Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of liberality in the Bible often refers to generosity and open-handedness, particularly in the context of giving and sharing resources. In the narrative of Manasseh, King of Judah, liberality is not immediately apparent, as his reign is more often associated with idolatry and moral decline. However, a deeper examination of his life, especially his later years, reveals aspects of liberality in terms of repentance and restoration. Manasseh's Reign and Initial Departure from Liberality Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, began his reign at the age of twelve and ruled for fifty-five years, making him the longest-reigning king in the history of Judah (2 Kings 21:1). His early reign was marked by a significant departure from the ways of his father, who had been known for his faithfulness to Yahweh. Manasseh's actions were characterized by idolatry and the shedding of innocent blood, as he rebuilt high places, erected altars for Baal, and even sacrificed his own son in the fire (2 Kings 21:3-6). This period of Manasseh's reign is not typically associated with liberality in the positive sense. Instead, it reflects a liberality of sin and rebellion against God, as he freely indulged in practices that led the nation away from the covenantal relationship with Yahweh. The Berean Standard Bible describes his actions: "Manasseh led them astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites" (2 Kings 21:9). Repentance and Restoration The turning point in Manasseh's life came when he was taken captive by the Assyrians and brought to Babylon. In his distress, Manasseh sought the LORD, humbling himself greatly before the God of his fathers. This act of repentance marked a significant shift in his life and reign. The Berean Standard Bible records this transformation: "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). Upon his return to Jerusalem, Manasseh demonstrated a form of liberality through his actions of restoration. He removed foreign gods and idols from the temple, repaired the altar of the LORD, and encouraged the people of Judah to serve Yahweh, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 33:15-16). This liberality was not in material wealth but in spiritual renewal and the generous offering of his life back to God. Legacy and Lessons Manasseh's account serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for transformation and the liberality of God's grace. Despite his earlier transgressions, his genuine repentance and subsequent actions illustrate the possibility of redemption and the impact of a changed heart. His life encourages believers to consider the liberality of God's forgiveness and the importance of turning back to Him, regardless of past failures. While Manasseh's reign began with a liberality of sin, it concluded with a liberality of spirit, as he sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and lead his people back to the covenant. His account is a testament to the boundless grace of God and the transformative power of repentance and faithfulness. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 33:16And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Library Due Measure must be Observed in Liberality, that it May not be ... Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus. Grace Abounding Expositions of Holy Scripture The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... Index of Subjects. The Iranian Conquest The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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