Manasseh was an important biblical figure who was one of the kings of Judah. He was the son of Hezekiah and his reign is described in 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33. Here is a overview of the key things to know about Manasseh from the Bible:
Manasseh’s Reign as King
Manasseh began to reign as king of Judah when he was only 12 years old, and he reigned for 55 years, making his reign one of the longest in Judah’s history (2 Kings 21:1). He ascended the throne after the death of his father Hezekiah around 698-697 BC.
Manasseh ruled over Judah during a time of political stability as the dominant Assyrian empire was experiencing a period of decline. This allowed Manasseh to accumulate wealth and strengthen Judah’s economy and defenses (2 Chronicles 33:14).
The Bible describes Manasseh as an evil king who did not follow the ways of his father Hezekiah. 2 Kings 21:2 says that “he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.”
Manasseh’s Idolatry and Evil
One of the most defining aspects of Manasseh’s reign was the idolatrous worship that he promoted. 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33 devote considerable space to condemning Manasseh for instituting idolatrous practices:
- He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah pole (2 Kings 21:3).
- He bowed down to the “host of heaven” and served them (2 Kings 21:3).
- He built altars to pagan gods in the courts of the temple (2 Kings 21:4-5; 2 Chron. 33:4-5).
- He burned his sons as an offering, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and necromancers (2 Kings 21:6).
The author of 2 Kings makes it clear that Manasseh was even worse than the pagan Canaanite nations that had previously inhabited the land (2 Kings 21:9). He led the people of Judah astray and caused them to act more wickedly than the nations who were driven out before them.
God’s Judgment Against Manasseh
2 Chronicles 33 recounts how God brought judgment against Manasseh for his idolatry. First, the Assyrian king Esarhaddon invaded Judah and took Manasseh prisoner with hooks and bound him with chains (2 Chron. 33:11). This invasion and deportation of Manasseh likely occurred around 677-676 BC.
While in captivity, Manasseh repented and humbled himself before God. He prayed to the Lord, who heard his plea and restored him to Jerusalem and to his kingdom (2 Chron. 33:12-13).
After his release and restoration, Manasseh worked to undo the evil and idolatry he had previously instituted. He took away foreign gods and idols from Jerusalem, restored the altar of the Lord, and told Judah to serve the Lord (2 Chron. 33:14-16). However, he was unable to fully reverse the spiritual damage that had been done.
Manasseh’s Death
2 Kings 21:17-18 indicates that Manasseh died and was buried in his palace garden, the garden of Uzza. His reign is portrayed as overwhelmingly negative and wicked.
However, 2 Chronicles 33:18-20 records a slightly more positive conclusion to his life, noting that while he did not fully remove the high places, Manasseh humbled himself and experienced restoration before his death.
After Manasseh’s death, his son Amon began to reign over Judah at the age of 22, but he only reigned for 2 years before being assassinated. Amon continued the idolatrous practices Manasseh instituted earlier in his reign (2 Kings 21:19-22).
Lessons from Manasseh’s Life
Although Manasseh was condemned as one of most wicked kings, there are some valuable lessons that can be learned from his life:
- No one is beyond God’s redemptive grace. Despite all his evil actions, when Manasseh humbled himself and cried out to God, he received forgiveness.
- Leaders have immense influence over nations and people, for good or evil. Manasseh’s unfaithfulness led the nation into idolatry.
- Repentance is more than remorse – it requires changed behavior and undoing past sins when possible.
- Spiritual restoration is a process. Manasseh was unable to fully reverse the effects of his earlier sins.
- Children often follow the spiritual legacy of their parents, for better or worse. Amon continued Manasseh’s idolatry.
Overall, Manasseh represents a sober warning about the gravity of sin as well as a testimony to the mercy and grace of God toward the repentant sinner.
Prophecies Related to Manasseh
Some other significant prophecies in the Bible relate to the reign of Manasseh:
- Isaiah prophesied that Manasseh would reject God (Isaiah 65:2-7). This came to pass when he instituted widespread idolatry.
- 1 Kings 21:10-15 records a prophecy of judgment against Jerusalem for Manasseh’s sins. This prophecy helped spur Josiah’s later reforms.
- 2 Kings 23:26 notes that the Lord did not turn from his wrath because of Manasseh’s provocations. Judgment eventually came during the Babylonian exile.
References to Manasseh in the New Testament
In the New Testament, Manasseh is mentioned only once, but it is a significant reference. Hebrews 11:32 includes “Manasseh” in a list of the heroes of faith, likely alluding to Manasseh’s later life of repentance and humility before God.
While Manasseh clearly lived an unfaithful life for much of his reign, his responsive faith late in life is deemed worthy of commendation and inclusion among the people of God’s hall of faith.
Summary of Key Facts
- Manasseh was king of Judah for 55 years, the son of Hezekiah.
- He was condemned as an evil king who promoted idolatry.
- Manasseh was taken captive to Babylon but then humbled himself and repented.
- God restored Manasseh as king in Jerusalem, where he tried to undo his past sins.
- Manasseh represents both the gravity of sin as well as the power of repentance.
- His life offers several lessons and sober warnings.
In the end, Manasseh’s dramatic life reveals the far reach of sin but also the redeeming possibility of true repentance and faith, even after a lifetime of rebellion against God. Through confessing his sins and submitting himself to God, Manasseh experienced forgiveness and renewal.
Manasseh’s idolatry brought damage that could not be fully undone, and his people felt the effects of his unfaithfulness long after his death. But there is hope in his example of contrition before God. Though he represents one of Judah’s most corrupt kings, Manasseh’s late repentance shows that there is hope for even the most deeply lost to find their way back to the Lord.
Key Bible Passages About Manasseh
Here are some of the most significant Bible passages that give insight into Manasseh’s life and legacy:
2 Kings 21:1-18 – Overview of Manasseh’s reign, idolatry, and death.
2 Chronicles 33:1-20 – Describes Manasseh’s idolatry, exile, repentance, and reforms.
2 Kings 23:26-27 – Notes the judgment that came on Judah because of Manasseh’s sins.
2 Kings 24:3-4 – The shedding of innocent blood and sin of Manasseh is cited as the reason for exile.
Jeremiah 15:4 – References the persistent judgment for Manasseh’s sins.
Hebrews 11:32 – New Testament reference to Manasseh as a man of faith.
By looking at these key passages, we gain a complex portrait of a king who lived most of his life in defiance of God, yet modeled repentance late in life. His dramatic story reveals important truths about sin, judgment, and the redemptive possibilities of humility and faith.