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. Manasseh's actions are recorded in 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33, where he is depicted as one of the most wicked kings in Judah's history.

Idolatry and Apostasy

Manasseh's reign was characterized by a revival of pagan worship and practices that had been abolished by his father. He rebuilt the high places, erected altars to Baal, and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He also worshiped all the host of heaven and served them (2 Kings 21:3). Furthermore, Manasseh introduced idolatrous altars in the house of the LORD, where the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My Name" (2 Kings 21:4).

Innocent Bloodshed

One of the most grievous aspects of Manasseh's reign was his shedding of innocent blood. The Bible states, "Moreover, Manasseh shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end—besides the sin that he had caused Judah to commit, so that they did evil in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Kings 21:16). This bloodshed is often understood to include the persecution and execution of those who remained faithful to the worship of Yahweh, as well as the possible sacrifice of children, a practice associated with the worship of Molech (2 Kings 21:6).

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets of the time, including Isaiah, who according to tradition was martyred during Manasseh's reign, condemned the king's actions. The LORD spoke through His prophets, declaring that because of Manasseh's abominations, He would bring such disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle (2 Kings 21:12). The LORD's judgment was pronounced due to the king's leading the people into greater sin than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9).

Repentance and Legacy

Despite his egregious sins, Manasseh's account takes a surprising turn in 2 Chronicles 33. After being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors and prayed to Him. God was moved by his entreaty and brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Following his repentance, Manasseh attempted to undo some of the wrongs by removing foreign gods and idols from the temple and restoring the altar of the LORD.

Nevertheless, the consequences of his earlier actions had lasting effects on Judah. The innocent blood he shed and the idolatry he promoted contributed to the moral and spiritual decline that eventually led to Judah's downfall and exile. The narrative of Manasseh serves as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching impact of sin and the possibility of redemption through genuine repentance.