Topical Encyclopedia Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, reigned as king of Judah for fifty-five years, making him the longest-reigning monarch in the history of the southern kingdom (2 Kings 21:1). His reign is marked by a dramatic spiritual decline followed by a remarkable personal revival, which had significant implications for the nation of Judah.Early Reign and Apostasy Manasseh ascended to the throne at the age of twelve, following the death of his father, Hezekiah, who was known for his faithfulness to Yahweh and his religious reforms (2 Kings 18:3-6). In stark contrast, Manasseh's early reign was characterized by a wholesale abandonment of his father's godly legacy. He rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped all the host of heaven (2 Kings 21:3-5). Furthermore, he defiled the temple of the LORD by placing altars within its courts and even practiced child sacrifice, passing his son through the fire (2 Kings 21:6). Manasseh's actions led Judah into deep idolatry and moral corruption. The Bible records that he "led them astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites" (2 Kings 21:9). His reign was marked by violence and bloodshed, as he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood (2 Kings 21:16). Divine Judgment and Personal Revival The LORD, through His prophets, pronounced judgment upon Judah because of Manasseh's sins, declaring that He would bring such disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah that "the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle" (2 Kings 21:12). Despite these warnings, Manasseh continued in his rebellion against God. However, the narrative takes a significant turn in 2 Chronicles 33:10-13, where it is recorded that the LORD brought the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria against Manasseh. They captured him, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. In his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to Him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea. Consequently, Manasseh was brought back to Jerusalem and restored to his kingdom. This experience led Manasseh to realize that "the LORD is God" (2 Chronicles 33:13). Reforms and Legacy Following his personal revival, Manasseh undertook significant religious reforms. 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 mount and in Jerusalem, and he threw them outside the city (2 Chronicles 33:15). 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 33:16). Despite these reforms, the people continued to sacrifice at the high places, although they did so only to the LORD their God (2 Chronicles 33:17). Manasseh's late-life repentance and reforms, while genuine, could not fully undo the spiritual damage inflicted during his earlier years. His son Amon, who succeeded him, returned to the idolatrous practices of Manasseh's early reign (2 Kings 21:19-22). Manasseh's life serves as a powerful testament to God's mercy and the possibility of personal revival, even after a life of significant sin. His account is a reminder of the profound impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual direction and the enduring consequences of turning away from God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 33:12-19And when he was in affliction, he sought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, Nave's Topical Index Library The Kingdom of Judah. Ebenezer! Resources What is the Methodist Church, and what do Methodists believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Pentecostal Church and what do Pentecostals believe? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jonathan Edwards? | GotQuestions.org Revival: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |