatural intervention. He is not only a defender of His people but also a God who responds to faith and humility. Even when Hezekiah stumbles in pride, God’s justice is tempered with mercy.

One of the names that aligns with God’s actions in this chapter is Jehovah Sabaoth ("The Lord of Hosts"), emphasizing His command over heavenly armies, as seen when He sends an angel to strike down the Assyrian forces. The lesson taught is that victory belongs to the Lord, not to human strength. Trusting in God—even in the face of overwhelming odds—brings deliverance, while pride can lead to consequences, even for the faithful.

In 2 Chronicles 33, God’s character in this chapter is profoundly revealed through His mercy, patience, and willingness to forgive. Though Manasseh committed grave sins, including idolatry and bloodshed, God did not reject him permanently. When Manasseh humbled himself and sought the Lord in captivity, God responded with grace and restoration. This chapter reveals that no one is beyond redemption when true repentance is present.

There are no direct Hebrew names of God mentioned in this chapter, but the narrative powerfully reveals God as El Rachum ("The Compassionate God"). The lesson from this chapter is clear: God’s mercy is deeper than our sin, and true repentance brings restoration. Even the worst failures can be transformed when a heart turns sincerely toward God.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?

What does 2 Chronicles 31–33 reveal about God's response to sincere obedience and faithfulness?
How does God demonstrate His mercy and willingness to forgive in the life of King Manasseh?
In what ways does God show Himself as a provider and protector in the reign of King Hezekiah?
How does God's justice appear in His dealings with both the faithful and the rebellious kings?
What do these chapters teach us about God's patience when people persist in sin?
How does God's character remain consistent despite the changing behavior of Judah’s leaders?
What does God’s intervention against the Assyrian army tell us about His power and faithfulness to His promises?

Questions About Themes:

How does leadership influence national or communal faithfulness in these chapters?
What role does repentance play in God’s redemptive work, particularly in the life of Manasseh?
How is the theme of spiritual reform developed through Hezekiah's actions in chapter 31?
What do these chapters say about the consequences of pride, even for those who follow God?
How is the contrast between revival and rebellion portrayed across the three chapters?
What lessons about worship, stewardship, and temple service are emphasized in chapter 31?
How does God use adversity (like captivity or invasion) to bring people back to Him?

Reflective Application Questions:

In what areas of your life is God calling you to be more obedient or faithful, like Hezekiah?
Are there ways you’ve seen God's provision when you’ve put Him first in your finances or service?
How do you respond when you're faced with overwhelming challenges—do you turn to God in prayer like Hezekiah did?
Are there areas of pride in your life that God may be gently correcting, as He did with Hezekiah?
Have you ever experienced God’s mercy after a season of rebellion or disobedience? What did you learn?
What steps can you take to lead others toward spiritual renewal or restoration?
If God could redeem someone as deeply sinful as Manasseh, how does that encourage you in your own walk—or in praying for others?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans