Topical Encyclopedia Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, reigned as king of Judah for fifty-five years, the longest of any king in the history of Judah. His reign is notably marked by a significant departure from the religious reforms instituted by his father, Hezekiah, and is characterized by a return to idolatry and practices that provoked the LORD to anger. The biblical narrative concerning Manasseh's reign is primarily found in 2 Kings 21:1-18 and 2 Chronicles 33:1-20.Idolatry and Abominations Manasseh's reign is described as one of the most wicked in the history of Judah. He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped all the host of heaven (2 Kings 21:3). Furthermore, he built altars in the house of the LORD, where the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My Name" (2 Kings 21:4). Manasseh's actions included the practice of child sacrifice, divination, witchcraft, and consulting mediums and spiritists, which were abominations in the sight of the LORD (2 Kings 21:6). Prophetic Warnings The prophets of the LORD spoke against Manasseh's actions, warning of impending judgment due to his abominations. The LORD declared through His prophets, "Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done more evil than the Amorites who preceded him, and has led Judah into sin with his idols, therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of all who hear of it will tingle'" (2 Kings 21:11-12). The prophecy foretold that Jerusalem would be wiped clean as one wipes a dish, turning it upside down (2 Kings 21:13). Consequences and Captivity The consequences of Manasseh's reign were severe. The LORD's anger was kindled against Judah, and He allowed the Assyrian army to capture Manasseh, taking him with hooks and binding him with bronze shackles to Babylon (2 Chronicles 33:11). This captivity served as a direct fulfillment of the prophetic warnings given during his reign. Repentance and Restoration Remarkably, during his captivity, Manasseh humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers and prayed to Him. The LORD was moved by his entreaty and brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Manasseh then knew that the LORD is God (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Upon his return, Manasseh attempted to undo some of the damage he had caused by removing foreign gods and idols from the house of the LORD and restoring the altar of the LORD (2 Chronicles 33:15-16). Legacy and Impact Despite his repentance, the legacy of Manasseh's reign had lasting effects on Judah. The idolatry and practices he introduced left a deep imprint on the people, contributing to the eventual downfall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. The prophetic warnings during his reign underscore the seriousness with which God views idolatry and disobedience, as well as His willingness to forgive those who genuinely repent. Manasseh's account serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, yet also highlights the possibility of redemption through sincere repentance. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 21:1-18Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah. Nave's Topical Index Library Manasseh and Josiah The Greater Prophets. Resources What is New Israel? | GotQuestions.orgShould Israel be building settlements in the occupied territories, i.e., the West Bank and East Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Will all Israel be saved in the end times? | GotQuestions.org Israel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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