Topical Encyclopedia Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah and king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure often associated with impenitence and idolatry. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he is depicted as one of the most wicked kings in Judah's history. Manasseh's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God and embracing idolatry.Background and Reign Manasseh ascended to the throne at the age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem (2 Kings 21:1). His reign is marked by a stark departure from the godly reforms of his father, Hezekiah. Manasseh's actions are described as evil in the sight of the LORD, as he led Judah into greater sin than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9). Idolatry and Wickedness Manasseh's impenitence is most evident in his embrace of idolatry. He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped all the host of heaven (2 Kings 21:3). Furthermore, 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). Manasseh's actions defiled the temple and led the people of Judah into sin. In addition to idolatry, Manasseh practiced witchcraft, divination, and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists (2 Kings 21:6). He even sacrificed his own son in the fire, an abomination in the eyes of the LORD. These acts of wickedness provoked the LORD to anger and brought about severe consequences for Judah. Prophetic Warnings and Consequences The LORD sent prophets to warn Manasseh and the people of Judah about their sinful ways, but they did not listen (2 Kings 21:10). The LORD declared through His prophets 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). The LORD's judgment was inevitable due to Manasseh's impenitence and the people's continued rebellion. Repentance and Restoration Despite his initial impenitence, Manasseh's account takes a surprising turn in the account found in 2 Chronicles. After being taken captive by the Assyrians and brought to Babylon, Manasseh humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers and prayed to Him (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). The LORD was moved by his entreaty and brought him back to Jerusalem, where Manasseh recognized the LORD as God. Upon his return, Manasseh attempted to undo some of the damage he had caused. 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 hill and in Jerusalem, and he threw them out of 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). Legacy Manasseh's legacy is a complex one. While his reign is primarily remembered for its wickedness and idolatry, his eventual repentance and efforts to restore true worship highlight the possibility of redemption even for the most hardened hearts. His life serves as a reminder of the consequences of impenitence and the mercy of God for those who truly repent. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 33:10And the LORD spoke to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not listen. Nave's Topical Index Library A Miracle of Grace The Assyrian Captivity Repentance The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ... The Greater Prophets. Blessed are they that Mourn A Solemn Address to those who Will not be Persuaded to Fall in ... The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47. A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... Resources Who was Belshazzar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17)? | GotQuestions.org What is a millstone in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Impenetrable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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