King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 33:7 Mean?

“And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:”

Context

And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.

So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **And he set** **. . .** **had made.**—*And he set the carven image of the idol which he had made. “*Idol” (*sèmel*) explains “Asherah,” the term used in Kings. Both “carven image “and “idol” (Authorised Version, *figure*) occur in Deuteronomy 4:16. **The house of God.**—Chronicles has added, *of God,* by way of explanation. The Temple proper is meant, as distinct from the courts. **Before all.**—*Out* *of* *all.* **For ever.**—*Le’êlum,* a form only found here (equivalent to *le’ólām*)*.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 33:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.