Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionManasseh, the son of Hezekiah, was a king of Judah whose reign is noted for its initial departure from the ways of his righteous father. His account is a profound testament to the power of private prayer and repentance, illustrating the transformative potential of sincere supplication to God. The narrative of Manasseh's life is primarily found in 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33, with the latter providing a more detailed account of his repentance and private prayer. Background Manasseh ascended to the throne at the tender age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem, making him the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Judah. His early reign was marked by significant idolatry and apostasy. He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and even practiced child sacrifice. The Bible records that he led Judah into greater evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9). The Turning Point The turning point in Manasseh's life came when he was captured by the Assyrian army and taken to Babylon. This period of distress became a catalyst for his spiritual awakening. The chronicler records, "In his distress, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers" (2 Chronicles 33:12). This moment of private prayer and humility marked the beginning of Manasseh's transformation. Private Prayer and Repentance Manasseh's private prayer is a powerful example of genuine repentance. The Bible states, "And when he prayed to Him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and heard his supplication; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God" (2 Chronicles 33:13). This passage highlights the efficacy of private prayer when it is accompanied by a contrite heart and a sincere desire for reconciliation with God. Reformation and Restoration Following his return to Jerusalem, Manasseh demonstrated the authenticity of his repentance through tangible actions. 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 threw them outside the city. He restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed fellowship and thanksgiving offerings on it, commanding Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 33:15-16). Legacy Manasseh's account serves as a profound reminder of God's mercy and the power of private prayer. Despite his earlier transgressions, his sincere repentance and prayer led to personal restoration and a renewed commitment to God. His life underscores the biblical truth that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace when they turn to Him in humility and faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 33:18,19Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer to his God, and the words of the seers that spoke to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Bible Canon from the Fourth Century to the Reformation. Index i. Of Subjects First and Second Chronicles. Grace Abounding Letter ccxvii. To Amphilochius, the Canons. The Canon. Perseverance in Holiness A Short Essay Toward the Improvement of Psalmody: The Greater Prophets. Memoir of John Bunyan Resources Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |