Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionRepentance is a central theme in the Bible, representing a transformative change of heart and mind, turning away from sin and toward God. The account of King Manasseh of Judah serves as a profound example of true repentance, illustrating God's mercy and the power of genuine contrition. Background of Manasseh Manasseh was the son of King Hezekiah and became king of Judah at the age of twelve. His reign, which lasted fifty-five years, is recorded in 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33. Manasseh is often remembered for his initial period of extreme wickedness, during which he led Judah into idolatry and abominations that provoked the Lord to anger. Manasseh's Sinful Reign Manasseh's early reign was marked by a departure from the ways of his father, Hezekiah, who had been faithful to the Lord. Manasseh rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars to Baal, and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He also worshiped the host of heaven and served them (2 Kings 21:3). Furthermore, Manasseh practiced witchcraft, divination, and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He even sacrificed his own son in the fire, filling Jerusalem with innocent blood (2 Kings 21:6, 16). The Call to Repentance Despite Manasseh's grievous sins, the Lord did not abandon him. God spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention (2 Chronicles 33:10). As a result, the Lord brought against them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon (2 Chronicles 33:11). Manasseh's True Repentance 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). Evidence of Genuine Repentance Manasseh's repentance was not merely a momentary regret but was evidenced by a complete transformation in his actions. Upon his return to Jerusalem, 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). Theological Implications The account of Manasseh underscores the boundless grace and mercy of God, who is willing to forgive even the most egregious sins when there is true repentance. It highlights the transformative power of repentance, which not only restores the sinner's relationship with God but also leads to a reformation of life and actions. Manasseh's life serves as a testament to the hope and redemption available to all who turn to God with a contrite heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 33:12,13And 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's Sin and Repentance Manasseh Manasseh Repentance Blessed are they that Mourn Manasseh and Josiah A Miracle of Grace In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ... Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ... Resources How to repent'what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is not willing for any to perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that today is the day of salvation? | GotQuestions.org Repentance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Repentance by the Operation of the Holy Spirit Repentance by the Preaching of Haggai Repentance by the Preaching of Oded Repentance in Asking for a King Repentance in the Time of Asa, by the Preaching of Azariah Repentance of Their Idolatry, when Afflicted by the Philistines Repentance of Worshiping the Golden Calf Repentance: Achan, Because of his Theft Repentance: After Hearing the Law Expounded by Ezra Repentance: Ahab, when Reproved by Elijah for Ahab's Idolatry Repentance: At the Dedication of the Second Temple Repentance: Balaam, of his Spiritual Blindness Repentance: Because of Their Idolatrous Marriages Repentance: Because of Their Oppressive Usury Repentance: Called Repentance to Life Repentance: Called Repentance to Salvation Repentance: Christ Came to Call Sinners To Repentance: Christ Exalted to Give Repentance: Commanded by Christ Repentance: Commanded to all by God Repentance: Condition of God's Favor Repentance: Conviction of Sin Necessary To Repentance: Danger of Neglecting Repentance: David, at the Rebuke of Nathan, for his Sins of Adultery and Murder Repentance: Denied to Apostates Repentance: Hezekiah, at the Time of his Sickness Repentance: Illustrated: The Prodigal Son Repentance: Illustrated: The Repentant Son Repentance: Jonah, After his Punishment Repentance: Joseph's Brothers, of Their Maltreatment of Joseph Repentance: Josiah, when he Heard the Law of God Which had been Discovered in the Temple by Hilkiah Repentance: Manasseh, when he Was Carried Away Captive to Babylon by the King of Assyria Repentance: Ministers should Rejoice Over Their People on Their Repentance: Necessary to the Pardon of Sin Repentance: Neglect of, Followed by Swift Judgment Repentance: Not to be Repented of Repentance: Peter, Because of his Denial of Jesus Repentance: Pharaoh, of his Hardness of Heart Repentance: Preached by Christ Repentance: Preached by John the Baptist Repentance: Preached by the Apostles Repentance: Preached in the Name of Christ Repentance: Rehoboam, when his Kingdom Was Invaded, and Jerusalem Was Besieged Repentance: Repentance of Their Complaining Because of Lack of Bread and Water Repentance: Saul, at the Rebuke of Samuel for not Destroying the Amalekites Repentance: should be Accompanied by Confession Repentance: should be Accompanied by Conversion Repentance: should be Accompanied by Faith Repentance: should be Accompanied by Greater Zeal in the Path of Duty Repentance: should be Accompanied by Humility Repentance: should be Accompanied by Prayer Repentance: should be Accompanied by Self-Abhorrence Repentance: should be Accompanied by Shame and Confusion Repentance: should be Accompanied by Turning from Idolatry Repentance: should be Accompanied by Turning from Sin Repentance: should be Evidenced by Fruits Repentance: The Burden of the Preaching of Jesus Repentance: The Burden of the Preaching of John the Baptist Repentance: The Disobedient Son Repentance: The Ephesians, by the Preaching of Paul Repentance: The Jews, by the Preaching of John the Baptist Repentance: The Ninevites, by the Preaching of Jonah Repentance: The Present Time the Season For Repentance: The Wicked: Averse To Repentance: The Wicked: Condemned for Neglecting Repentance: The Wicked: Neglect the Time Given For Repentance: The Wicked: Not Led to by the Judgments of God Repentance: The Wicked: Not Led To, by Miraculous Interference Repentance: The Woman Who Anointed Jesus With Oil Repentance: There is Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner Brought To Repentance: True: Thief on the Cross Repentance: Unavailing: To Esau Repentance: Unavailing: To Israel Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Repentance: Under the Influence of Hezekiah Repentance: we should be Led To, by Godly Sorrow Works Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Chastisements of God Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Goodness of God Repentance: we should be Led To, by The Patience of God Repentance: when Rebuked by an Angel for not Expelling the Canaanites Repentance: when Reproved by the Prophet Micah Related Terms Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
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