Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, reigned as king of Judah for fifty-five years, the longest of any king in the history of Judah (2 Kings 21:1). His reign is marked by a significant departure from the religious reforms instituted by his father, Hezekiah, and is characterized by a profound influence on the spiritual and moral decline of Judah.

Idolatry and Pagan Practices

Manasseh's reign is noted for its extensive promotion of idolatry and pagan practices. He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done (2 Kings 21:3). Manasseh also worshiped all the host of heaven and served them, introducing astral worship into Judah (2 Kings 21:3, 5). This idolatry was a direct violation of the first commandment, which forbids the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3).

Desecration of the Temple

Manasseh's influence extended into the very heart of Judah's religious life—the Temple in Jerusalem. He built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My Name" (2 Kings 21:4). This act of desecration was a blatant affront to the sanctity of the Temple, which was meant to be the dwelling place of the LORD's Name and a symbol of His covenant with Israel.

Child Sacrifice and Occult Practices

One of the most egregious sins of Manasseh was his practice of child sacrifice. He made his son pass through the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, a practice associated with the worship of the Ammonite god Molech (2 Chronicles 33:6). Additionally, Manasseh engaged in witchcraft, divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists, further leading Judah into abominations that provoked the LORD to anger (2 Kings 21:6).

Moral and Spiritual Corruption

Manasseh's reign led to a widespread moral and spiritual corruption in Judah. The king's actions caused the people to stray from the LORD and commit greater evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9). The influence of Manasseh's sins was so profound that it left a lasting impact on the nation, contributing to the eventual downfall of Judah and the Babylonian exile.

Prophetic Warnings and Divine Judgment

The prophets of the LORD spoke against Manasseh's abominations, warning of impending judgment. The LORD declared through His prophets, "Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done more evil than all that the Amorites did before him, and has made Judah sin with his idols, therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing such disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle" (2 Kings 21:11-12).

Repentance and Partial Restoration

Despite his grievous sins, Manasseh's account includes a remarkable account of repentance. Taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbled himself before the LORD and prayed for forgiveness. The LORD was moved by his entreaty and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Upon his return, Manasseh attempted to undo some of the damage by removing foreign gods and idols from the Temple and restoring the altar of the LORD (2 Chronicles 33:15-16). However, the spiritual decline he initiated had already set Judah on a path toward destruction.

Manasseh's reign serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from the LORD and the enduring impact of a leader's influence on a nation's spiritual direction.