2 Kings 21:18

“And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.”

Context:To better understand this verse, it’s important to consider the context of the entire chapter. 2 Kings 21 describes the reign of Manasseh, who was one of the most wicked kings of Judah. He introduced idolatry and practised various forms of evil, leading the nation astray from the worship of the true God. This verse marks the end of Manasseh’s reign and introduces his son, Amon, who succeeds him as king.

Manasseh’s reign:Manasseh’s reign lasted for 55 years, making it the longest reign of any king in the history of Judah. During his rule, he rebuilt the high places that his father, Hezekiah, had destroyed and reintroduced the worship of false gods and idols. Manasseh even went to the extent of sacrificing his own son in the fire, practising divination, witchcraft, and consulting mediums.

Death and burial:The verse states that Manasseh “slept with his fathers,” which is a euphemism for death. It means that he died and was buried. However, the location of his burial is significant. Manasseh was buried “in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza.” This implies that he received a burial place typically reserved for royalty or prominent individuals. The mention of Uzza may indicate a family connection or the name of a significant individual associated with Manasseh.

Amon’s reign:After Manasseh’s death, his son Amon ascended to the throne of Judah. Amon’s reign was relatively short, lasting only two years. However, like his father, Amon continued the idolatrous practices and evil deeds, disregarding the reforms initiated by King Hezekiah.