2 Chronicles 33:13 - Exposition

And prayed unto him . The apocryphal "Prayer of Manasses" is not at all likely to be authentic. And brought him again to Jerusalem . The Targum gives many mythical tales as to how this deliverance was effected. Then Manasseh knew that . Did he not know, well know, before ? So far as the mode of expression may in any degree warrant such a stretch of charity, what an idea it gives of the force with which grossest error will captivate even the taught; and with what force of a furious wind did the contaminating influence of idolatries all around sweep betimes before them—these very kings and chief men of Judah and Jerusalem! It is evident that there was always among the people a "remnant" who kept the faith. See here, e.g; the reference to the " innocent blood" shed in Jerusalem, no doubt bleed of those who would not consent to idolatry—blood of noble martyrs.