And Manasseh rested with his fathersThis phrase indicates the death of King Manasseh, who was one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Judah, ruling for 55 years. The expression "rested with his fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for death, suggesting that he joined his ancestors in the afterlife. Manasseh's reign was marked by idolatry and evil practices, as detailed earlier in
2 Kings 21, but he also repented later in life, as recorded in
2 Chronicles 33:12-13. His death marks the end of a tumultuous period in Judah's history.
and was buried in his palace garden, the garden of Uzza.
The burial in the palace garden, rather than the traditional burial in the City of David, may reflect the disgrace associated with Manasseh's reign. The garden of Uzza is mentioned only here and in2 Kings 21:26, and its exact location is unknown, though it is presumed to be near the royal palace in Jerusalem. This unusual burial site might indicate a deviation from royal customs, possibly due to his controversial reign or personal choice.
And his son Amon reigned in his place.
Amon succeeded Manasseh as king of Judah, continuing the dynastic line of David. Amon's reign was short, lasting only two years, and he followed in the sinful practices of his father before his repentance, as noted in2 Kings 21:20-22. His reign ended abruptly when he was assassinated by his own servants, leading to the ascension of his son Josiah, who would become one of Judah's most righteous kings. This transition highlights the instability and moral decline in Judah during this period, setting the stage for Josiah's reforms.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ManassehHe was the king of Judah who reigned for 55 years, known for his idolatry and leading Judah into sin. His reign is marked by a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh.
2.
AmonThe son of Manasseh, who succeeded him as king. Amon continued in the sinful practices of his father, further leading Judah away from God.
3.
Palace GardenThe burial place of Manasseh, indicating a royal and possibly private burial site, which was not the traditional burial place for the kings of Judah.
4.
Garden of UzzaA specific location within the palace grounds where Manasseh was buried. The name "Uzza" may refer to a person or a place, but it is not clearly identified elsewhere in the Bible.
5.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, over which Manasseh and Amon reigned. During their reigns, Judah experienced significant spiritual decline.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of LeadershipLeaders have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Manasseh's idolatry led Judah into sin, demonstrating the responsibility leaders have to guide others toward righteousness.
The Importance of RepentanceAlthough not mentioned in 2 Kings, Manasseh's repentance in 2 Chronicles shows that no one is beyond redemption. God's grace is available to all who turn back to Him.
Legacy and InfluenceThe actions and decisions of one generation affect the next. Manasseh's sinful practices influenced his son Amon, highlighting the importance of leaving a godly legacy.
The Significance of Burial PracticesManasseh's burial in the garden of Uzza, rather than the traditional royal tombs, may reflect his controversial reign and the spiritual state of Judah at the time.
God's Sovereignty and JusticeDespite the evil of Manasseh's reign, God's purposes ultimately prevail. This reminds us of God's control over history and His ability to bring about His will despite human sinfulness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 21:18?
2.How does 2 Kings 21:18 illustrate the consequences of Manasseh's reign for Judah?
3.What lessons can we learn from Manasseh's burial in the garden of Uzza?
4.How does Manasseh's story connect to God's warnings in Deuteronomy 28?
5.What actions can we take to avoid repeating Manasseh's mistakes today?
6.How does Manasseh's legacy impact our understanding of leadership and accountability?
7.Why was Manasseh buried in the garden of his own house instead of with his ancestors?
8.What does Manasseh's burial location suggest about his reign and legacy?
9.How does 2 Kings 21:18 reflect on the consequences of Manasseh's actions?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 21?
11.Who was King Manasseh in the Bible?
12.Who was King Amon of Judah?
13.How can 2 Kings 21:1 claim Manasseh ruled for 55 years without clear historical or archaeological corroboration?
14.Who was Josiah in the Bible?What Does 2 Kings 21:18 Mean
Manasseh rested with his fathers• The phrase signals the end of Manasseh’s earthly life, the same wording Scripture uses for earlier kings (“Then David rested with his fathers” -1 Kings 2:10; “Hezekiah rested with his fathers” -2 Kings 20:21).
• It affirms physical death while hinting at reunion with previous generations—a consistent biblical way of describing the grave for covenant people (Genesis 25:8;Hebrews 11:13).
• Despite Manasseh’s long reign of evil (2 Kings 21:2-9), the Lord maintained the historical record of his death just as meticulously as with godlier rulers, underscoring the reliability of the narrative.
•2 Chronicles 33:12-13 shows Manasseh humbled himself late in life; the restful wording reflects God’s mercy even toward a formerly wicked king.
Buried in his palace garden, the garden of Uzza• Most Judean kings were buried in the royal tombs within the City of David (2 Kings 15:38; 16:20). Manasseh’s burial in his own garden stands out.
• The location—“his palace garden, the garden of Uzza” (2 Kings 21:18)—indicates a private estate burial, perhaps chosen because earlier tombs were full or, more likely, because the people considered him unworthy of the honored royal sepulchers after decades of idolatry (2 Chronicles 33:6-9).
• Scripture faithfully records this detail twice (2 Kings 21:18;2 Chronicles 33:20), showing historical precision.
• The garden setting recalls other notable burials in personal property, such as Abraham’s field of Machpelah (Genesis 23:17-20) and Joseph of Arimathea’s garden tomb for Jesus (John 19:41-42), reminding readers that God notices where His servants—and even former rebels—are laid to rest.
His son Amon reigned in his place• Royal succession continued as prophesied by the Lord to David that his line would endure (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
• Amon’s ascent mirrors earlier notices: “Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David” (1 Kings 2:12). God’s covenant faithfulness remains intact despite Manasseh’s failures.
• Sadly, Amon “did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done” (2 Kings 21:20), illustrating how parental patterns often echo in children.
• Yet the throne persists, preparing the way—through many generations—for the arrival of the Messiah, “the Root and the Offspring of David” (Revelation 22:16).
• The seamless transfer of power also underlines the chronicler’s trustworthiness: civil records, reign lengths, and successions align in both Kings and Chronicles (compare2 Kings 21:19 with2 Chronicles 33:21).
summary2 Kings 21:18 closes Manasseh’s turbulent story with three straightforward facts: he died, he was buried in an unusual but specific place, and his son succeeded him. Each detail reinforces the accuracy of Scripture, shows God’s unwavering commitment to record both judgment and mercy, and reminds readers that even the darkest chapters of human leadership cannot derail His covenant promises.
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In the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza.--His house was apparently not the royal palace built by Solomon, but another which Manasseh had built for himself. Thenius argues that the garden of Uzza lay in the Tyrop?on, at the foot of the spur of Ophel. (Comp.
2Samuel 6:8;
1Chronicles 8:7;
Ezra 2:49;
Nehemiah 7:51).
Verse 18. -
And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house. We have already seen reason for believing that the catacomb of David was full, and that Hezekiah was buried outside it, though in the neighborhood, on this account (see the comment on 2 Kings 20:21). Manasseh seems to have made a new family tomb in a garden belonging to his house (see ver. 26; and comp.
2 Kings 23:30). It is quite impossible to fix its site.
In the garden of Uzza. Probably an addition to the old palace garden; perhaps a purchase made by Manasseh with the object of converting it into a burial-ground. "Uzza," or "Uzzah," was a common name among the Jews (
2 Samuel 6:8;
Ezra 2:49;
Nehemiah 7:51;
1 Chronicles 6:29;
1 Chronicles 8:7;
1 Chronicles 13:7-11), and does not point to any definite individual.
And Amen his son reigned in his stead. "Amon" in Hebrew means "Nursling," or "Darling," and it is quite possible that Manasseh gave his son the name in this sense. But it is also the ordinary Hebrew form of the term ("Amen," or "Amun") by which the Egyptians designated the great god of Thebes, whom the Greeks and Romans called "Ammon." It has therefore been thought by many that it was given by Manasseh to his son "in an idolatrous spirit." So Bishop Cotton in Smith's 'Dictionary of the Bible,' vol. 1. p. 61, and others.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Manassehמְנַשֶּׁה֙(mə·naš·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4519:Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelitesrestedוַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב(way·yiš·kaḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7901:To lie downwithעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withhis fathersאֲבֹתָ֔יו(’ă·ḇō·ṯāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherand was buriedוַיִּקָּבֵ֥ר(way·yiq·qā·ḇêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6912:To interin his palaceבֵּית֖וֹ(bê·ṯōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A housegarden,בְּגַן־(bə·ḡan-)Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1588:An enclosure, gardenthe gardenבְּגַן־(bə·ḡan-)Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1588:An enclosure, gardenof Uzza.עֻזָּ֑א(‘uz·zā)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5798:Uzza -- four IsraelitesAnd his sonבְּנ֖וֹ(bə·nōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonAmonאָמ֥וֹן(’ā·mō·wn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 526:Amon -- 'masterworkman', three Israelitesbecame kingוַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ(way·yim·lōḵ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427:To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counselin his place.תַּחְתָּֽיו׃(taḥ·tāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8478:The bottom, below, in lieu of
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OT History: 2 Kings 21:18 Manasseh slept with his fathers and was (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)