Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, was the king of Judah who reigned for fifty-five years, making him the longest-reigning monarch in the history of the kingdom (2 Kings 21:1). His reign is often remembered for its initial period of profound idolatry and moral decline, which led to significant consequences for Judah. However, the latter part of Manasseh's life is marked by a remarkable transformation and return to the worship of Yahweh, following his captivity and subsequent repentance.

Background and Captivity

Manasseh ascended to the throne at the tender age of twelve, following the death of his father, Hezekiah, a king noted for his faithfulness to God. Despite his father's legacy, Manasseh's early reign was characterized by a stark departure from the worship of Yahweh. He rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and even practiced child sacrifice (2 Kings 21:3-6). His actions provoked the Lord to anger, and the prophets warned of impending judgment upon Judah (2 Kings 21:10-15).

The turning point in Manasseh's life came when the Assyrian army captured him and took him to Babylon in chains (2 Chronicles 33:11). This period of captivity was a divine chastisement for his sins and the sins of the nation. It was during this time of distress that Manasseh experienced a profound spiritual awakening.

Repentance and Restoration

In his affliction, Manasseh sought the Lord, humbling himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed earnestly, and God, in His mercy, heard his supplication and brought him back to Jerusalem and his kingdom (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). This act of divine grace marked a significant turning point in Manasseh's life and reign.

Upon his return, Manasseh demonstrated genuine repentance by initiating religious reforms. He removed the foreign gods and idols from the temple, destroyed the altars he had built on the temple mount, and restored the altar of the Lord, offering peace and thank offerings upon it (2 Chronicles 33:15-16). Manasseh also commanded Judah to serve the Lord, the God of Israel, signaling a national return to covenant faithfulness.

Legacy and Significance

Manasseh's story is a powerful testament to the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. Despite his earlier transgressions, his sincere repentance and subsequent actions illustrate the transformative power of God's grace. His life serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of divine mercy, and that true repentance can lead to restoration and renewal.

The account of Manasseh's return from captivity is a profound narrative of hope and redemption, underscoring the biblical principle that God is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6). His story encourages believers to seek God's forgiveness and to trust in His ability to restore and renew those who turn back to Him with a contrite heart.1 Chronicles 9:3
And in Jerusalem dwelled of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;
Nave's Topical Index

How Manasseh Reigned after Hezekiah; and How when He was in ...
... Hezekiah; And How When He Was In Captivity He Returned ... So Manasseh was released by
the king of Babylon, and ... he was intent on nothing but to return his thanks ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how manasseh reigned.htm

The Assyrian Captivity
... Israel shall surely go into captivity." Verse 17 ... turn away His face from you; if
ye return unto Him ... to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

From Saul to the Captivity.
... Chapter XXV."From Saul to the Captivity. ... him Hezekiah, 29 years; and after him Manasseh,
55 years ... signified beforehand that they should also return into their ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxv from saul to the.htm

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
... the Amorites did which were before him[4]." On his return from captivity in Babylon,
whither he was taken captive, Manasseh attempted a reformation; but, alas! ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vii josiah a pattern.htm

First and Second Chronicles.
... Israel is rewritten down to the return of Judah from captivity. ... Cyrus which permitted
the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem ... 6. Reign of Manasseh and Amon, Ch.33 ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter x first and second.htm

Concerning Sanballat and Manasseh, and the Temple which they Built ...
... been an occasion of their former captivity, and of ... from the posterity of Joseph,
Ephraim, and Manasseh. ... granted that privilege; however, when I return, and am ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning sanballat and.htm

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... reign, which had been lost in the rubbish of the temple during the wicked reign
of Manasseh and Ammon, is ... After the return from captivity Ezra describes ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

The Kingdom of Judah.
... years immediately preceding the Babylonian captivity false prophets ... revival under
Josiah, grandson of Manasseh, whose piety ... was followed by a return to deeper ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiv the kingdom of.htm

Rhapsody
... the pits, and find no water; they return with their ... the famine; and such as are for
captivity, to captivity. ... kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/rhapsody.htm

The Reason of the Order of the Sons of Rachel.
... the son of a maid-servant, above Manasseh, as when ... if in compensation and consolation
of the captivity, which Galilee ... I return to the Apocalypse, and I will add ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/the reason of the order 2.htm

What is the Prayer of Manasseh? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Amon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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