Introduction:
Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, was the fourteenth king of the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is recorded in the biblical books of 2 Kings 21:1-18 and 2 Chronicles 33:1-20. Manasseh's rule is noted for its length and for the significant religious and moral decline that occurred during his time as king.

Background:
Manasseh ascended to the throne at the age of twelve following the death of his father, Hezekiah, a king known for his faithfulness to Yahweh and religious reforms. Manasseh's reign lasted fifty-five years, making it the longest of any king of Judah. His rule is often characterized by a stark departure from his father's pious practices.

Religious Practices:
Manasseh is infamously remembered for his idolatry and the reintroduction of pagan worship in Judah. According to 2 Kings 21:2-6 , "He did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites." He rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped all the host of heaven. Manasseh even placed altars in the house of the LORD, where the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My Name" (2 Kings 21:4).

Manasseh's idolatry extended to the practice of child sacrifice, as he "sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists" (2 Kings 21:6). These actions provoked the LORD to anger and led to severe consequences for Judah.

Prophetic Warnings:
The prophets of the LORD spoke against Manasseh's actions, warning of impending judgment. 2 Kings 21:10-12 states, "And the LORD spoke through His servants the prophets, saying, 'Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done more evil than the Amorites who preceded him, and has led Judah into sin with his idols, this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of all who hear of it will tingle.'"

Repentance and Reform:
Despite his initial rebellion, Manasseh's account takes a redemptive turn as recorded in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 . When captured by the Assyrians and taken to Babylon, Manasseh sought the LORD in his distress. "In his distress, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to Him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea, so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God."

Upon his return, Manasseh attempted to undo some of the damage he had caused. He removed foreign gods and idols from the temple, restored the altar of the LORD, and encouraged the people of Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 33:15-16).

Legacy:
Manasseh's reign left a complex legacy. While his repentance and efforts to restore true worship are noted, the long-term effects of his earlier idolatry and the moral decline he initiated had lasting consequences for Judah. His son, Amon, succeeded him and continued in the ways of idolatry, though his reign was short-lived.

Manasseh's life serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as well as the possibility of redemption and forgiveness through genuine repentance. His account is a testament to God's mercy and willingness to restore those who earnestly seek Him, even after a life of significant wrongdoing.