Introduction:
Manasseh is a significant figure in the Bible, known both as a tribe of Israel and as a king of Judah. His account is marked by themes of idolatry, repentance, and the enduring mercy of God. The name "Manasseh" means "causing to forget," reflecting Joseph's sentiment when he named his firstborn son, as God made him forget all his troubles and his father's household (Genesis 41:51).

Manasseh, Son of Joseph:
Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-51). He was born in Egypt before the years of famine. Manasseh, along with his younger brother Ephraim, was adopted by Jacob as his own sons, thus granting them a share in the inheritance of the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5). Despite being the elder, Manasseh received the lesser blessing from Jacob, who prophetically placed his right hand on Ephraim's head, indicating that Ephraim would become greater (Genesis 48:17-19).

Tribe of Manasseh:
The tribe of Manasseh was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descending from Joseph's son. It was unique in that it was divided into two half-tribes: one settled east of the Jordan River, and the other settled west. The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad, requested to settle in the land of Gilead because it was suitable for their livestock (Numbers 32:1-5). Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist in the conquest of Canaan (Numbers 32:20-22).

The western half-tribe of Manasseh received its inheritance in the land of Canaan, stretching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea (Joshua 17:1-11). The tribe played a significant role in the history of Israel, contributing warriors and leaders, including Gideon, who delivered Israel from the Midianites (Judges 6:11-16).

Manasseh, King of Judah:
Manasseh was the son of Hezekiah and Hephzibah, and he became king of Judah at the age of twelve, reigning for fifty-five years, the longest of any king in Judah's history (2 Kings 21:1). His reign is noted for its initial period of great wickedness. Manasseh rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars to Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped the host of heaven (2 Kings 21:3-5). He even practiced child sacrifice, consulted mediums and spiritists, and led Judah into greater sin than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:6-9).

Despite his grievous sins, Manasseh's account is also one of repentance and redemption. According to 2 Chronicles 33:10-13 , the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. Consequently, the LORD brought against them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. In his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. When he prayed, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea, bringing him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.

After his repentance, Manasseh undertook reforms, removing foreign gods and idols from the temple, restoring the altar of the LORD, and sacrificing peace and thank offerings on it (2 Chronicles 33:15-16). However, the high places were not removed, and the people continued to sacrifice there, though only to the LORD their God.

Legacy:
Manasseh's life serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of redemption and the boundless mercy of God. His account is a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience, yet it also highlights the transformative power of genuine repentance. Despite his initial waywardness, Manasseh's return to God and subsequent reforms left a lasting impact on the spiritual landscape of Judah.

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... About six hundred years before Christ, while that wicked Manassah was king in Palestine,
the monarch of Assyria"a grand and powerful empire"invaded it, and ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift
... Manassah was a great sinner, and yet he was pardoned; Zaccheus was gone far from
God, and went out to see Christ, with no other view but to satisfy his ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/a penitent heart the best.htm

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... could not be towards this people: Cast them out of my sight; I will cause them to
be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth, because of Manassah, the king ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... and Judah that lay with his daughter-in-law, and Levi and Simeon that wickedly slew
thee Shechemites, and Aaron that great backslider, and Manassah that man of ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

Manassah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Manassah (1 Occurrence). Numbers 13:11 Of the tribe of
Joseph, namely, of the tribe of Manassah, Gaddi the son of Susi. (WBS). ...
/m/manassah.htm - 6k

Manassahite (2 Occurrences)

/m/manassahite.htm - 7k

Manahethites (2 Occurrences)

/m/manahethites.htm - 7k

What does the Bible say about child sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org

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