Topical Encyclopedia Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah and king of Judah, is often remembered for his initial reign characterized by idolatry and evil practices. However, his life also provides a profound example of repentance and the transformative power of God's grace, illustrating the potential for good influence even after a period of wrongdoing.Background and Early Reign Manasseh ascended to the throne at the tender age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem (2 Kings 21:1). His early reign was marked by a departure from the ways of his father, Hezekiah, who had been a righteous king. Manasseh's actions included rebuilding high places, erecting altars for Baal, making an Asherah pole, and worshiping the host of heaven (2 Kings 21:3-5). He even went so far as to practice child sacrifice, divination, and witchcraft, leading Judah into greater sin than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:6, 9). Repentance and Transformation Despite his grievous sins, Manasseh's account takes a significant turn. The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention (2 Chronicles 33:10). Consequently, the LORD allowed the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria to capture Manasseh, binding him with bronze shackles and taking him to Babylon (2 Chronicles 33:11). In his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers (2 Chronicles 33:12). He prayed to Him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea. God brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom, and Manasseh knew that the LORD is God (2 Chronicles 33:13). Reforms and Positive Influence Upon his return, Manasseh demonstrated the sincerity of his repentance through significant 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 (2 Chronicles 33:15). He restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed fellowship and thanksgiving offerings on it, commanding Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 33:16). Manasseh's transformation had a lasting impact on the people of Judah. Although the high places were not removed, and the people continued to sacrifice there, they did so only to the LORD their God (2 Chronicles 33:17). His life serves as a testament to the power of genuine repentance and the possibility of influencing others for good, even after a period of leading them astray. Legacy Manasseh's legacy is complex, but his account is a powerful reminder of God's mercy and the potential for redemption. His life illustrates that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and that a sincere return to God can lead to positive change and influence. Despite his earlier transgressions, Manasseh's later years were marked by a commitment to restoring true worship and leading his people back to the LORD. His account is a testament to the transformative power of repentance and the enduring influence of a life turned toward God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 33:12-19And when he was in affliction, he sought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, Nave's Topical Index Library Manasseh and Josiah The Kingdom of Judah. Manasseh The Prophet --His Youth and his Call. The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly A Miracle of Grace The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished. The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation National Apostasy The Bible Canon from the Fourth Century to the Reformation. Resources Who was Tertullian? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about demonic oppression? | GotQuestions.org What is Buddhism and what do Buddhists believe? | GotQuestions.org Influence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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