Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Captured and Pillaged by Manasseh

◄ Jerusalem: Captured and Pillaged by Manasseh ►

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Jerusalem, the city of David and the spiritual heart of Israel, has a storied history marked by periods of faithfulness and rebellion. One of the most tumultuous times in its history occurred during the reign of King Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, who ruled the Kingdom of Judah from approximately 697 to 642 BC. Manasseh's reign is noted for its significant departure from the religious reforms of his father and a return to idolatry and pagan practices, which had profound implications for Jerusalem.

Historical Context

Manasseh ascended to the throne at a young age and reigned for 55 years, the longest of any king in Judah. His reign is characterized by a stark contrast to the piety of his father, Hezekiah, who had worked diligently to restore the worship of Yahweh and rid the land of idolatry. Manasseh, however, reversed these reforms and led the nation into a period of spiritual decline.

Religious Apostasy

The biblical account in 2 Kings 21:1-9 and 2 Chronicles 33:1-9 details Manasseh's apostasy. He rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars to Baal, and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. Manasseh also worshiped the host of heaven and built altars in the house of the LORD, defiling the temple itself. He practiced witchcraft, divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists, provoking the LORD to anger.

Divine Judgment and Captivity

The LORD's response to Manasseh's actions was one of impending judgment. Prophets were sent to warn of the consequences of his idolatry and the nation's unfaithfulness. As recorded in 2 Kings 21:12-15, God declared that He would bring such disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. The LORD's patience eventually gave way to judgment, and Manasseh was captured by the Assyrian army, as noted in 2 Chronicles 33:11: "So 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."

Repentance and Restoration

While in captivity, Manasseh experienced a profound change of heart. In his distress, he sought the LORD and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. The LORD was moved by his entreaty and brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. This act of divine mercy is recorded in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13: "And when he prayed to Him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea, and brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God."

Upon his return, Manasseh attempted to undo 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 hill and in Jerusalem, and he threw them out of the city. He restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed fellowship and thank offerings on it, commanding Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 33:15-16).

Legacy

Manasseh's reign serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the potential for redemption through genuine repentance. Despite his initial rebellion, his account is one of hope, illustrating that even the most wayward can find forgiveness and restoration through humility and a return to the LORD. The impact of his reign, however, left a lasting scar on Jerusalem and Judah, setting the stage for future judgments that would culminate in the Babylonian exile.

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2 Chronicles 33:14
Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.
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Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... that those who wished to escape being pillaged had to ... a Millo in every important
town, Jerusalem included ... be his youngest brother Othniel, who captured the city ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... David's former battle-fields, and had captured their capital ... Jehoash entered Jerusalem
and dismantled its walls for ... unto the corner gate;" he pillaged the Temple ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... aid"The Scythian invasion"Judah under Manasseh and Amon ... of Judah: the siege and
destruction of Jerusalem"The last ... who had been pursued and captured in the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... The importance of the event and the amount of the spoil captured are apparent, if
we notice that Esarhaddon does not usually record the booty taken after ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm