Topical Bible: Parents: Bad - Exemplified: Manasseh

◄ Parents: Bad - Exemplified: Manasseh ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, is a prominent biblical example of a parent whose actions and legacy were marked by evil and idolatry, leading to significant consequences for the nation of Judah. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his actions are depicted as a stark departure from the faithfulness of his father, Hezekiah.

Background and Reign

Manasseh became king of Judah at the tender age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years, the longest of any king in Judah's history (2 Kings 21:1). Despite the godly reforms instituted by his father, Hezekiah, Manasseh's reign was characterized by a return to idolatry and practices that were abhorrent to the LORD.

Idolatry and Wickedness

Manasseh's reign is marked by a deliberate revival of pagan worship and practices. He rebuilt the high places that his father had destroyed, erected altars to Baal, and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done (2 Kings 21:3). Furthermore, he worshiped all the host of heaven and served them, even building altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem I will put My Name" (2 Kings 21:4).

Manasseh's idolatry extended to the most egregious practices, including child sacrifice. He made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists (2 Kings 21:6). These actions provoked the LORD to anger, as they were direct violations of the covenant and commandments given to Israel.

Impact on Judah

The influence of Manasseh's wickedness was profound and far-reaching. He led the people of Judah astray, causing them to do more evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9). His actions not only corrupted the spiritual life of the nation but also set a precedent for future generations, contributing to the eventual downfall of Judah.

Divine Judgment

The LORD spoke through His prophets, declaring that because of Manasseh's abominations, 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, as Manasseh's sins filled Jerusalem with innocent blood and led the people into greater sin (2 Kings 21:16).

Repentance and Legacy

Interestingly, the account in 2 Chronicles provides a glimpse of Manasseh's repentance. After being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbled himself before the LORD and prayed for forgiveness. The LORD was moved by his entreaty and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Despite his repentance, the damage done during his reign had lasting effects on Judah.

Manasseh's life serves as a cautionary tale of the profound impact a parent's actions can have on their family and nation. His legacy is a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from the LORD and leading others into sin.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 33:6
And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he worked much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Memoir of John Bunyan
... He pointedly exemplified the character set forth by James ... born of good, honest, godly
parents, who had ... had doubtless aided in fostering Bunyan's bad conduct in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... He tells us that in his youth "God put it into my parents hearts to ... are peculiarly
calculated to inform the minds of the millions"to reform bad habits, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm