Topical Encyclopedia Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, reigned as king of Judah for fifty-five years, making his reign the longest of any king in the history of Judah or Israel. His account is a profound illustration of the transformative power of humility and repentance, even for those who have strayed far from God.Background and Reign Manasseh ascended to the throne at the tender age of twelve, following the death of his father, Hezekiah, a king noted for his faithfulness to God. However, Manasseh's early reign was marked by a stark departure from his father's piety. He engaged in idolatrous practices, rebuilt high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He even desecrated the temple of the LORD by placing altars for all the host of heaven in its courts (2 Kings 21:3-5). Manasseh's actions provoked the LORD to anger, as he led Judah into greater sin than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9). His reign was characterized by violence and bloodshed, as he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood (2 Kings 21:16). Humility and Repentance Despite his grievous sins, the narrative of Manasseh takes a dramatic turn, highlighting the theme of humility. The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. Consequently, the LORD brought against 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). 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). Reforms and Legacy Following his repentance, Manasseh demonstrated the sincerity of his humility by initiating 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 hill and in Jerusalem, and he threw them out of 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). Manasseh's account serves as a testament to the power of humility and repentance. Despite his initial waywardness, his genuine contrition and subsequent actions illustrate that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. His life underscores the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Biblical References · 2 Kings 21:1-18 · 2 Chronicles 33:1-20 · James 4:6 Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 33:12And when he was in affliction, he sought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Manasseh The Prophecies Moab is My Washpot Discouragement Reform How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856 The Testament of Dan Concerning Anger and Lying. In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ... Index of Subjects. Resources What does the Bible say about egotism / egoism? What is an egoist / egotist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the cause of church splits? How can healing occur after a church split? | GotQuestions.org What does “blessed are the meek” mean? | GotQuestions.org Humility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Humility: A Characteristic of Saints Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Humility: Saints should be Clothed With Humility: Saints should Beware of False Humility: Saints should Put On Humility: Saints should Walk With Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate Related Terms |
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