This verse is a standard formula used in the books of Kings (and Chronicles) to conclude the reign of a particular king. Let's break it down:
"Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did...": This indicates that the biblical account of Manasseh's reign, as presented in 2 Kings, is not exhaustive. It's a summary, highlighting key events and religious/moral implications. There were other actions and events during his reign that aren't detailed in this specific biblical text.
"...and his sin that he sinned...": This emphasizes the moral evaluation of Manasseh's actions. The author of Kings is concerned with Manasseh's disobedience to God and his promotion of idolatry. This verse reminds the reader that Manasseh's sin was a significant aspect of his reign.
"...aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?": This refers to another historical document or set of documents, the "Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah". This source (now lost to us, although likely drawn from to compile the canonical books of Chronicles) contained a more detailed record of the kings of Judah. The author of 2 Kings is pointing the reader to this other source if they want to know more about Manasseh's life and reign.
In essence, the verse is a signpost indicating that the biblical account is selective and that further information about Manasseh could be found in other historical records. It also reinforces the focus on the king's moral failings as a key element of his legacy.
Key implications:
The Bible is not a complete historical record. It's a theological history, focusing on events and actions that relate to God's relationship with Israel.
Other historical sources existed. The author is aware of other accounts of the kings of Judah.
The author's perspective is moral and theological. The emphasis on Manasseh's sin is central to the author's purpose.
This verse is a standard formula used in the books of Kings (and Chronicles) to conclude the reign of a particular king. Let's break it down:
"Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did...": This indicates that the biblical account of Manasseh's reign, as presented in 2 Kings, is not exhaustive. It's a summary, highlighting key events and religious/moral implications. There were other actions and events during his reign that aren't detailed in this specific biblical text.
"...and his sin that he sinned...": This emphasizes the moral evaluation of Manasseh's actions. The author of Kings is concerned with Manasseh's disobedience to God and his promotion of idolatry. This verse reminds the reader that Manasseh's sin was a significant aspect of his reign.
"...aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?": This refers to another historical document or set of documents, the "Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah". This source (now lost to us, although likely drawn from to compile the canonical books of Chronicles) contained a more detailed record of the kings of Judah. The author of 2 Kings is pointing the reader to this other source if they want to know more about Manasseh's life and reign.
In essence, the verse is a signpost indicating that the biblical account is selective and that further information about Manasseh could be found in other historical records. It also reinforces the focus on the king's moral failings as a key element of his legacy.
Key implications:
The Bible is not a complete historical record. It's a theological history, focusing on events and actions that relate to God's relationship with Israel.
Other historical sources existed. The author is aware of other accounts of the kings of Judah.
The author's perspective is moral and theological. The emphasis on Manasseh's sin is central to the author's purpose.