Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, reigned as king of Judah for fifty-five years, from approximately 697 to 642 BC. His reign is notably marked by a significant departure from the religious reforms of his father, Hezekiah, and a return to idolatrous practices that provoked the LORD to anger. The account of Manasseh's idolatry is primarily found in 2 Kings 21:1-18 and 2 Chronicles 33:1-20.

Background and Reign

Manasseh ascended to the throne at the young age of twelve, following the death of his father, Hezekiah, who had been a devout king, committed to the worship of Yahweh and the eradication of idolatry in Judah. However, Manasseh's reign took a starkly different path. He not only reversed his father's reforms but also introduced new forms of idolatry and pagan worship.

Idolatrous Practices

The Bible records that Manasseh "did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites" (2 Kings 21:2). He rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. Manasseh also worshiped all the host of heaven and served them (2 Kings 21:3).

Furthermore, Manasseh desecrated the temple of the LORD by building altars in its courts for all the host of heaven (2 Kings 21:4-5). He practiced witchcraft, divination, and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists, engaging in practices that were strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law (2 Kings 21:6). Most grievously, he sacrificed his own son in the fire, an abomination that was detestable to the LORD (2 Kings 21:6).

Impact on Judah

Manasseh's idolatry had a profound impact on the spiritual state of Judah. He led the people astray, causing them to do more evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9). His actions provoked the LORD to declare impending judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem, stating that He would wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, turning it upside down (2 Kings 21:13).

Repentance and Legacy

Despite his extensive idolatry, the account in 2 Chronicles 33:10-13 reveals that Manasseh eventually repented. After being taken captive by the Assyrians and brought to Babylon, Manasseh sought the LORD in his distress and humbled himself greatly. The LORD was moved by his entreaty and brought him back to Jerusalem, where Manasseh recognized the LORD as God.

Upon his return, Manasseh attempted to undo some of the damage he had caused. He removed the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the LORD, as well as all the altars he had built on the temple mount and in Jerusalem, and he cast them out of the city (2 Chronicles 33:15). He restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings and thank offerings on it, commanding Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 33:16).

Despite his repentance, the consequences of Manasseh's idolatry lingered, as his son Amon continued in his father's earlier ways, and the people still sacrificed at the high places, though only to the LORD their God (2 Chronicles 33:17). Manasseh's reign serves as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching effects of idolatry and the mercy of God in response to genuine repentance.