(7) And he set . . . had made.--And he set the carven image of the idol which he had made. "Idol" (semel) 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'elum, a form only found here (equivalent to le'�l?m).

Verses 7, 8. - (Comp. Psalm 132:13, 14; 2 Samuel 7:10.) Verse 7. - A carved image, the idol; translate, a carved image of the idol; i.e. the Asherah; for see the parallel (2 Kings 21:7). The idol; Hebrew, סֶמֶל. This name is found here and in ver. 15; in Deuteronomy 4:16, translated (Authorized Version) "figure;" and Ezekiel 8:3, 5, translated (Authorized Version) "image."

33:1-20 We have seen Manasseh's wickedness; here we have his repentance, and a memorable instance it is of the riches of God's pardoning mercy, and the power of his renewing grace. Deprived of his liberty, separated from his evil counsellors and companions, without any prospect but of ending his days in a wretched prison, Manasseh thought upon what had passed; he began to cry for mercy and deliverance. He confessed his sins, condemned himself, was humbled before God, loathing himself as a monster of impiety and wickedness. Yet he hoped to be pardoned through the abundant mercy of the Lord. Then Manasseh knew that Jehovah was God, able to deliver. He knew him as a God of salvation; he learned to fear, trust in, love, and obey him. From this time he bore a new character, and walked in newness of life. Who can tell what tortures of conscience, what pangs of grief, what fears of wrath, what agonizing remorse he endured, when he looked back on his many years of apostacy and rebellion against God; on his having led thousands into sin and perdition; and on his blood-guiltiness in the persecution of a number of God's children? And who can complain that the way of heaven is blocked up, when he sees such a sinner enter? Say the worst against thyself, here is one as bad who finds the way to repentance. Deny not to thyself that which God hath not denied to thee; it is not thy sin, but thy impenitence, that bars heaven against thee.Manasseh was twelve years old,.... From hence to the end of 2 Chronicles 33:9 the same things are recorded, almost word for word, as in 2 Kings 21:1, see the notes there. See Gill on 2 Kings 21:1.