After the death of Hezekiah, his son Manasseh ascended to the throne of Judah at the tender age of twelve. His tumultuous reign spanned fifty-five years, the longest of any king who preceded him. Manasseh was born during the additional fifteen years God granted to Hezekiah’s life, a period marked by Hezekiah’s growing pride and diminishing adherence to God’s guidance. During his early reign, Manasseh was likely influenced by his mother, Hephzibah, as he was still a boy when he assumed the throne. Nonetheless, his decisions as king shaped a legacy marked by profound spiritual turmoil and eventual redemption.
Manasseh’s Defiance
Initially, Manasseh ruled with a blatant disregard for the commands of the LORD. He resurrected the high places his father Hezekiah had demolished, erecting altars to pagan gods such as Baal and setting up Asherah poles. His devotion turned towards celestial bodies, worshipping the starry hosts and defiling the very temple of the LORD in Jerusalem. In a grievous act, he even sacrificed his own children in the fires of the Valley of Ben Hinnom, embracing divination, witchcraft, and consulting mediums—all abominations in the eyes of God.
There is an alternating pattern among the kings of Judah, where one king obeyed the LORD only for their son to stray away from God. This pattern can largely be attributed to the influences surrounding the kings. Often, the people around them encouraged disobedience to God and spread falsehoods about their father’s legacy. The rebellious kings, unfamiliar with God’s desires, turned to these advisors who, driven by self-interest, led them astray. This reliance on misleading counsel dictated their policies, both domestically and internationally.
Just as modern parenting often deviates significantly from previous generations to avoid repeating past mistakes, the kings of Judah may have sought to redefine their reigns, sometimes drastically. Similarly, today’s churches often adopt popular opinions, a phenomenon Isaiah likened to sheep following the crowd. This dynamic suggests that the kings’ departures from their fathers’ ways were influenced by a combination of poor guidance and a desire to innovate, often leading them away from the path of righteousness.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way… – Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)
Manasseh’s Repentance
Through His prophets, the LORD declared that Manasseh had provoked His anger by leading Judah into idolatry, prompting a prophecy of disaster for Jerusalem and Judah. The LORD warned of a calamity so severe that it would shock all who heard of it, comparing His judgment to wiping a dish clean and overturning it. This echoed the prophecy of Isaiah in the judgment pronounced upon the king.
I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place. – Isaiah 28:17 (NIV)
Despite God’s warnings, Manasseh and his people ignored Him, resulting in the king’s capture by the Assyrian commanders, who took him to Babylon in chains. The Assyrian army, instruments of God’s judgment, captured Manasseh, subjecting him to humiliation and captivity in Babylon. It was here, in his lowest ebb, that Manasseh humbled himself before the LORD. In a remarkable turn, he prayed fervently, seeking forgiveness and restoration. In his distress, Manasseh humbled himself and sought the LORD’s favour. God answered Manasseh’s prayers and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. This experience led Manasseh to recognize that the LORD is truly God.
The remainder of Manasseh’s reign reflected his newfound dedication. He undertook significant reforms, demolishing foreign altars and idols, reinstating the altar of the LORD, and encouraging Judah to worship the one true God. Despite these efforts, the people continued to worship at high places, albeit now directed towards the LORD.
Manasseh’s tumultuous reign highlights a journey from rebellion to repentance, illustrating God’s unfailing mercy and the power of sincere repentance. Despite Manasseh’s sins, God granted him grace and time to change, responding to his heartfelt prayers. This demonstrates that no matter how far one has strayed, genuine repentance can lead to redemption. Manasseh’s reign serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, but also of the boundless grace available through true contrition and a return to faithful obedience.
Manasseh was buried in the garden of his palace, alongside his ancestors. His son Amon then became king of Judah at the age of twenty-two, ruling in Jerusalem for two years. Amon followed in his father’s footsteps (before his transformation), committing evil in the sight of the LORD by worshipping the same idols Manasseh had worshipped. He abandoned the LORD, disregarding His commands. Amon’s reign was cut short when his own officials conspired against him and assassinated him in his palace. The people of the land then executed those who had plotted against Amon and crowned his son Josiah as king. Amon was buried in the same tomb as his father, in the garden of Uzza.
Two Kings, Two Paths
Manasseh’s reign stands out as the longest in the history of Israel and Judah, marked by a significant period of influence and rule. During his reign, Manasseh initially strayed from God’s ways, leading Judah into idolatry and provoking divine judgment. However, in a remarkable turn, he humbled himself before God during a time of distress, and God responded with mercy, restoring him to his kingdom and leading him to acknowledge the LORD as God.
In contrast, Amon, Manasseh’s son, inherited the throne at a young age but ruled for only two years. Unlike his father, Amon did not turn from the idolatrous practices of his predecessors. He continued in the ways of his father’s early reign, forsaking the LORD and persisting in idol worship. His reign ended abruptly with his assassination by his own officials, reflecting widespread discontent and instability during his brief tenure.
The contrasting fates of Manasseh and Amon underscore a powerful lesson about the consequences of our spiritual choices. Manasseh’s journey from defiance to repentance illustrates the possibility of redemption through sincere humility and seeking God’s grace. In contrast, Amon’s tragic end serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of persisting in disobedience and rejecting opportunities for spiritual renewal.
These historical accounts challenge us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys. They remind us that even in moments of disobedience and despair, there is hope for transformation and restoration when we turn to God with genuine repentance and a willingness to change our ways. By the grace of God, we also can discover the path from rebellion to our own redemption.
Discussion Questions
- What is the reason behind the alternating pattern among the kings of Judah, where one king obeyed the LORD only for their son to follow a path away from God?
- God answered the prayers of even the vilest king of Judah, what can we learn from Manasseh’s transformation?
- What sets apart the reigns of Manasseh and Amon?
The Jordan Valley 
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