Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionManasseh, 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 of Judah. His reign is noted for its initial period of extreme idolatry and wickedness, followed by a remarkable transformation and repentance. The account of Manasseh is a profound illustration of God's willingness to pardon even the most grievous sins when there is genuine repentance. Manasseh's Idolatry and Wickedness Manasseh's early reign was marked by a significant departure from the religious reforms of his father, Hezekiah. He rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped all the host of heaven (2 Kings 21:3). He even placed altars in the house of the LORD, where God had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My Name" (2 Kings 21:4). Manasseh's actions provoked the LORD to anger, as he led Judah into greater sin than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9). Moreover, Manasseh practiced witchcraft, divination, and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He also committed the abomination of sacrificing his own son in the fire (2 Kings 21:6). His reign was characterized by violence and bloodshed, as he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood (2 Kings 21:16). Divine Judgment and Captivity Due to Manasseh's sins, 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, and it was during Manasseh's reign that the seeds of Judah's eventual exile were sown. As a consequence of his actions, the LORD allowed the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria to capture Manasseh. They put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon (2 Chronicles 33:11). Repentance and Pardon While in 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 supplication. The LORD brought him back to Jerusalem and restored him to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Upon his return, Manasseh demonstrated the sincerity of his repentance by removing 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. He threw them out of the city and restored the altar of the LORD, offering peace offerings and thank offerings on it. He commanded Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 33:15-16). Legacy Manasseh's account is a testament to the boundless grace and mercy of God, who is willing to forgive even the most egregious sins when there is true repentance. Despite his earlier transgressions, Manasseh's later life was marked by a return to the worship of the true God, and his efforts to undo the wrongs he had committed. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's pardon and the hope of redemption for all who turn back to Him with a contrite heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 33:13And prayed to him: and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Manasseh A Miracle of Grace Encouragement. Repentance A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished. The Treasure of Grace Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ... Gen. xxxi. 11 The Plea of Faith Resources What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about guilt? | GotQuestions.org Since God withholds forgiveness, can we? | GotQuestions.org Pardon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pardon is Granted by God Alone Pardon is Granted for the Name's Sake of Christ Pardon is Granted: According to the Riches of Grace Pardon is Granted: On the Exaltation of Christ Pardon is Granted: Through Christ Pardon is Granted: Through the Blood of Christ Pardon is Granted: To Those Who Believe Pardon is Granted: To Those Who Confess Their Sins Pardon is Granted: To Those Who Repent Pardon: Encouragement to Pray For Pardon: Exhibits The: Compassion of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Faithfulness of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Forbearance of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Goodness of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Grace of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Justice of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Loving-Kindness of God Pardon: Exhibits The: Mercy of God Pardon: Expressed by Blotting out Sin Pardon: Expressed by Blotting out Transgression Pardon: Expressed by Casting Sins Into the Sea Pardon: Expressed by Covering Sin Pardon: Expressed by Forgiving Transgression Pardon: Expressed by not Imputing Sin Pardon: Expressed by not Mentioning Transgression Pardon: Expressed by Remembering Sins No More Pardon: Expressed by Removing Transgression Pardon: Legal Sacrifices, Ineffectual For Pardon: Ministers are Appointed to Proclaim Pardon: None Without Shedding of Blood Pardon: Outward Purifications, Ineffectual For Pardon: Pray for for Yourselves Pardon: should be Preached in the Name of Christ Pardon: should Lead to Fearing God Pardon: should Lead to Loving God Pardon: should Lead to Praising God Pardon: should Lead to Returning to God Pardon: The Blood of Christ, Alone, is Efficacious For Pardon: Withheld From: Apostates Pardon: Withheld From: Blasphemers Against the Holy Spirit Pardon: Withheld From: The Impenitent Pardon: Withheld From: The Unbelieving Pardon: Withheld From: The Unforgiving Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) Lovingkindness (176 Occurrences) Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences) Transgressions (64 Occurrences) |
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