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 noted for its significant departure from the religious reforms of his father, Hezekiah, and for leading Judah into a period of idolatry and moral decline. Manasseh's actions are detailed in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he is described as having done "evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 21:2).

During his reign, Manasseh rebuilt the high places that his father had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped all the host of heaven (2 Kings 21:3-5). He even went so far as to practice child sacrifice, passing his son through the fire, and engaged in witchcraft and divination (2 Kings 21:6). His actions provoked the LORD to anger, and the prophets foretold disaster for Jerusalem and Judah because of his sins (2 Kings 21:10-15).

Despite his grievous sins, the account in 2 Chronicles provides a narrative of repentance. After being taken captive by the Assyrians and brought to Babylon, Manasseh humbled himself before God and prayed for deliverance. God was moved by his entreaty and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Following his return, Manasseh took steps to undo some of the idolatrous practices he had established, removing foreign gods and idols from the temple and restoring the altar of the LORD (2 Chronicles 33:15-16).

Manasseh's death is recorded in 2 Kings 21:18 and 2 Chronicles 33:20. The Berean Standard Bible states, "And Manasseh rested with his fathers and was buried in his palace garden, the garden of Uzza. And his son Amon reigned in his place" (2 Kings 21:18). The mention of his burial in the garden of Uzza, rather than the traditional burial place of the kings of Judah, may indicate a continued ambivalence toward his reign despite his late repentance.

His son Amon succeeded him, continuing in the idolatrous practices of his father's earlier years, which suggests that Manasseh's reforms were not deeply rooted in the hearts of the people (2 Kings 21:19-22). Manasseh's legacy is a complex one, marked by both profound sin and sincere repentance, serving as a testament to the mercy and justice of God.