Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Manasseh

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Manasseh ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah and Hephzibah, was the king of Judah who reigned for fifty-five years, the longest of any king in Judah's history (2 Kings 21:1). His reign is marked by a significant departure from the religious reforms of his father, Hezekiah, and is characterized by idolatry, apostasy, and violence, including acts of felonious homicide.

The biblical account of Manasseh's reign is found primarily in 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33. Manasseh is described as having done "evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 21:2), engaging in practices that provoked the Lord to anger. He 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). Furthermore, he practiced witchcraft, divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists (2 Kings 21:6).

One of the most grievous sins attributed to Manasseh was the shedding of innocent blood. The Bible states, "Manasseh also shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end—besides his sin of leading Judah into sin by doing evil in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Kings 21:16). This passage indicates that Manasseh's acts of violence were extensive and indiscriminate, contributing to the moral and spiritual decline of the nation.

The nature of Manasseh's felonious homicides is not detailed explicitly in the biblical text, but the phrase "innocent blood" suggests the murder of those who were undeserving of death, possibly including prophets, righteous individuals, or those who opposed his idolatrous practices. Jewish tradition, as recorded in the Talmud, suggests that the prophet Isaiah was among those martyred during Manasseh's reign, although this is not explicitly stated in the biblical narrative.

Despite his egregious sins, the account in 2 Chronicles 33 provides a narrative of repentance. After being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbled himself before God and prayed for forgiveness. The Lord was moved by his entreaty and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Following his repentance, Manasseh attempted to undo some of the damage he had caused by removing foreign gods and idols from the temple and restoring the altar of the Lord (2 Chronicles 33:15-16).

Manasseh's account serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the potential for redemption through genuine repentance. His reign is a testament to the destructive power of sin, particularly when it involves the shedding of innocent blood, and the enduring mercy of God for those who seek forgiveness.

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2 Kings 21:16
Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin with which he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.
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2 Kings 24:4
And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.
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