2 Chronicles 32:33

“And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.”

Historical Context: 2 Chronicles 32:33 is part of the account of King Hezekiah, who reigned over the kingdom of Judah. Hezekiah was known as a righteous and faithful king who brought about various reforms and displayed great trust in God. This verse specifically focuses on the end of Hezekiah’s reign and the beginning of his son Manasseh’s reign.

• The Death of Hezekiah:

The verse begins by stating that Hezekiah “slept with his fathers.” This is a euphemism used in the Bible to refer to someone’s death. It emphasizes that Hezekiah passed away and joined his ancestors in the afterlife. After his death, he was buried in the “chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David,” indicating that he was given an honorable burial, fitting for a king from the lineage of David.

Honoring Hezekiah: The verse continues by saying that “all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death.” Hezekiah was greatly respected and admired by his people, and they expressed their grief and paid their respects to him when he passed away. This demonstrates the deep impact Hezekiah had on the nation of Judah during his lifetime.

Manasseh’s Reign: The verse concludes by noting that Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, succeeded him as king. Manasseh’s reign is significant because he became one of the most wicked kings in the history of Judah, leading the people astray into idolatry and evil practices. While Hezekiah was known for his faithfulness, Manasseh’s reign stood in stark contrast.

• Legacy: Hezekiah’s life and reign left a lasting impact on the people of Judah. He was honored at his death, which indicates that he had ruled with righteousness and had gained the respect and admiration of his subjects.
• Succession: The transition from Hezekiah to Manasseh highlights the significance of leadership succession. While Hezekiah was a righteous king, his son Manasseh turned out to be wicked.
• God’s Faithfulness: Hezekiah’s reign was marked by his trust in God. He experienced God’s deliverance from the Assyrian invasion and was known for his fervent prayer.