Introduction:
Manasseh is a significant figure in the Bible, known for his reign as king of Judah and his complex legacy. His story is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 21:1-18 and 2 Chronicles 33:1-20. Manasseh's reign is marked by a dramatic departure from the religious reforms of his father, Hezekiah, and a subsequent return to faithfulness later in life.

Historical Context:
Manasseh was the son of King Hezekiah and ascended to the throne of Judah at the tender age of twelve. He reigned for fifty-five years, making his tenure the longest of any king in Judah's history. His reign is generally dated from approximately 697 to 642 BC. This period was one of significant political and religious turmoil, with the Assyrian Empire exerting considerable influence over the region.

Religious Practices and Apostasy:
Manasseh is often remembered for his initial apostasy and the introduction of idolatrous practices in Judah. The biblical account in 2 Kings 21:2-6 describes how he "did evil in the sight of the LORD" by rebuilding high places, erecting altars for Baal, making an Asherah pole, and worshiping the host of heaven. He even placed an idol in the temple of the LORD, an act of profound sacrilege. Furthermore, Manasseh is noted for practicing witchcraft, divination, and even sacrificing his own son, which led to widespread moral and spiritual decay in Judah.

Consequences and Prophetic Warnings:
The Bible records that Manasseh's actions provoked the LORD to anger, leading to prophetic warnings of impending judgment. In 2 Kings 21:12-15, God declared through His prophets that He would bring disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah because of Manasseh's sins. This prophecy foreshadowed the eventual Babylonian exile, which occurred after Manasseh's reign.

Repentance and Restoration:
Despite his early transgressions, Manasseh's story takes a redemptive turn. According to 2 Chronicles 33:10-13, Manasseh was captured by the Assyrians and taken to Babylon. In his distress, he sought the LORD and humbled himself greatly. God, in His mercy, heard Manasseh's plea and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. Upon his return, Manasseh demonstrated genuine repentance by removing foreign gods, restoring the altar of the LORD, and commanding Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel.

Legacy:
Manasseh's legacy is a complex one. While his early reign is characterized by idolatry and rebellion against God, his later years reflect repentance and a return to faithfulness. His life serves as a powerful testament to God's willingness to forgive and restore those who earnestly seek Him, regardless of past transgressions. Manasseh's story is a reminder of the profound impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual direction and the enduring hope of redemption.

Conclusion:
Manasseh's life is a compelling narrative of sin, judgment, repentance, and restoration. His story underscores the themes of divine justice and mercy, illustrating the transformative power of genuine repentance. As a historical and theological figure, Manasseh challenges believers to consider the consequences of their actions and the boundless grace available through sincere repentance and faith in God.Joshua 22:1
Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,
Nave's Topical Index

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... to the preceding collection in the reign of Manasseh. ... places of the collection to
make the whole ... and holy instead of human, is a satisfactory explanation. ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

Chapter xxv
... that lay nearest to Midian"Judah, Manasseh, Reuben ... would constitute a reasonable
nucleus to make possible a ... we may regard this as a satisfactory identification ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Chapter xli
... one another, the seven famine years shall make the years ... the name of the first-born
Manasseh, for God ... double dream, it would seem entirely satisfactory to take ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... from many snares, if we know how to make a right ... (Josh.2:4); in Manasseh when Jerusalem ...
and perversity of the latter, the answer is not satisfactory: for the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

The Preacher as a Man of God.
... an old rabbinical tradition, that King Manasseh, who is ... I have ever seen an entirely
satisfactory statement of ... man will give all diligence to make his calling ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture ii the preacher as.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... It will, perhaps, be most satisfactory to give a free ... of testimony; and God shall
make a resting ... Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

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