Background:
Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, reigned as king of Judah for 55 years, from approximately 697 to 642 BC. His reign is noted for its initial period of profound idolatry and apostasy, which starkly contrasted with the faithfulness of his father, Hezekiah. Manasseh's actions are chronicled in 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33, where he is depicted as one of the most wicked kings of Judah, leading the nation into sin and provoking the LORD to anger.

Idolatry and Apostasy:
Manasseh's early reign was marked by a deliberate reversal of his father's religious reforms. He rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars to Baal, and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He also worshiped the host of heaven and served them. The Scriptures record that he built altars in the house of the LORD, where the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My Name" (2 Kings 21:4). Furthermore, Manasseh practiced witchcraft, divination, and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists, doing much evil in the sight of the LORD (2 Kings 21:6).

Captivity:
The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. Consequently, the LORD brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon (2 Chronicles 33:10-11). This event marked a turning point in Manasseh's life, as the severity of his circumstances led him to a profound realization of his sinfulness and need for divine mercy.

Repentance:
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. The LORD brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). This repentance was genuine and transformative, as evidenced by his subsequent actions.

Reforms and Restoration:
Upon his return, 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. 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 33:15-16). Although the people continued to sacrifice at the high places, they did so only to the LORD their God.

Legacy:
Manasseh's account is a powerful testament to the mercy and forgiveness of God, even for those who have strayed far from His ways. His life serves as a reminder of the potential for redemption and transformation through genuine repentance and faith. Despite his earlier transgressions, Manasseh's later years were marked by a sincere return to the worship of the LORD, leaving a legacy of hope for those who turn back to God in humility and repentance.