But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah king in his place. But the people of the landThis phrase refers to the common populace of Judah, distinct from the ruling elite or foreign powers. In the Hebrew context, "the people of the land" (Hebrew: עַם הָאָרֶץ, 'am ha'aretz) often denotes the native inhabitants who held significant influence in societal decisions, especially during times of political instability. Their actions here reflect a collective desire for justice and stability, emphasizing the communal responsibility in governance and the preservation of Davidic lineage. put to death
The Hebrew root for "put to death" is מוּת (muth), which conveys the act of executing justice. This action by the people underscores the seriousness with which they viewed the conspiracy against King Amon. It reflects the biblical principle of retributive justice, where those who shed blood unlawfully are themselves subject to capital punishment, as seen in Genesis 9:6. This act was not merely punitive but served to restore order and uphold divine justice. all who had conspired against King Amon
The term "conspired" (Hebrew: קָשַׁר, qashar) indicates a secretive plot or alliance formed with malicious intent. The conspirators against King Amon were likely motivated by political ambition or dissatisfaction with his reign. Historically, such conspiracies were not uncommon in the ancient Near East, where palace intrigues often led to violent power shifts. This highlights the instability of Amon's rule and the moral decay that had permeated Judah, necessitating divine intervention and correction. and they made his son Josiah king in his place
Josiah's ascension to the throne marks a pivotal moment in Judah's history. The Hebrew verb for "made" (מָלַךְ, malak) implies a formal enthronement, signifying the people's acceptance and support of Josiah as the legitimate ruler. Josiah, known for his later reforms and return to covenantal faithfulness, represents hope and renewal for Judah. His reign is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line, fulfilling His promises despite human failures. Persons / Places / Events 1. AmonAmon was the king of Judah, the son of Manasseh, and father of Josiah. His reign was marked by evil practices, similar to those of his father before his repentance. 2. The People of the LandThis term refers to the inhabitants of Judah who took action against the conspirators who assassinated King Amon. Their actions reflect a desire for stability and continuity in leadership. 3. ConspiratorsThese were individuals who plotted and executed the assassination of King Amon. Their motives are not detailed, but their actions led to their own demise. 4. JosiahThe son of Amon, who was made king by the people of the land after the conspirators were killed. Josiah is known for his later reforms and dedication to God. 5. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where these events took place. It was a region with a rich history of both faithfulness and rebellion against God. Teaching Points The Consequences of Leadership ChoicesLeadership has a profound impact on a nation. Amon's evil reign led to instability, while Josiah's righteous leadership brought reform and renewal. The Role of the People in God's PlanThe people of the land played a crucial role in God's plan by removing the conspirators and establishing Josiah as king. This demonstrates that God can use ordinary people to fulfill His purposes. Justice and RetributionThe swift justice executed by the people against the conspirators reflects a biblical principle of retribution for wrongdoing, emphasizing the importance of justice in society. The Hope of RenewalDespite Amon's evil reign, the rise of Josiah offers hope for renewal and reform. This reminds us that God can bring about positive change even after periods of darkness. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the actions of the people of the land in response to Amon's assassination, and how does this apply to our role in society today? 2. How does the transition from Amon to Josiah illustrate the biblical principle of leadership and its impact on a nation? 3. In what ways does the account of Amon and Josiah encourage us to seek justice and righteousness in our communities? 4. How can we apply the lessons from Josiah's rise to leadership in our personal lives, especially when faced with challenging circumstances? 5. What other biblical examples can you think of where God used unexpected people or events to bring about His purposes, and how does this encourage you in your faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 21:23-24This passage provides a parallel account of Amon's assassination and the subsequent actions of the people of the land, offering additional context to the events in 2 Chronicles 33:25. 2 Chronicles 34:1-2These verses describe the beginning of Josiah's reign and his commitment to doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, contrasting with his father's actions. Proverbs 29:2This verse highlights the impact of righteous and wicked leadership on a nation, relevant to the transition from Amon to Josiah. People Amon, Ben, David, Hezekiah, Israelites, Josiah, Manasseh, SolomonPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Fish Gate, Gihon, Jerusalem, Ophel, Valley of HinnomTopics Amon, Cause, Conspirators, Conspired, Conspiring, Death, Design, Josiah, Josi'ah, Killed, Plotted, Reign, Slew, Smite, Smote, SteadDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 33:1-25 5366 king 2 Chronicles 33:24-25 5817 conspiracies Library Manasseh's Sin and Repentance
'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. 10. And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. 11. 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. 12. And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureManasseh
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem."--2 CHRON. xxxiii. l. Fifty and five years--he wore the crown a longer time than any other of the house of David. Of all the kings that reigned in Jerusalem, this man's reign filled the largest space; yet he is the one king of Judah about whom we are told least. In the modern city of Venice there is a hall which is adorned with the portraits of all the doges …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
DO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch: …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations," …
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
OR, GOOD NEWS FOR THE VILEST OF MEN; BEING A HELP FOR DESPAIRING SOULS, SHOWING THAT JESUS CHRIST WOULD HAVE MERCY IN THE FIRST PLACE OFFERED TO THE BIGGEST SINNERS. THE THIRD EDITION, IN WHICH IS ADDED, AN ANSWER TO THOSE GRAND OBJECTIONS THAT LIE IN THE WAY OF THE THEM THAT WOULD BELIEVE: FOR THE COMFORT OF THEM THAT FEAR THEY HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST. BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. London: Printed for Elizabeth Smith, at the Hand and Bible, on London Bridge, 1691. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Chronicles 33:25 NIV2 Chronicles 33:25 NLT2 Chronicles 33:25 ESV2 Chronicles 33:25 NASB2 Chronicles 33:25 KJV
2 Chronicles 33:25 Commentaries
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