Introduction:
Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah and Hephzibah, was the fourteenth king of Judah, whose reign is recorded in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. His reign is noted for its length, idolatry, and eventual repentance. Manasseh's rule is a significant period in the history of Judah, marked by a dramatic departure from the religious reforms of his father, Hezekiah.

Length of Reign:
Manasseh ascended to the throne at the age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years, the longest of any king of Judah (2 Kings 21:1). His reign is generally dated from approximately 697 to 642 BC.

Religious Practices and Idolatry:
Manasseh's reign is characterized by a significant regression into 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). He also worshiped all the host of heaven and served them (2 Kings 21:3). Manasseh's actions included the construction of altars in the house of the LORD, where he placed altars for all the host of heaven in both courts of the temple (2 Kings 21:4-5).

Manasseh's idolatry extended to the practice of child sacrifice, as he made his son pass through the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists (2 Kings 21:6). These actions provoked the LORD to anger, as they were in direct violation of the covenantal laws given to Israel.

Impact on Judah:
The reign of Manasseh had a profound impact on the spiritual state of Judah. His leadership led the people astray, causing them to do more evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9). The extent of Manasseh's influence is seen in the LORD's pronouncement of impending judgment upon Jerusalem and Judah, declaring that He would wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish (2 Kings 21:13).

Prophetic Warnings:
Prophets were sent by the LORD to warn Manasseh and the people of Judah about their sinful practices. However, they did not listen, and the LORD declared that He would bring such disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle (2 Kings 21:12).

Repentance and Restoration:
Despite his extensive wickedness, Manasseh's account takes a remarkable turn as recorded in 2 Chronicles 33. After being taken captive by the Assyrians and brought to Babylon, Manasseh sought the LORD in his distress and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers (2 Chronicles 33:12). The LORD was moved by his entreaty and brought him back to Jerusalem, where Manasseh recognized the LORD as God (2 Chronicles 33:13).

Upon his return, Manasseh undertook reforms 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).

Legacy:
Manasseh's reign is a complex narrative of sin, judgment, and redemption. His initial actions led to significant spiritual decline in Judah, yet his repentance and subsequent reforms demonstrate the possibility of restoration even after great apostasy. Manasseh's account serves as a testament to the mercy and forgiveness of God, as well as a warning of the consequences of turning away from Him. His son, Amon, succeeded him, continuing some of his father's earlier practices, but his reign was short-lived (2 Kings 21:19-23).