Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, was the king of Judah who reigned for fifty-five years, making him the longest-reigning monarch in the history of the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he is depicted as a ruler who led the nation into idolatry and abominations, provoking the LORD to anger.

Reign and Repentance

Manasseh ascended to the throne at the age of twelve, following the death of his father, Hezekiah. His reign is marked by a significant departure from the religious reforms instituted by his father. Manasseh rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped all the host of heaven (2 Kings 21:3-5). He even went so far as to practice child sacrifice, divination, and witchcraft, and he placed a carved image of Asherah in the house of the LORD (2 Kings 21:6-7).

Despite his grievous sins, the narrative in 2 Chronicles provides an account of Manasseh's repentance. After being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbled himself before God and prayed for deliverance. God was moved by his entreaty and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. Following his repentance, Manasseh took steps to undo some of the wrongs he had committed, removing foreign gods and idols from the temple and restoring the altar of the LORD (2 Chronicles 33:12-16).

Death and Burial

The death of Manasseh is recorded succinctly in the biblical texts. According to 2 Kings 21:18 , "Manasseh rested with his fathers and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza." This burial location is notable as it deviates from the traditional burial place of the kings of Judah, which was typically in the City of David. The garden of Uzza, mentioned in both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, is a site that remains somewhat enigmatic, with its exact location and significance not fully understood.

2 Chronicles 33:20 reiterates the account of his death and burial: "So Manasseh rested with his fathers and was buried in his palace. And his son Amon reigned in his place." The mention of his burial in his palace suggests a private interment, possibly reflecting the complex legacy of his reign—a king who led his people into sin but ultimately sought the LORD's mercy.

Legacy

Manasseh's reign had a profound impact on the spiritual state of Judah. His actions are often cited as a primary reason for the eventual downfall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. Despite his late repentance, the seeds of idolatry and apostasy sown during his reign had lasting consequences. His son Amon succeeded him, continuing in the ways of his father's earlier idolatry, though his reign was short-lived.

The account of Manasseh serves as a powerful reminder of the possibility of redemption and the enduring mercy of God, even for those who have strayed far from His commandments.