Introduction

Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, reigned as king of Judah for fifty-five years, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in the history of the Southern Kingdom. His reign is notably marked by a significant departure from the religious reforms instituted by his father, Hezekiah, and a return to idolatrous practices that provoked the anger of the LORD. The account of Manasseh's idolatry and subsequent rebuke is primarily found in 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33.

Idolatrous Practices

Manasseh's reign began when he was only twelve years old, and he quickly led Judah into a period of spiritual decline. The Scriptures detail his actions: "He did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites" (2 Kings 21:2). Manasseh rebuilt the high places that his father had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped all the host of heaven (2 Kings 21:3-5). He even went so far as to place a carved image of Asherah in the temple of the LORD, about which God had said, "In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will establish My Name forever" (2 Kings 21:7).

Rebuke and Prophetic Warning

The LORD's response to Manasseh's idolatry was swift and severe. Through His prophets, God delivered a message of impending judgment: "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, 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 LORD declared that He would wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, turning it upside down (2 Kings 21:13).

Consequences and Captivity

The consequences of Manasseh's actions were not limited to prophetic warnings. The chronicler records that the LORD brought against them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon (2 Chronicles 33:11). This captivity served as a direct consequence of his idolatrous practices and a fulfillment of the LORD's warnings.

Repentance and Restoration

Remarkably, during his distress in captivity, Manasseh sought the LORD. "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). God, in His mercy, heard Manasseh's plea and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. This act of divine grace led Manasseh to recognize the LORD as the true God (2 Chronicles 33:13).

Reforms and Legacy

Upon his return, Manasseh attempted to undo the damage of his earlier reign. 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 hill and in Jerusalem, and he threw them outside the city (2 Chronicles 33:15). 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 33:16).

Despite these reforms, the high places were not removed, and the people continued to sacrifice there, albeit to the LORD their God (2 Chronicles 33:17). Manasseh's legacy is thus a complex one, marked by both profound idolatry and sincere repentance. His account serves as a testament to the enduring mercy of God and the possibility of redemption, even for those who have strayed far from His commandments.